Introduction: Zechariah is a prophetic book that contains visions and messages given to the prophet Zechariah by God about the current state of affairs with His people. Chapter 5 of Zechariah contains two distinct visions that the prophet receives from God, each with its own message and meaning. These visions are twofold, a warning to get right and a call to be obedient to the Lord. They are given to the people of Israel by Zechariah, about the consequences of their actions and the importance of living by God’s commandments.
I. The Vision of the Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4)
In the first vision, Zechariah sees a flying scroll that is 20 cubits long and 10 cubits wide. This scroll represents the curse of God that will go out over the entire land, specifically targeting those who steal and those who swear falsely in God’s name. The vision of the flying scroll is reminiscent of the curses in the book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) which outlines the consequences of disobedience to God’s laws. The reference to stealing and swearing falsely also brings to mind the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:15-16), which explicitly prohibit these actions. The vision is a reminder to the Jews that God’s law is not to be taken lightly and that there are serious consequences for those who choose to disobey.
II. The Vision of the Woman in the Basket (Zechariah 5:5-11)
The second vision that Zechariah receives is of a basket, called an ephah, that is being carried by two women with stork-like wings. Inside the basket is a woman who represents wickedness. The basket is then taken to the land of Shinar, which would be associated with Babylon (Genesis 11:2), a place of idolatry and rebellion against God. This vision symbolizes the removal of wickedness from the land of Israel and its being taken to a place where it belongs. The visionof the basket and the woman also brings to mind the story of Achan in the book of Joshua (Joshua 7:1-26), who took forbidden items and brought sin into the camp of Israel. The vision sheds light on the importance of purging evil from among the people and the consequences that will come if allowing it to remain.
Conclusion: The visions in Zechariah 5 serve as powerful reminders of the importance of obedience to God’s laws and the consequences of disobedience. The imagery used in the visions is rich with symbolism and references to other parts of the Bible, reinforcing the message that God’s law and commands is not to be taken lightly. The people of Israel are warned that if they do not live according to God’s laws, they will face the curses presented here in the flying scroll and the removal of wickedness from their midst. These visions are a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for a holy and obedient life before God, may we all be found to be obedient to God’s commands in our own personal lives.
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