◄ Zechariah 5 ►
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Summary The Flying Scroll and the Woman in a Basket Zechariah 5 is a powerful reminder of God's intolerance of sin and His divine judgment on those who transgress His laws. However, it also presents a message of hope, indicating God's desire to cleanse the land of wickedness. For us, these visions can serve as encouragement to repent from our sins and seek God's righteousness, knowing that our God is not only a God of judgment but also a God who desires to rid our lives and lands of all forms of wickedness. The Vision of the Flying Scroll (Verses 1-4) The fifth chapter begins with Zechariah witnessing a large flying scroll in his vision. The angel explains to him that this scroll represents the curse that will spread over the whole land. This curse is upon those who steal and those who swear falsely in the name of God, indicating the breaking of commandments. The scroll is said to enter the house of the thief and the one who swears falsely, consuming it, thus illustrating the pervasive nature of sin and its destructive consequences. The Vision of the Woman in the Basket (Verses 5-11) The next part of the chapter introduces a second vision where Zechariah sees a woman sitting inside a basket. The angel explains to him that this woman represents wickedness. A lead cover is then placed over the mouth of the basket, symbolizing the containment of wickedness. Two other women with wings like storks lift the basket between earth and sky, indicating the transport of wickedness. The angel tells Zechariah they are taking it to Babylon, where a house will be built for it. This signifies that wickedness will be permanently removed from the land and taken to Babylon. Zechariah 5 of the Berean Standard Bible forms part of a larger prophetic message delivered by Zechariah. In this chapter, Zechariah receives two vivid and symbolic visions from God that serve to illustrate the far-reaching consequences of sin and God's plan to remove wickedness from the land. The first vision involves a flying scroll, symbolizing the curse that goes over the whole land, while the second presents a woman in a basket, representing wickedness, being carried to Babylon. Teaching Points The Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4) The vision of the flying scroll represents God's swift and comprehensive judgment against sin. The dimensions of the scroll (20 cubits by 10 cubits) are significant, matching the size of the Holy Place in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's holy standard. The scroll contains curses against thieves and those who swear falsely, highlighting specific sins that violate God's commandments. God's judgment is inescapable and will enter the house of the sinner, consuming it completely. The Woman in a Basket (Zechariah 5:5-11) The woman in the basket symbolizes wickedness, personified and contained. The lead cover on the basket signifies the restraint and containment of sin. The two women with wings like a stork carry the basket to the land of Shinar, indicating the removal of wickedness from the land of Israel. This vision points to God's ultimate plan to purify His people and remove sin from their midst. Practical Applications Recognize the Seriousness of Sin Reflect on the specific sins mentioned in the passage and examine your own life for areas where you may be falling short. Understand that God's judgment is real and that sin has consequences. Embrace God's Purification Process Allow God to cleanse your heart and life from wickedness, trusting in His power to transform you. Seek to live a life that aligns with God's holy standards, avoiding the sins that bring His judgment. Hope in God's Justice Take comfort in knowing that God will ultimately deal with all wickedness and injustice in the world. Pray for God's justice to prevail in situations of wrongdoing and corruption. People 1. Zechariah The prophet who receives the visions. He is the primary human figure in the book, serving as the intermediary between God and the people of Israel. Zechariah's role is to convey the messages and visions he receives from God to the Israelites. 2. The Angel An angelic figure who communicates with Zechariah, explaining the visions. In Zechariah 5:5-6, the angel speaks to Zechariah, asking him to look and see what is going forth. The Hebrew term for angel, "מַלְאָךְ" (mal'akh), means "messenger," indicating the angel's role as a divine messenger. 3. The Woman in the Basket Representing wickedness, this woman is seen in the vision of the flying scroll and the ephah (basket). In Zechariah 5:7-8, the woman is described as sitting inside the basket, and the angel identifies her as "Wickedness." The Hebrew word for wickedness, "רִשְׁעָה" (rish'ah), personifies the concept of sin or moral corruption. Places 1. The Land of Shinar Description In Zechariah 5:11, the "land of Shinar" is mentioned as the destination where the woman in the basket (symbolizing wickedness) is taken to build a house for her. Shinar is historically associated with the region of Babylon. The Hebrew root for Shinar is שִׁנְעָר (Shin'ar), which is often linked to the ancient Mesopotamian region known for its idolatry and opposition to God. This place symbolizes a return to a center of wickedness and rebellion against God. Events 1. Vision of the Flying Scroll Zechariah sees a flying scroll, which measures twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide. This scroll represents a curse that goes out over the whole land. The scroll's dimensions are significant, as they match the dimensions of the Holy Place in the Tabernacle, symbolizing divine judgment. The Hebrew word for "scroll" (מְגִלָּה, megillah) indicates a written document, often associated with decrees or judgments. 2. The Curse on Thieves and Perjurers The scroll contains a curse against those who steal and those who swear falsely by God's name. The text states, "This is the curse that is going out over the face of the whole land; for everyone who steals will be cut off according to what is written on one side, and everyone who swears falsely will be cut off according to what is written on the other side" (Zechariah 5:3). The Hebrew root for "cut off" (נָקָה, naqah) implies being purged or cleansed from the community. 3. The Scroll's Effect The scroll will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely, and it will remain in their house and consume it, both timber and stones. This signifies the thoroughness of God's judgment, as the scroll's presence leads to the destruction of the sinner's dwelling, symbolizing the eradication of sin. 4. Vision of the Woman in a Basket Zechariah sees a basket (ephah) with a lead cover, and inside the basket is a woman. The angel explains that the woman represents wickedness. The Hebrew term for "wickedness" (רִשְׁעָה, rish'ah) denotes moral evil or iniquity. 5. The Woman Confined The angel pushes the woman back into the basket and seals it with the lead cover. This action symbolizes the containment and restraint of wickedness, preventing it from spreading further. 