Zechariah 5:5

Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and told me, "Now lift up your eyes and see what is approaching."

Study Bible

Then the angel who was speaking with me
The presence of an angel in Zechariah's vision signifies divine communication and guidance. In Hebrew, the word for angel is "malak," which means messenger. This highlights the role of angels as intermediaries between God and humans. Throughout the Bible, angels are depicted as God's servants, delivering His messages and executing His will. In this context, the angel is a divine guide, helping Zechariah understand the visions he is receiving. This emphasizes the importance of divine revelation and the need for spiritual discernment in interpreting God's messages.

came forward
The phrase "came forward" suggests movement and action, indicating that the angel is actively engaging with Zechariah. This movement can be seen as a metaphor for God's initiative in reaching out to humanity. It reflects the proactive nature of God's relationship with His people, where He takes the first step to communicate and reveal His plans. This action underscores the accessibility of divine wisdom and the willingness of God to make His will known to those who seek Him.

and said
The act of speaking is central to the communication of divine truth. In the Bible, God's word is powerful and creative, as seen in Genesis where God speaks the world into existence. Here, the angel's words are an extension of God's voice, conveying His message to Zechariah. This highlights the authority and reliability of divine communication, reminding believers of the importance of listening to God's word and being attentive to His guidance.

Now lift up your eyes
This command to "lift up your eyes" is an invitation to gain a new perspective. In biblical terms, lifting one's eyes often signifies looking beyond the immediate circumstances to see a greater reality. It is a call to focus on the spiritual and eternal rather than the temporal and mundane. This phrase encourages believers to seek God's vision and understanding, to rise above earthly concerns, and to align their perspective with God's purposes.

and see
The word "see" implies perception and understanding. In the Hebrew context, seeing is not just a physical act but also involves spiritual insight. It is about comprehending the deeper meaning of what is being revealed. This call to see challenges believers to open their spiritual eyes, to discern God's truth, and to recognize His hand at work in the world. It is a reminder that faith involves both seeing and believing, trusting in God's revelation even when it is not immediately visible.

what is going forth
The phrase "what is going forth" suggests something in motion, an unfolding event or revelation. In the prophetic context, it indicates the progression of God's plan and the manifestation of His will. This emphasizes the dynamic nature of God's work in history, where He is continually active and present. For believers, it is a call to be attentive to the signs of God's activity in the world and to participate in His redemptive mission. It reassures them that God is sovereign and His purposes will ultimately prevail.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah is the recipient of visions and messages from God, intended to encourage and guide the Israelites as they rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.

2. The Angel
A divine messenger who communicates God's visions and messages to Zechariah. This angel serves as a guide and interpreter for Zechariah's visions.

3. The Vision
This particular vision is part of a series of eight visions given to Zechariah, each with symbolic meaning related to the restoration and future of Israel.

Teaching Points

Divine Communication
God often uses intermediaries, such as angels, to communicate His will and plans to His people. This underscores the importance of being attentive to God's messages, whether through Scripture, prayer, or other means.

Spiritual Awareness
The command to "lift up your eyes" suggests the need for spiritual awareness and readiness to perceive God's work in our lives. We should cultivate a mindset that is open to seeing beyond the physical and into the spiritual realities.

God's Active Involvement
The vision indicates that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people. We can take comfort in knowing that God is not distant but is working out His purposes in the world.

Symbolism in Scripture
Understanding the symbolic nature of biblical visions can enrich our interpretation of Scripture. We should seek to understand the cultural and historical context to grasp the full meaning of these symbols.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the angel in Zechariah 5:5 compare to the role of angels in other biblical visions, such as those in Daniel and Revelation?

2. What does the command to "lift up your eyes" teach us about our posture towards receiving God's messages today?

3. In what ways can we cultivate spiritual awareness in our daily lives to better perceive God's work around us?

4. How does understanding the symbolic nature of Zechariah's visions help us interpret other prophetic passages in the Bible?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt God was actively involved in your life. How did you perceive His presence and guidance during that time?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Zechariah 1:9-11
Earlier in the book, Zechariah interacts with an angel who explains the visions, establishing a pattern of divine communication and interpretation.

Revelation 1:1
Similar to Zechariah, the Apostle John receives visions through an angel, highlighting the continuity of divine revelation through angelic messengers.

Daniel 8:15-16
Daniel also receives visions that are explained by an angel, showing a consistent method of God revealing His plans through visions and angelic interpretation.