Zechariah 5:7

And behold, the cover of lead was raised, and there was a woman sitting inside the basket.

Study Bible

And behold
The phrase "And behold" is often used in Scripture to draw attention to something significant or surprising. In Hebrew, the word "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an imperative to the reader or listener to pay close attention. This indicates that what follows is of great importance and requires careful consideration. In the context of Zechariah's vision, it signals a shift to a new and revealing part of the vision, emphasizing the dramatic unveiling of the scene.

the cover of lead
The "cover of lead" is a unique and specific detail in this vision. Lead, in ancient times, was a heavy and valuable metal, often associated with weight and permanence. The Hebrew word for lead is "עֹפֶרֶת" (ʿop̄eret). The use of lead here suggests something that is meant to be securely contained or hidden. In the context of the vision, it symbolizes the weight of sin and the seriousness of the judgment being depicted. The cover being lifted indicates a revelation or exposure of what is hidden within the basket.

was raised
The action of the cover being "raised" signifies an unveiling or revelation. In Hebrew, the verb used here implies an intentional action, suggesting that God is revealing something that was previously concealed. This act of raising the cover is symbolic of divine intervention, where God exposes sin and brings it to light, underscoring His sovereignty and justice.

and there was a woman
The presence of "a woman" in the basket is a central element of this vision. In prophetic literature, women often symbolize nations, cities, or personified concepts. The Hebrew word for woman is "אִשָּׁה" (ishah). In this context, the woman represents wickedness or iniquity, as further explained in the surrounding verses. This imagery aligns with other biblical passages where feminine figures symbolize entities or spiritual conditions, such as Babylon in Revelation.

sitting inside the basket
The image of the woman "sitting inside the basket" conveys a sense of containment and confinement. The Hebrew word for basket is "אֵיפָה" (ephah), which was a standard measure for dry goods. The basket, therefore, represents a measure of iniquity, and the woman's position inside it suggests that wickedness is being measured and contained by God. This imagery reflects the theme of divine judgment and the eventual removal of sin, as God prepares to deal with the iniquity of the land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah was instrumental in encouraging the Jewish people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile. His visions, including the one in Zechariah 5:7, are rich with symbolic meaning.

2. The Woman in the Basket
In Zechariah 5:7, the woman represents wickedness. The vision of the woman in the basket is a symbolic representation of sin being contained and removed from the land.

3. The Basket (Ephah)
The ephah is a unit of measurement, and in this vision, it symbolizes the containment of wickedness. The basket is covered with a lead cover, indicating the suppression and control of sin.

4. The Lead Cover
The lead cover signifies the weight and seriousness of sin. It also represents the divine action of sealing and containing wickedness.

5. The Vision
This vision is part of a series of eight visions given to Zechariah, each conveying messages of judgment, purification, and restoration for Israel.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Sin
Sin is pervasive and must be dealt with decisively. The vision of the woman in the basket illustrates the need for sin to be contained and removed from our lives.

God's Sovereignty Over Sin
Just as the lead cover seals the basket, God's power and authority are sufficient to control and ultimately eradicate sin.

The Call to Holiness
Believers are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, actively seeking to remove sin from their lives and communities.

The Assurance of Divine Justice
The vision assures us that God will not allow wickedness to prevail indefinitely. His justice will ultimately triumph.

Hope for Restoration
The removal of wickedness is a precursor to restoration and blessing, encouraging believers to look forward to God's redemptive work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of the woman in the basket in Zechariah 5:7 challenge your understanding of sin and its impact on your life?

2. In what ways can you actively participate in the containment and removal of sin in your personal life and community?

3. How does the assurance of God's sovereignty over sin, as depicted in this vision, provide comfort and hope in your spiritual journey?

4. What parallels can you draw between the vision in Zechariah 5:7 and the depiction of Babylon's fall in Revelation 18:2?

5. How can the call to holiness, as seen in this vision, influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 6:5
This verse describes the wickedness of humanity before the flood, connecting to the theme of sin and its containment in Zechariah 5:7.

Revelation 18:2
The fall of Babylon in Revelation parallels the removal of wickedness in Zechariah's vision, symbolizing God's ultimate judgment on sin.

Proverbs 6:16-19
These verses list things the Lord hates, providing a broader understanding of the nature of wickedness represented by the woman in the basket.