6. The Basket Carried to Shinar Two women with wings like a stork lift the basket and carry it to the land of Shinar (Babylon), where a house will be built for it. This represents the removal of wickedness from the land of Israel and its relocation to a place associated with historical rebellion against God. The Hebrew name "Shinar" (שִׁנְעָר) is often linked to Babylon, a symbol of opposition to God's kingdom. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 101:7 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence. Proverbs 6:16-19 A list of things the Lord hates, including a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood. Revelation 18:2 The fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate removal of wickedness from the world. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that is sensitive to sin and quick to repent. Ask God for the strength to live according to His holy standards. Intercede for those who are trapped in sin, that they may experience God's cleansing and redemption. Pray for God's justice to be evident in the world, bringing hope and restoration to those who suffer from wickedness. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the flying scroll symbolize in Zechariah's first vision? 2. How does the vision of the flying scroll emphasize the consequences of sin? 3. How can you relate the consequences of sin illustrated in Zechariah's visions to real-life situations? 4. In the second vision, why is wickedness personified as a woman? 5. What does the transportation of wickedness to Babylon symbolize? 6. How can these visions inspire us to examine our own lives and actions? 7. What insights about God's character can we glean from these visions? 8. How do these visions portray the theme of divine judgement? 9. If you were Zechariah, how would you respond to these visions? 10. How can you apply the lessons from Zechariah 5 to your daily life? 11. How can the imagery of sin's pervasive and destructive nature in Zechariah 5 serve as a warning in your personal life? 12. How does this chapter highlight the importance of obeying God's commandments? 13. What does this passage teach about the dangers of ignoring God's warnings about sin? 14. What parallels can you draw between the banishment of wickedness to Babylon and the world today? 15. If God showed you a vision of a "flying scroll" in your life, what sin might it point to? 16. How can we ensure that our homes are not consumed by the "scroll" - the pervasive nature of sin? 17. In what ways can we, as believers, help to "carry away" wickedness from our communities, similar to the women with stork wings in the vision? 18. How does the vision of the woman in the basket inspire you to change any sinful behaviors? 19. What actions can we take in our lives today to respond to God's call for righteousness? 20. How can we use this chapter as a guide to pray for our communities and the world, concerning the eradication of wickedness? Topics 1. The Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4) Zechariah sees a large flying scroll, which represents a curse going out over the whole land. The scroll's dimensions are significant, as they are the same as the dimensions of the Holy Place in the Tabernacle (20 cubits by 10 cubits). The scroll symbolizes God's judgment against those who steal and swear falsely. The Hebrew word for "curse" (אָלָה, 'alah) indicates a solemn oath or imprecation, emphasizing the seriousness of the divine judgment. "Again I lifted up my eyes and saw before me a flying scroll. 'What do you see?' asked the angel. 'I see a flying scroll,' I replied, 'twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide.' Then he said to me, 'This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land. According to what is written on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what is written on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished.'" (Zechariah 5:1-3) 2. The Woman in a Basket (Zechariah 5:5-11) Zechariah is shown a vision of a woman sitting inside an ephah basket, which is covered with a leaden lid. The woman represents wickedness, and the basket symbolizes the containment and removal of sin from the land. Two women with wings like a stork lift the basket and carry it to the land of Shinar (Babylon), indicating the removal of wickedness to a place associated with historical rebellion against God. The Hebrew term for "wickedness" (רִשְׁעָה, rish'ah) underscores the moral corruption being addressed. "Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and said, 'Look up and see what is appearing.' 'What is it?' I asked. And he replied, 'A measuring basket is going forth.' Then he continued, 'This is their iniquity in all the land.' And behold, the cover of lead was raised, and there was a woman sitting inside the basket. 'This is Wickedness,' he said. And he shoved her down into the basket, pushing down the lead cover over its opening." (Zechariah 5:5-8) Themes 1. Divine Judgment Zechariah 5 opens with a vision of a flying scroll, which represents God's judgment against sin. The scroll is described as being "thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide" (Zechariah 5:2). This symbolizes the comprehensive nature of God's law and the inevitable judgment on those who violate it. The Hebrew word for "curse" (אָלָה, 'alah) in verse 3 indicates a solemn oath or divine imprecation against transgressors. 2. Condemnation of Theft and Falsehood The vision specifically targets two sins: theft and false swearing. Verse 3 states, "This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land; for according to what is written on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what is written on the other side, everyone who swears falsely will be banished" (Zechariah 5:3). This highlights the moral and ethical standards expected by God, rooted in the Ten Commandments. 3. Purification of the Land The theme of purification is evident as the scroll's curse "will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and consume it, with its timber and stones" (Zechariah 5:4). This signifies the thorough cleansing of sin from the community, reflecting the Hebrew concept of holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh). 4. Vision of the Woman in a Basket The second part of the chapter presents a vision of a woman sitting inside a basket, symbolizing wickedness. The angel declares, "This is Wickedness," and the woman is thrust back into the basket and sealed with a lead cover (Zechariah 5:8). This represents the containment and eventual removal of sin from the land. 5. Removal of Wickedness The vision concludes with two women with wings like a stork carrying the basket to the land of Shinar (Babylon). "To build a house for it in the land of Shinar. When it is ready, the basket will be set there on its pedestal" (Zechariah 5:11). This symbolizes the removal of wickedness from Israel and its relocation to a place associated with historical rebellion against God, emphasizing the theme of divine justice and purification. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions