The answer is: Clean garments

Zechariah 3:3-5 - Joshua’s filthy garments were replaced with clean ones, symbolizing the removal of sin. This foreshadowed Christ’s work in justifying sinners, clothing them in righteousness rather than their own unworthiness.

In Zechariah's vision, the transformation of Joshua, the high priest, from filthy garments to clean ones is a powerful metaphor. Just picture those dirty rags—symbolizing sin, guilt, and the burdens of our earthly life—being stripped away and replaced with fresh, radiant robes. It’s like stepping out of a dark, stuffy room into a bright, sunny garden. This involves not just a personal cleansing for Joshua, but highlights the communal hope for Israel during a challenging time in their history.

Interestingly, clothing holds intricate meaning in biblical texts. In other narratives, such as the story of Adam and Eve, garments also reflect changes in status and state of being—from innocence to shame. Here, Joshua's new garments point beyond just a personal experience to an echo of universal redemption and restoration. Similar themes of renewal arise throughout Scripture, with Isaiah discussing "a garment of praise" in Isaiah 61, which reveals an ongoing divine intent: turning the old into something new.

Trivia alert: Did you know that in ancient Israel, the garments a priest wore were highly significant? They were not just clothes; they were intricate and celebrated adornments symbolizing the high priest’s authority to mediate between God and the people.

So, this vision isn’t merely about Joshua—or corruption being cleaned—but an enduring symbol of hope, a clear reminder that there’s always a fresh start, a chance for spiritual renewal, and an open door for among the complex tapestry of humanity.