1 Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll.
2 And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof [is] twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.
3 Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.
4 I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.
5 Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what [is] this that goeth forth.
6 And I said, What [is] it? And he said, This [is] an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This [is] their resemblance through all the earth.
7 And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this [is] a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah.
8 And he said, This [is] wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.
9 Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind [was] in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.
10 Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?
11 And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.
Overview of Zechariah Chapter 5
Zechariah Chapter 5 contains two distinct visions that convey significant messages about sin, judgment, and the eventual purification of God’s people. The chapter is rich in symbolism and serves as a warning against the pervasive nature of sin and the consequences that follow. The chapter can be divided into two main sections: the vision of the flying scroll and the vision of the woman in the basket.
Vision of the Flying Scroll (Verses 1-4)
In this vision, Zechariah sees a large flying scroll that measures twenty cubits by ten cubits. The scroll represents God’s judgment against sin, particularly the sins of theft and false swearing.
- Symbolism of the Scroll: The scroll is a representation of God’s law and the written word, which brings to light the transgressions of the people.
- Dimensions: The large size of the scroll signifies the extensive reach of God’s judgment, indicating that it covers the entire land.
- Curse Pronounced: The scroll carries a curse that will go out over the whole land, indicating that those who commit theft and false swearing will face divine retribution.
Key Themes in the Flying Scroll Vision
- Divine Judgment: The vision emphasizes that God’s judgment is inevitable for those who violate His commandments.
- Universal Accountability: The curse is not limited to a specific group but applies to all who engage in sinful behavior.
- Restoration: The ultimate goal of this judgment is to purify the people and restore them to a right relationship with God.
Vision of the Woman in the Basket (Verses 5-11)
The second vision features a woman sitting in a basket, which is identified as “Wickedness.” This vision further illustrates the theme of sin and its removal from the land.
- Symbolism of the Woman: The woman represents wickedness and the sinful nature of the people, encapsulating the idea that sin is both pervasive and personified.
- The Basket: The basket symbolizes containment, suggesting that wickedness can be contained and dealt with by God.
- Two Women with Wings: Two women with wings, resembling storks, carry the basket to the land of Shinar, symbolizing the removal of sin from the people.
Key Themes in the Woman in the Basket Vision
- Removal of Sin: The vision signifies that God will remove wickedness from the land, highlighting His desire for holiness among His people.
- Divine Intervention: The act of carrying the basket to Shinar indicates God’s active role in dealing with sin and ensuring that it does not remain among His people.
- Hope for Restoration: The removal of wickedness paves the way for a future restoration, where God’s people can live in righteousness.
Theological Implications
Zechariah Chapter 5 presents profound theological implications regarding sin, judgment, and God’s redemptive plan.
- Nature of Sin: The chapter illustrates that sin is not only an individual issue but a communal one that affects the entire community.
- God’s Justice: God’s justice is portrayed as both inevitable and necessary for the purification of His people.
- Hope and Restoration: Despite the harsh realities of judgment, there is a promise of hope and restoration for those who turn back to God.
Conclusion
Zechariah Chapter 5 serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God’s judgment. However, it also offers hope for redemption and restoration, emphasizing that God is committed to purifying His people and enabling them to live in accordance with His will.
