Again I lifted up my eyes
This phrase indicates a continuation of a series of visions experienced by the prophet Zechariah. The act of lifting up one's eyes is often associated with receiving divine revelation or insight. In biblical context, it suggests readiness and openness to God's communication, as seen in other prophetic books like Daniel and Ezekiel.

and saw before me
The phrase suggests a direct and personal encounter with the vision. Zechariah's role as a prophet involves receiving and interpreting visions for the people of Israel. This personal witnessing underscores the authenticity and immediacy of the message being conveyed.

a flying scroll
The flying scroll is a significant symbol in this vision. Scrolls in ancient times were used for writing important documents, including legal decrees and religious texts. The fact that the scroll is flying suggests a supernatural element, indicating that the message it contains is from God and is meant to reach its intended audience swiftly. The scroll's flight may symbolize the pervasive and inescapable nature of God's word and judgment. This imagery can be connected to other scriptural references where God's word is described as active and powerful, such as in Isaiah 55:11 and Hebrews 4:12. The scroll's content, revealed in subsequent verses, relates to judgment against sin, aligning with the themes of justice and righteousness found throughout the prophetic literature.

“What do you see?” asked the angel.
This phrase indicates a vision, a common method of divine communication in the prophetic books. The angel serves as a mediator between God and Zechariah, guiding him to understand the vision. Angels often appear in biblical narratives to deliver messages or provide insight, as seen in Daniel 9:21-23 and Luke 1:11-20. The question prompts Zechariah to engage with the vision actively, emphasizing the importance of spiritual perception and discernment.

“I see a flying scroll,” I replied,
The flying scroll is a symbolic representation of God's judgment and the proclamation of His word. Scrolls were the primary medium for written communication in ancient times, often used for legal documents or sacred texts. The imagery of a flying scroll suggests swiftness and the pervasive reach of God's decrees. This vision parallels the scroll in Ezekiel 2:9-10, which contained lamentations and woes, indicating a message of judgment. The scroll's flight signifies that God's word is active and will accomplish its purpose, as echoed in Isaiah 55:11.

“twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide.”
The dimensions of the scroll are significant, measuring approximately 30 feet by 15 feet. These measurements are identical to the dimensions of the Holy Place in Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:3), suggesting a connection to the law and the covenant. The size of the scroll implies the magnitude and comprehensiveness of the judgment it contains. The use of cubits, an ancient unit of measurement, reflects the historical context of the text, grounding the vision in the cultural and religious practices of the time. The large size of the scroll also indicates that the message is meant to be seen and understood by all, underscoring the public and unavoidable nature of divine judgment.

Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land,
The vision of the flying scroll represents a divine curse, a concept rooted in the covenantal curses found in Deuteronomy 28. The scroll's flight over "all the land" suggests a comprehensive judgment, indicating that no one is exempt from God's scrutiny. This reflects the omnipresence of God's justice and the seriousness of covenant violations. The "land" likely refers to the land of Israel, emphasizing the restoration of holiness among God's people.

for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed;
The mention of "every thief" highlights the specific sins being addressed. Theft violates the Eighth Commandment (Exodus 20:15) and disrupts community trust and justice. The removal of thieves signifies a purging of sin, aligning with the prophetic theme of purification and restoration. This also connects to the broader biblical principle that sin has consequences and that God will ultimately uphold His standards of righteousness.

and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed.
Perjury, or false swearing, breaks the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16) and undermines the integrity of legal and social systems. The emphasis on perjury underscores the importance of truthfulness and the destructive nature of deceit. The removal of perjurers reflects God's commitment to truth and justice, as well as the restoration of moral order. This dual focus on theft and perjury illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against sin, ensuring that both actions and words align with His holiness.

I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts
This phrase emphasizes the authority and initiative of God, often referred to as the "LORD of Hosts," a title that underscores His command over heavenly armies. The sending out indicates divine action and judgment. In the context of Zechariah, this reflects God's active role in purifying His people and land. The phrase connects to other instances where God sends out His word or judgment, such as in Isaiah 55:11, where His word accomplishes what He desires.

and it will enter the house of the thief
The "house of the thief" symbolizes those who commit acts of theft, violating the commandment against stealing (Exodus 20:15). In ancient Israel, theft was not only a personal sin but a communal issue that could bring defilement upon the land. The entry into the house signifies an inescapable judgment that penetrates personal spaces, indicating that no sin is hidden from God.

and the house of him who swears falsely by My name
Swearing falsely by God's name refers to the misuse of oaths, which was a serious offense as it involved invoking God's name deceitfully (Exodus 20:7). This reflects a breach of trust and integrity, undermining the covenant relationship with God. The inclusion of both theft and false oaths highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against moral and spiritual corruption.

