Zechariah 5:10

"Where are they taking the basket?" I asked the angel who was speaking with me.

Study Bible

So I asked the angel
This phrase highlights the prophet Zechariah's active engagement with the divine vision he is witnessing. The Hebrew root for "asked" is שָׁאַל (sha'al), which implies a seeking or inquiring nature. Zechariah's question reflects a deep desire to understand God's message. In the context of biblical prophecy, angels often serve as messengers or interpreters of God's will. Zechariah's interaction with the angel underscores the importance of seeking divine wisdom and understanding, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. It encourages believers to actively seek God's guidance in their own lives.

Where are they taking
The phrase "Where are they taking" indicates movement and purpose. The Hebrew verb נָשָׂא (nasa) means to lift, carry, or take away. This suggests a deliberate action with a specific destination or purpose in mind. In the context of Zechariah's vision, this movement signifies a divine intervention or judgment. Historically, the Israelites were familiar with the concept of being carried away, as seen in their exile. This phrase invites reflection on God's sovereign plans and the assurance that He is actively working in the world, guiding events according to His divine purpose.

the basket?
The "basket" in this vision is a significant symbol. The Hebrew word for basket is אֵיפָה (ephah), which was a standard measure for dry goods. In Zechariah's vision, the basket contains a woman representing wickedness, symbolizing the containment and removal of sin. This imagery is rich with meaning, as it reflects God's intention to purify His people and remove iniquity from their midst. The basket serves as a vessel of judgment and purification, reminding believers of God's holiness and His desire for His people to be set apart from sin. It is a call to personal holiness and the assurance of God's redemptive work in the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah was instrumental in encouraging the Jewish people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile. His visions, including the one in Zechariah 5, are rich with symbolic imagery.

2. The Woman in the Basket
In Zechariah 5:10, the woman represents wickedness. She is contained within an ephah (a basket), symbolizing the containment and eventual removal of sin from the land.

3. The Two Women with Wings
These figures are described as having wings like a stork, and they carry the basket away. They symbolize agents of God's judgment and purification, tasked with removing wickedness.

4. Shinar
This is the destination to which the basket is being taken. Shinar is another name for Babylon, a place historically associated with rebellion against God and idolatry.

5. The Vision of the Flying Scroll
Preceding the vision of the woman in the basket, the flying scroll represents God's judgment against theft and falsehood, setting the context for the removal of wickedness.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Sin
The vision illustrates God's control over sin and His plan to remove it from His people. Believers can trust in God's ultimate victory over evil.

The Role of Judgment in Purification
Just as the woman is carried away, God's judgment serves to purify and cleanse His people. Christians are called to examine their lives and repent of sin.

Symbolism of Babylon
Babylon represents the world system opposed to God. Believers are reminded to live distinctively, avoiding the corrupting influences of the world.

The Importance of Holiness
The removal of wickedness underscores the call to holiness. Christians are encouraged to pursue righteousness and reflect God's character.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The vision assures that God will fulfill His promises to restore and purify His people, offering hope and encouragement to remain faithful.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the woman in the basket help us understand God's view of sin and wickedness?

2. In what ways does the removal of wickedness to Shinar (Babylon) parallel the call for Christians to separate from worldly influences?

3. How can the vision of the flying scroll and the woman in the basket encourage us to pursue personal holiness in our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of the two women with wings in carrying out God's judgment and purification?

5. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Zechariah 5:10 provide comfort and assurance in the face of present-day challenges and temptations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 11
The Tower of Babel in Shinar represents humanity's pride and rebellion, connecting to the symbolism of wickedness being taken to Babylon.

Revelation 17-18
Babylon is depicted as a symbol of ultimate wickedness and opposition to God, echoing the themes in Zechariah.

Isaiah 13-14
These chapters prophesy the downfall of Babylon, reinforcing the idea of God's judgment against sin and rebellion.