Though the people had repented, marked traces of sin were still in evidence. In the vision this would appear on Israel’s official representative, Joshua, as “filthy garments.” God’s answering (wayya‘an), v. 4, is in reply to this situation, not to any remark or question that precedes, ‘anah often has this force. Verse 2 had indicated God’s readiness to show mercy unto Joshua and thus unto the people. Verse 4 now shows God actually bestowing this mercy. The act that follows is symbolical of the forgiveness