It will remain inside his house
The permanence of the judgment is emphasized here. Unlike temporary punishments, this indicates a lasting consequence for sin. The presence of judgment within the house suggests an ongoing state of ruin and desolation, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses and the thoroughness of divine justice.

and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.
The destruction "down to its timbers and stones" signifies complete annihilation, leaving nothing intact. This imagery is reminiscent of the total destruction seen in divine judgments throughout the Bible, such as the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:24) and the destruction of the temple (Matthew 24:2). It underscores the idea that God's judgment is thorough and leaves no room for the continuation of sin. This also serves as a warning and a call to repentance, highlighting the need for holiness and integrity among God's people.

Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and told me
In the book of Zechariah, angels often serve as messengers and interpreters of visions. This particular angel is a divine guide, providing clarity and understanding to the prophet. The presence of angels in Zechariah's visions underscores the heavenly origin of the messages and the importance of divine revelation. Angels are frequently depicted as God's messengers throughout the Bible, such as in Genesis 19 with Lot and in Luke 1 with Mary. The angel's role here is to ensure that Zechariah comprehends the vision, which is crucial for conveying God's message to the people.

“Now lift up your eyes and see
The command to "lift up your eyes" is a call to attention and awareness, urging Zechariah to focus on the vision being presented. This phrase is often used in Scripture to signify the need for spiritual insight and understanding beyond the physical realm. For example, in Genesis 13:14, God tells Abram to lift up his eyes to see the land promised to him. It is an invitation to perceive divine realities and truths that are not immediately apparent. This call to see is not just physical but spiritual, encouraging the prophet to discern the deeper meaning of the vision.

what is approaching.”
The phrase "what is approaching" indicates an impending event or revelation. In the context of Zechariah's visions, it often signifies a future occurrence or judgment. This particular vision involves a flying scroll, symbolizing God's judgment against sin, specifically theft and falsehood, as detailed in the subsequent verses. The notion of something approaching can also be seen in prophetic literature as a forewarning of God's intervention, as in the coming of the Day of the Lord described in Joel 2. It serves as a reminder of the certainty of God's plans and the need for readiness and repentance among His people.

“What is it?” I asked.
This phrase reflects the prophet Zechariah's curiosity and desire for understanding regarding the vision he is witnessing. In the context of biblical prophecy, questions often signify a search for divine wisdom and insight. Zechariah's inquiry is reminiscent of other prophetic dialogues, such as those found in Daniel and Revelation, where the seer seeks clarity on the visions presented. This approach underscores the importance of seeking God's interpretation rather than relying on human understanding.

And he replied, “A measuring basket is going forth.”
The "measuring basket" (often referred to as an ephah) is a unit of dry measure used in ancient Israel, symbolizing commerce and trade. Its appearance in the vision suggests a focus on economic practices and possibly the corruption associated with them. The act of "going forth" implies movement or action, indicating that the vision pertains to an active judgment or process. This imagery connects to other biblical passages where measures and weights are used to symbolize justice and righteousness, such as in Amos 8:5, where dishonest scales are condemned.

Then he continued, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”
The phrase identifies the contents of the basket as representing the iniquity or sin of the people. The use of "all the land" suggests a widespread moral and spiritual corruption affecting the entire nation. This aligns with the broader themes of Zechariah, where the prophet calls for repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. The vision serves as a warning of divine judgment against pervasive sin, echoing the messages of earlier prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The concept of iniquity being measured and judged is also seen in Revelation, where the sins of Babylon are weighed and punished.

And behold, the cover of lead was raised
This phrase introduces a dramatic moment in Zechariah's vision, emphasizing the unveiling of something significant. The use of "behold" signals the importance of what is about to be revealed. The lead cover suggests heaviness and containment, symbolizing the suppression of sin or iniquity. Lead, being a dense and heavy metal, indicates the seriousness of what is being contained. In biblical times, lead was used for various purposes, including weights and seals, which could imply the sealing of judgment or the weight of sin. The act of raising the cover signifies the revelation of hidden sin, aligning with themes of exposure and judgment found throughout prophetic literature.

and there was a woman sitting inside the basket
The woman inside the basket represents wickedness, as clarified in the subsequent verses. In the ancient Near Eastern context, women were sometimes used symbolically to represent cities or personified concepts, such as wisdom or folly. Here, the woman embodies wickedness, possibly alluding to the personification of sin or idolatry. The basket, or ephah, was a common measure for grain, suggesting commerce or trade, which could symbolize the corrupt practices prevalent in society. This imagery connects to other biblical passages where sin is personified or where women symbolize larger entities, such as Babylon in Revelation 17. The vision reflects the theme of divine judgment against sin and the eventual removal of wickedness, resonating with the broader prophetic message of restoration and purification.

