The Vision of the Flying Scroll is a prophetic revelation given to the prophet Zechariah, recorded in Zechariah 5:1-4. This vision is part of a series of night visions that Zechariah received, which are documented in the early chapters of the Book of Zechariah. These visions were intended to encourage the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon to rebuild the temple and restore Jerusalem.

Biblical Account

In Zechariah 5:1-2 , the prophet describes the vision: "Again I lifted up my eyes and saw before me a flying scroll. 'What do you see?' asked the angel who was speaking with me. 'I see a flying scroll,' I replied, 'twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide.'"

The dimensions of the scroll, twenty cubits by ten cubits, are significant. These measurements are the same as the dimensions of the Holy Place in the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:15-25), suggesting a connection to the holiness and the law of God. The scroll's large size indicates that its message is of great importance and is meant to be seen and understood by all.

Interpretation and Meaning

The angel explains the vision in Zechariah 5:3-4 : "Then he said to me, '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, every liar will be banished. I will send it out,' declares the LORD of Hosts, 'and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and consume it, both its timbers and its stones.'"

The flying scroll represents the swift and certain judgment of God against sin, specifically targeting theft and false swearing. These sins are representative of violations of the Ten Commandments, highlighting the moral and ethical decay among the people. The scroll's flight signifies the pervasive and inescapable nature of divine judgment.

Theological Significance

The Vision of the Flying Scroll underscores the holiness of God and His intolerance of sin. It serves as a reminder that God's law is not to be taken lightly and that His justice will prevail. The vision also emphasizes the need for personal and communal holiness among God's people, as they are called to live in accordance with His commandments.

In the broader context of Zechariah's prophecies, this vision reassures the returned exiles that God is actively involved in purifying His people and establishing His kingdom. It is a call to repentance and a warning that God's judgment will come upon those who persist in sin.

Historical and Cultural Context

The vision was given during a time when the Jewish community was struggling to reestablish itself in the land of Judah after the Babylonian exile. The rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of proper worship were central to their identity and mission. The vision of the flying scroll would have served as a powerful reminder of the need for integrity and faithfulness to God's covenant as they sought to rebuild their society.

Application for Today

For contemporary readers, the Vision of the Flying Scroll serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the certainty of His judgment. It calls believers to examine their own lives, to repent of wrongdoing, and to live in accordance with God's righteous standards. The vision also encourages the faithful to trust in God's justice and to remain steadfast in their commitment to His truth.