The Vision of the Woman in a Basket is a prophetic vision found in the Book of Zechariah, specifically in Zechariah 5:5-11. This vision is one of a series of eight night visions given to the prophet Zechariah, which are intended to convey messages of judgment, restoration, and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes for Israel.

Context and Setting

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 are aimed at encouraging the people in their efforts to restore their spiritual and communal life, while also warning them of the consequences of sin and disobedience.

Description of the Vision

In Zechariah 5:5-11, the prophet is shown a vision by an angelic messenger. The passage reads:

"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, 'A measuring basket is going forth.' Then he continued, 'This is their iniquity in all the land.' And behold, the lead cover was lifted, and there was a woman sitting inside the basket. 'This is Wickedness,' he said. And he shoved her down into the basket, pushing down the lead cover over its opening. Then I looked up and saw two women approaching, 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 build a house for it in the land of Shinar. When it is ready, the basket will be set there on its pedestal.'"

Symbolism and Interpretation

1. The Basket (Ephah): The basket, or ephah, is a unit of measurement used in ancient Israel. In this vision, it symbolizes the measure of iniquity or sin that has accumulated in the land. The use of a measuring basket suggests that the sin of the people has reached its full measure and is now subject to divine judgment.

2. The Woman Named Wickedness: The woman inside the basket is personified as "Wickedness." This representation indicates the pervasive and corrupting influence of sin among the people. The act of shoving her back into the basket and sealing it with a lead cover signifies the containment and removal of sin from the land.

3. 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 (Leviticus 11:19), emphasize the impurity associated with the sin being carried away. Their role is to transport the basket to its destined location.

4. The Land of Shinar: Shinar is a historical region associated with Babylon, a place of exile and judgment for the Israelites. The relocation of the basket to Shinar symbolizes the removal of wickedness from Israel and its return to a place historically linked with rebellion against God.

Theological Implications

The Vision of the Woman in a Basket underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and His commitment to purifying His people. It serves as a reminder of the necessity of repentance and the hope of restoration. The vision also foreshadows the ultimate removal of wickedness and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom. Through this vision, Zechariah communicates that while sin may be pervasive, it is not beyond the reach of God's redemptive power.