The vision of the basket carried to Shinar is a significant prophetic image found in the book of Zechariah, specifically in Zechariah 5:5-11. This vision is part of a series of eight night visions given to the prophet Zechariah, which convey messages of judgment, restoration, and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.

Biblical Context

The vision occurs during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Zechariah's prophecies were intended to encourage the people in their efforts to restore their community and worship, while also addressing issues of sin and disobedience.

The Vision

In Zechariah 5:5-11, the prophet sees a basket, or ephah, which is a unit of dry measure, being carried away. The angel accompanying Zechariah explains the vision:

"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, 'It is a basket.' And he added, 'This is the iniquity of the people throughout the land.' Then the cover of lead was raised, and there was a woman sitting inside the basket. 'This is Wickedness,' he said. And he pushed her back into the basket, pushing down the lead cover over its opening. Then I looked up and saw two women with the wind in their wings. They had wings like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth. 'Where are they taking the basket?' I asked the angel who was speaking with me. And he told me, 'To the land of Shinar to build a house for it. When it is ready, the basket will be set there on its pedestal.'" (Zechariah 5:5-11)

Symbolism and Interpretation

1. The Basket (Ephah): The basket represents the iniquity of the people throughout the land. It is a symbol of the collective sin and moral corruption that had permeated the society.

2. The Woman Named Wickedness: The woman inside the basket personifies wickedness. Her presence in the basket signifies the embodiment of sin and evil that is being contained and removed.

3. The Lead Cover: The lead cover represents the containment and suppression of wickedness. It indicates that sin is being restrained and will not be allowed to spread unchecked.

4. The Two Women with Stork Wings: The two women with wings like those of a stork are agents of divine judgment. Storks, being unclean birds according to Levitical law, emphasize the removal of impurity. Their role is to transport the basket to its destined location.

5. The Land of Shinar: Shinar is a historical region associated with Babylon, a place of exile and judgment. The transportation of the basket to Shinar symbolizes the removal of wickedness from the land of Israel and its relocation to a place associated with historical judgment and rebellion against God.

6. Building a House for Wickedness: The building of a house for the basket in Shinar suggests a permanent removal and containment of sin. It indicates that wickedness will be isolated and will not return to defile the land of Israel.

Theological Implications

The vision of the basket carried to Shinar serves as a powerful reminder of God's commitment to purify His people and remove sin from their midst. It underscores the necessity of dealing with iniquity decisively and the assurance that God will ultimately triumph over evil. This vision also foreshadows the eschatological hope of a future where wickedness is fully eradicated, and God's kingdom is established in righteousness.