Divine Judgement and Purification Of Gods People

Introduction

Chapter 5 of Zechariah presents two significant visions: the vision of the flying scroll and the vision of the woman in the ephah. These visions symbolize God’s judgment against sin and the removal of wickedness from the land.

Vision of the Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4)

Scripture Reading: Zechariah 5:1-4 (KJV)

1 Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll.

2 And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.

3 Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.

4 I will bring it forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

Key Points:

1. Description of the Flying Scroll:

• The flying scroll Zechariah sees is large, measuring twenty cubits by ten cubits (approximately 30 feet by 15 feet).

• Its size indicates the significance of the message it carries.

2. The Curse:

• The scroll represents a curse that covers the whole earth, specifically targeting those who steal and those who swear falsely.

• This curse signifies divine judgment upon sin.

3. God’s Judgment:

• The Lord declares that the curse will enter the houses of thieves and false swearers, consuming them completely.

• This symbolizes the comprehensive nature of God’s judgment against sin.

Parallels with the Vision of the Flying Scroll

1. Jeremiah 36:1-32:

• This chapter describes the incident where God commands Jeremiah to write down all the words He has spoken against Israel, Judah, and all the nations, which are then read to the people and the king. The scroll is eventually burned by the king, but the words of judgment are rewritten and reaffirmed. This incident emphasizes the power and inevitability of God’s word, similar to the flying scroll in Zechariah 5, which represents a curse against sin.

2. Ezekiel 2:9-10:

• In this passage, Ezekiel receives a scroll from God, written on both sides with words of lamentation, mourning, and woe. This vision parallels Zechariah’s flying scroll, which also carries a message of judgment.

3. Revelation 10:8-11:

• John is given a little scroll to eat, which is sweet in his mouth but turns his stomach bitter. This symbolizes the message of God’s judgment and prophecy, reflecting the serious and consuming nature of God’s word against sin.

Application:

• The vision of the flying scroll reminds believers of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine judgment.

• It calls for a life of integrity, honesty, and reverence for God’s name.

Vision of the Woman in the Ephah (Zechariah 5:5-11)

Scripture Reading: Zechariah 5:5-11 (KJV)

5 Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.

6 And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth.

7 And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah.

8 And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.

9 Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.

10 Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?

11 And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

Key Points:

1. The Ephah and the Woman:

• Zechariah sees an ephah, a large basket used for measuring grain, symbolizing commercial activity and economy.

• Inside the ephah is a woman, representing wickedness.

2. Wickedness Contained:

• The woman, representing wickedness, is cast into the ephah, and a lead cover is placed over it, signifying the containment of sin.

3. Removal of Wickedness:

• Two women with stork-like wings carry the ephah to the land of Shinar (Babylon), where a house is built for it.

• This act symbolizes the removal and ultimate destruction of wickedness.

Parallels with the Vision of the Woman in the Ephah

1. Isaiah 13-14:

• These chapters contain prophecies against Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of wickedness and pride. The removal of the woman (wickedness) to the land of Shinar (Babylon) in Zechariah 5 parallels the prophesied destruction of Babylon in Isaiah.

2. Revelation 17-18:

• These chapters describe the fall of Babylon the Great, a symbol of worldly corruption and sin. The imagery of Babylon’s judgment and destruction in Revelation parallels the removal and containment of wickedness represented by the woman in the ephah in Zechariah 5.

Application:

• The vision of the woman in the ephah emphasizes God’s plan to remove wickedness from His people.

• It encourages believers to trust in God’s power to cleanse and purify His people from sin.

Broader Themes of Judgment and Purification

1. Amos 8:1-2:

• Amos sees a basket of ripe fruit, symbolizing the imminent judgment of Israel. This vision emphasizes the coming judgment, similar to the flying scroll and the ephah in Zechariah.

2. Malachi 3:1-5:

• This passage speaks of the coming of the Lord to purify the Levites and judge the wicked. The themes of purification and judgment are consistent with Zechariah’s visions.

3. Hebrews 12:25-29:

• The writer of Hebrews warns about rejecting God’s voice and speaks of the shaking that will remove what can be shaken, leaving only what cannot be shaken. This theme of divine purification aligns with the removal of wickedness in Zechariah 5.

Conclusion

Zechariah 5 highlights the themes of divine judgment and the removal of sin. The visions of the flying scroll and the woman in the ephah serve as powerful reminders of God’s holiness and His commitment to purify His people. As we reflect on these visions, let us examine our lives, repent of any sin, and live in a manner that honors God.