Zechariah 5:6

"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."

Study Bible

“What is it?” I asked.
This phrase reflects the prophet Zechariah's curiosity and desire for understanding regarding the vision he is witnessing. In the context of biblical prophecy, questions often signify a search for divine wisdom and insight. Zechariah's inquiry is reminiscent of other prophetic dialogues, such as those found in Daniel and Revelation, where the seer seeks clarity on the visions presented. This approach underscores the importance of seeking God's interpretation rather than relying on human understanding.

And he replied, “A measuring basket is going forth.”
The "measuring basket" (often referred to as an ephah) is a unit of dry measure used in ancient Israel, symbolizing commerce and trade. Its appearance in the vision suggests a focus on economic practices and possibly the corruption associated with them. The act of "going forth" implies movement or action, indicating that the vision pertains to an active judgment or process. This imagery connects to other biblical passages where measures and weights are used to symbolize justice and righteousness, such as in Amos 8:5, where dishonest scales are condemned.

Then he continued, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”
The phrase identifies the contents of the basket as representing the iniquity or sin of the people. The use of "all the land" suggests a widespread moral and spiritual corruption affecting the entire nation. This aligns with the broader themes of Zechariah, where the prophet calls for repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. The vision serves as a warning of divine judgment against pervasive sin, echoing the messages of earlier prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The concept of iniquity being measured and judged is also seen in Revelation, where the sins of Babylon are weighed and punished.

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 renewing their covenant with God.

2. Angel
A divine messenger who interprets the visions for Zechariah, providing clarity and understanding of God's messages.

3. Measuring Basket (Ephah)
A large container used for measuring grain, symbolizing the iniquity and wickedness of the people in the land.

4. The Land
Refers to the land of Israel, representing the people and their collective moral and spiritual state.

5. Iniquity
The sin and moral corruption prevalent among the people, which God is addressing through this vision.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Measuring Basket
The ephah represents the full measure of sin and iniquity. It serves as a reminder that God is aware of the moral state of His people and will address it in His timing.

Divine Judgment and Mercy
While the vision highlights iniquity, it also implies God's intention to purify and restore. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and seek God's mercy and forgiveness.

Call to Righteousness
The passage challenges believers to live with integrity and righteousness, avoiding the deceit and corruption symbolized by the ephah.

Awareness of Sin
Just as the ephah reveals the iniquity in the land, believers are called to be aware of their own sins and the need for repentance.

God's Sovereignty
The vision underscores God's control over the moral order and His ultimate plan to address sin, encouraging trust in His justice and timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of the measuring basket (ephah) in Zechariah 5:6 help us understand God's view of sin and iniquity?

2. In what ways can we relate the concept of iniquity in "all the land" to our current societal context, and how should this influence our prayers and actions?

3. How does the role of the angel in Zechariah's vision encourage us to seek divine understanding and guidance in our spiritual journey?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our lives reflect righteousness and integrity, avoiding the deceit symbolized by the ephah?

5. How can the themes of divine judgment and mercy in Zechariah 5:6 inspire us to share the message of repentance and hope with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Amos 8:5
This verse also uses the imagery of a measuring basket (ephah) to highlight dishonest practices and corruption, drawing a parallel to the iniquity mentioned in Zechariah 5:6.

Revelation 18:5
The concept of iniquity reaching its full measure is echoed here, where the sins of Babylon are described as having reached heaven, indicating divine judgment.

Proverbs 11:1
This verse speaks against dishonest scales, connecting to the theme of justice and righteousness versus iniquity and corruption.