“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.

Then I lifted up my eyes and saw two women approaching
This phrase indicates a visionary experience, common in prophetic literature, where the prophet receives divine revelation. The act of lifting one's eyes suggests readiness to receive a message from God. The presence of two women is unusual in biblical visions, as women are not typically depicted as agents of divine action. This could symbolize a break from traditional roles, emphasizing the unexpected ways God can work. The number two often signifies confirmation or witness, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15, where two witnesses establish a matter.

with the wind in their wings
The wind is often symbolic of the Spirit of God, as seen in Genesis 1:2 and Acts 2:2. Here, it suggests divine empowerment and swiftness. The imagery of wings conveys speed and the ability to transcend earthly limitations, reminiscent of the cherubim in Ezekiel 1:6. This phrase emphasizes the supernatural nature of the vision and the divine origin of the mission these women are undertaking.

Their wings were like those of a stork
The stork is a large bird known for its strength and migratory patterns, often associated with care and protection due to its nurturing behavior. In Leviticus 11:19, the stork is listed among unclean birds, which might imply a message of judgment or purification. The comparison to a stork highlights the power and purposefulness of the women's mission, suggesting a divine task that involves both judgment and deliverance.

and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth
The basket, previously mentioned in Zechariah 5:7-8, contains wickedness personified. The act of lifting it between heaven and earth signifies a transition or removal from the earthly realm, possibly indicating judgment or purification. This imagery connects to the concept of spiritual warfare, where forces of good and evil contend. The positioning between heaven and earth suggests divine intervention and the ultimate authority of God over both realms, echoing themes found in Ephesians 6:12.

Where are they taking the basket?
This question is posed by the prophet Zechariah during a vision. The "basket" refers to an ephah, a unit of measurement, which in this vision symbolizes iniquity or sin. The context of this vision is a series of symbolic acts that convey God's judgment and purification of Israel. The basket contains a woman representing wickedness, and the act of taking the basket away signifies the removal of sin from the land. This imagery aligns with the theme of cleansing and restoration found throughout the book of Zechariah. The question reflects Zechariah's curiosity and desire for understanding, a common trait among prophets who seek to comprehend God's messages.

I asked the angel who was speaking with me.
Zechariah's interaction with the angel highlights the role of angels as messengers and interpreters of divine visions. In biblical literature, angels often serve as intermediaries between God and humans, providing clarity and guidance. This particular angelic encounter underscores the importance of divine revelation and the need for interpretation of prophetic visions. The presence of the angel indicates that the vision is not merely a dream but a significant message from God. This interaction is reminiscent of other biblical figures, such as Daniel, who also received angelic explanations of visions. The angel's role is crucial in helping Zechariah understand the implications of the vision for the people of Israel.

To build a house for it in the land of Shinar
The phrase "to build a house for it" suggests the establishment of a permanent dwelling or place. In biblical terms, a "house" often signifies a place of worship or a center of influence. The "it" refers to the basket containing wickedness, as described earlier in Zechariah 5. The "land of Shinar" is historically and biblically significant, as it is associated with Babylon (Genesis 11:2). Babylon is often symbolic of rebellion against God and represents a center of idolatry and sin. This phrase indicates that wickedness will find a home in a place historically known for its opposition to God.

he told me
This indicates that the message is being delivered by an angelic messenger to Zechariah. Throughout the book, Zechariah receives visions and messages from God through angels, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the prophecy. The angelic communication underscores the importance and seriousness of the vision.

And when it is ready
The readiness implies a future time when conditions are fulfilled for the establishment of this "house." It suggests a period of preparation or waiting until the appointed time. This can be seen as a prophetic indication that wickedness will have its time and place, but it is under divine control and timing.

the basket will be set there on its pedestal
The "basket" containing wickedness being set on a "pedestal" signifies the elevation and recognition of sin in a prominent position. A pedestal is typically used to display something of importance or to give it prominence. This imagery suggests that wickedness will be openly displayed and perhaps even celebrated in the land of Shinar. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of the rise of evil before its ultimate downfall, as seen in Revelation 17-18, where Babylon is depicted as a symbol of end-times rebellion against God. The setting of the basket on a pedestal also implies a temporary triumph of wickedness, which will ultimately be judged and destroyed by God.