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,” he said.
In this vision, the prophet Zechariah is shown a woman in a basket, symbolizing wickedness. The personification of wickedness as a woman may reflect the cultural context of the time, where female figures were often used to represent abstract concepts. This vision is part of a series of symbolic visions given to Zechariah to convey God's message to the Israelites. The declaration "This is Wickedness" emphasizes the moral corruption and sin that had infiltrated the land, which God was addressing through these visions. The use of the term "wickedness" connects to other biblical passages that speak of sin and iniquity, such as Proverbs 6:12-19, which lists things the Lord hates, including a heart that devises wicked plans.

And he shoved her down into the basket,
The act of shoving the woman into the basket signifies the containment and control of wickedness. This imagery suggests that God is taking action to restrain and limit the influence of sin among His people. The basket, or ephah, was a common measure used in trade, symbolizing commerce and daily life, indicating that wickedness had permeated everyday activities. This action can be seen as a precursor to the ultimate judgment and eradication of sin, as prophesied in the eschatological visions of Revelation, where evil is finally defeated.

pushing down the lead cover over its opening.
The lead cover represents a heavy and secure seal, ensuring that wickedness is contained and cannot escape. Lead, being a dense and weighty material, symbolizes the seriousness and finality of God's judgment against sin. This imagery parallels the sealing of the abyss in Revelation 20:1-3, where Satan is bound and sealed for a thousand years, highlighting God's sovereign power to restrain evil. The act of sealing wickedness also points to the future hope of a restored creation, free from the corruption of sin, as promised in the prophetic visions of a new heaven and a new earth.

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.