Zechariah 5:5-11

February 4, 2024

FBC Baxley

Pm svc

Title:

Zechariah 5:5-11

5 Then the angel who talked with me came forward and said to me, “Lift your eyes and see what this is that is going out.”

6 And I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is the basket that is going out.” And he said, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”

7 And behold, the leaden cover was lifted, and there was a woman sitting in the basket!

8 And he said, “This is Wickedness.” And he thrust her back into the basket, and thrust down the leaden weight on its opening.

9 Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, two women coming forward! The wind was in their wings. They had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven.

10 Then I said to the angel who talked with me, “Where are they taking the basket?”

11 He said to me, “To the land of Shinar, to build a house for it. And when this is prepared, they will set the basket down there on its base.”

-PRAY

Title: "Removing the Wicked Basket: Unveiling the Message of Zechariah 5:5-11"

Introduction:

To understand the significance of this vision, we must first grasp the historical context in which Zechariah lived. The Israelites, having returned from Babylonian exile, were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua.

However, the people faced challenges, both internal and external, as they sought to reestablish their identity as God's chosen nation.

I. The Symbolism of the Wicked Basket (Zechariah 5:5-6)

“5 Then the angel who talked with me came forward and said to me, “Lift your eyes and see what this is that is going out.” 6 And I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is the basket that is going out.” And he said, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”

A. The Wickedness Personified

1. Understanding the symbolism of the woman in the basket

a. Represents the embodiment of wickedness and sin

b. Highlights the pervasive nature of evil in the world

B. The Transportation of Iniquity

1. The wings of storks: A swift and unstoppable force

a. Signifying the rapid spread and influence of wickedness

b. Emphasizing the urgency of addressing sin in our lives and society

II. The Divine Judgment Unveiled (Zechariah 5:7-9)

“7 And behold, the leaden cover was lifted, and there was a woman sitting in the basket! 8 And he said, “This is Wickedness.” And he thrust her back into the basket, and thrust down the leaden weight on its opening.

9 Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, two women coming forward! The wind was in their wings. They had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven.”

The vision begins with an ephah, a large basket used for measuring grain.

The angel reveals that the ephah symbolizes the iniquity of the people in the land.

As the lead cover is lifted, a woman is revealed sitting inside, representing Wickedness.

This imagery signifies the pervasive sin and corruption that had infiltrated the community, hindering their spiritual progress.

A. The Placement of the Wicked Basket

1. Carried to the land of Shinar: A symbol of rebellion

a. Recalling the Tower of Babel and human defiance against God

b. Illustrating the consequences of rejecting divine authority

B. The Construction of the House

1. Preparing a house for the wicked woman

a. God's response to unrepentant sin

b. Signifying the separation of the righteous and the wicked in judgment

C. The Consummation of Divine Justice

1. The weight of the lead cover: Inescapable consequences

a. Undeniable accountability for one's actions

b. Encouraging self-reflection and repentance before divine judgment

III. The Promise of God's Holiness and Redemption (Zechariah 5:10-11)

“10 Then I said to the angel who talked with me, “Where are they taking the basket?”

11 He said to me, “To the land of Shinar, to build a house for it. And when this is prepared, they will set the basket down there on its base.”

As the vision unfolds, two women with wings, resembling storks, lift the ephah into the air.

The wind carries them, signifying divine intervention and judgment.

The angel informs Zechariah that they are taking the ephah to the land of Shinar, a region historically associated with rebellion against God (Genesis 10:10; 11:2).

The purpose is to build a house for Wickedness, symbolizing the establishment of a stronghold for sin and idolatry.

A. The Establishment of God's Kingdom

1. The house built for the wicked replaced with God's temple

a. Reflecting the triumph of righteousness over evil

b. Foreshadowing the ultimate victory of God's kingdom

B. The Restoration of God's Holiness

1. Holiness as a cleansing force

a. God's desire to purify His people

b. Encouraging believers to pursue holiness in their lives

C. The Call to Repentance and Redemption

1. God's gracious invitation to turn away from sin

a. Embracing God's forgiveness and redemption

b. Cultivating a repentant heart for a transformed life

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Zechariah's vision serves as a powerful reminder that sin, if left unchecked, can become a uncontrollable force hindering our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

The ephah with the woman represents the consequences of unrepentant sin, and the divine judgment depicted by the two winged women underscores God's commitment to purifying His people.

As we reflect on this passage, let us examine our own hearts, acknowledging any areas of iniquity that may have taken root.

May we, like the Israelites of Zechariah's time, turn to God in repentance, seeking His mercy and grace to overcome the wickedness that seeks to entangle us.

Let us be vigilant against the schemes of the enemy, trusting in the power of God to deliver us from the bondage of sin and establish His righteousness in our lives.

Life Applications:

1. Vigilance against Wickedness: Stay alert and vigilant against the subtle influences of wickedness in our lives and society. Actively resist the temptation to compromise our values.

2. Embrace Divine Accountability: Recognize the weight of our actions and the accountability we have before God. Strive for a life that aligns with God's principles, seeking forgiveness and redemption when needed.

3. Pursue Holiness: As believers, actively pursue a life of holiness, allowing God's transformative power to purify our hearts. Let our lives be a testimony to the redeeming work of God's grace in us.

PRAY

INVITATION