Zechariah 5:3

Then he told me, "This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed.

Study Bible

Then he said to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from a divine messenger to the prophet Zechariah. The Hebrew root for "said" is אָמַר (amar), which is often used in the Old Testament to denote a solemn declaration or command from God. This highlights the authority and seriousness of the message being conveyed. In the context of Zechariah's visions, it underscores the role of the prophet as a recipient of divine revelation, tasked with conveying God's will to the people.

This is the curse
The term "curse" in Hebrew is אָלָה (alah), which refers to a solemn oath or a divine pronouncement of judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, curses were often inscribed on tablets or scrolls and served as a warning of the consequences of disobedience. This particular curse is a divine judgment against sin, emphasizing the holiness of God and His intolerance of sin within His covenant community.

that is going out
The phrase suggests movement and action, indicating that the curse is not static but actively being executed. The Hebrew verb יָצָא (yatsa) means "to go out" or "to come forth," implying that the curse is being sent forth by God to accomplish His purposes. This reflects the biblical theme of God's word being active and effective, as seen in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word does not return void but accomplishes what He desires.

over the face of all the land
The "land" here refers to the entire territory of Israel, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of the judgment. The Hebrew word אֶרֶץ (eretz) can mean "land," "earth," or "country," and in this context, it underscores the widespread impact of the curse. This phrase serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the need for national repentance and restoration.

for everyone who steals
Stealing is explicitly mentioned as a sin that incurs the curse. The Hebrew word for "steals" is גָּנַב (ganab), which encompasses theft and deceit. This highlights the moral and ethical standards expected of God's people, reflecting the commandments given in the Torah, particularly the eighth commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15).

will be cut off
The phrase "cut off" is derived from the Hebrew כָּרַת (karat), which means to sever or destroy. In biblical terms, being "cut off" often implies divine judgment leading to death or exclusion from the community. This severe consequence underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of maintaining covenant faithfulness.

according to what is written on one side
This refers to the written nature of the curse, reminiscent of legal documents or covenants. The Hebrew word כָּתוּב (kathub) means "written," emphasizing the permanence and authority of God's decrees. The imagery of writing on a scroll or tablet suggests the binding nature of God's law and the certainty of its fulfillment.

and everyone who swears falsely
Swearing falsely, or perjury, is another sin highlighted in this verse. The Hebrew word שָׁבַע (shava) means "to swear" or "to take an oath," and when done falsely, it violates the third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). This underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in the covenant community.

will be cut off according to what is written on the other side
The repetition of "cut off" reinforces the certainty and severity of the judgment for those who violate God's commandments. The mention of "the other side" suggests a comprehensive legal document, with both sides of the scroll containing divine decrees. This dual-sided writing symbolizes the completeness of God's law and the inescapable nature of His justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period who received visions from God to encourage the Israelites in rebuilding the temple and restoring their community.

2. The Angel
A divine messenger who interprets the visions for Zechariah, providing clarity and understanding.

3. The Flying Scroll
A large scroll seen in Zechariah's vision, symbolizing God's judgment against sin, specifically theft and false swearing.

4. The Land
Refers to the land of Israel, but symbolically extends to all places where God's law is violated.

5. The Curse
Represents the consequences of breaking God's commandments, particularly those related to honesty and integrity.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
God's judgment against theft and false swearing highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

Integrity in Speech and Action
Believers are called to live with integrity, ensuring their words and actions align with God's standards.

The Universality of God's Law
The vision of the flying scroll going over "all the land" reminds us that God's law applies universally, and His justice is impartial.

The Role of Prophetic Warnings
Prophetic messages serve as warnings to turn from sin and seek God's mercy before judgment comes.

The Hope of Restoration
While the vision speaks of judgment, it also implies the possibility of restoration for those who repent and align themselves with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of the flying scroll in Zechariah 5:3 challenge us to examine our own lives for areas of dishonesty or theft?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our words and actions reflect the integrity God desires, as highlighted in this passage?

3. How do the themes of judgment and restoration in Zechariah 5:3 encourage us to respond to God's prophetic warnings today?

4. What connections can you draw between the sins mentioned in Zechariah 5:3 and the broader biblical account of sin and redemption?

5. How can understanding the original Hebrew context of "curse" and "cut off" deepen our appreciation for the gravity of God's message in this vision?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:15-16
The Ten Commandments, which include prohibitions against stealing and bearing false witness, directly relate to the sins mentioned in Zechariah 5:3.

Deuteronomy 27:15-26
Lists curses for disobedience to God's law, paralleling the curse mentioned in Zechariah's vision.

Malachi 3:5
God promises to be a swift witness against those who oppress others and swear falsely, reinforcing the themes of justice and accountability.

Revelation 21:8
Describes the ultimate fate of liars and thieves, connecting the temporal judgment in Zechariah to eternal consequences.