Zechariah 5:8

"This is Wickedness," he said. And he shoved her down into the basket, pushing down the lead cover over its opening.

Study Bible

This is Wickedness
The phrase "This is Wickedness" is a direct identification of the woman in the vision as a personification of wickedness. In Hebrew, the word for wickedness is "רִשְׁעָה" (rish'ah), which conveys a sense of moral wrongness and evil. This personification is significant in the prophetic literature, as it encapsulates the collective sins and moral failures of the people. The vision serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and its consequences. Historically, this reflects the period of Zechariah, where the Israelites were returning from exile and were being called to repentance and renewal of their covenant with God.

he said
The speaker here is the interpreting angel who accompanies Zechariah throughout his visions. The angel's role is to provide clarity and understanding to the prophet, who is witnessing these symbolic and often perplexing visions. The presence of the angel underscores the divine origin of the message and the importance of divine interpretation in understanding God's will. This interaction highlights the necessity of seeking divine wisdom and guidance in discerning spiritual truths.

And he shoved her down into the basket
The action of shoving the woman into the basket signifies the containment and control of wickedness. The Hebrew word for "basket" is "אֵיפָה" (ephah), a unit of measure, which in this context symbolizes the limitation and restriction of sin. This imagery suggests that God is actively working to restrain and confine wickedness, preventing it from spreading unchecked. It is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ultimate authority over evil.

pushing down the lead cover over its opening
The lead cover represents a heavy and secure seal, emphasizing the finality and decisiveness of God's action against wickedness. Lead, being a dense and weighty material, symbolizes the thoroughness with which God deals with sin. This act of sealing wickedness within the basket signifies God's judgment and the assurance that evil will not prevail. In a broader theological context, it points to the eschatological hope that God will ultimately eradicate sin and restore righteousness.

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 often contained symbolic imagery meant to convey God's messages to His people.

2. The Woman in the Basket
In Zechariah 5:8, the woman represents wickedness. This vision is part of a series of symbolic visions given to Zechariah, illustrating God's judgment and the removal of sin from the land.

3. The Basket (Ephah)
The ephah is a unit of measurement, and in this vision, it symbolizes the containment and measurement of wickedness. The basket serves as a vessel to carry away sin.

4. The Lead Cover
The lead cover is used to seal the basket, symbolizing the containment and control of wickedness, preventing it from spreading.

5. The Land of Shinar
Although not directly mentioned in verse 8, the vision continues to describe the destination of the basket as the land of Shinar, which is historically associated with Babylon, a place of exile and sin.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Wickedness
Wickedness is personified and contained, illustrating that sin is not just an abstract concept but a tangible force that God intends to deal with decisively.

God's Sovereignty Over Sin
The vision demonstrates God's power to control and ultimately remove wickedness from His people, reassuring believers of His ultimate authority over evil.

The Importance of Holiness
As God removes wickedness, believers are called to pursue holiness and righteousness, aligning their lives with God's standards.

Symbolism of Judgment and Redemption
The vision serves as a reminder of both God's judgment against sin and His plan for redemption, encouraging believers to trust in His justice and mercy.

The Role of Prophetic Visions
Understanding the symbolic nature of prophetic visions can deepen our comprehension of God's messages and their relevance to our lives today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the woman in the basket help us understand the nature of sin and wickedness in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the vision of the basket being sealed with a lead cover reassure us of God's control over evil?

3. How can the connection between the land of Shinar and Babylon inform our understanding of the consequences of sin?

4. What practical steps can we take to pursue holiness in light of God's desire to remove wickedness from our lives?

5. How do the themes of judgment and redemption in Zechariah 5:8 relate to the broader account of Scripture, and how can they encourage us in our faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 11
The land of Shinar is where the Tower of Babel was built, symbolizing human pride and rebellion against God. This connection highlights the theme of sin and its consequences.

Revelation 17-18
Babylon is depicted as a symbol of ultimate wickedness and opposition to God, drawing a parallel to the woman in the basket representing wickedness.

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists things that are detestable to God, providing insight into the nature of wickedness that is being symbolically removed in Zechariah's vision.