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Zechariah 5

11 verses

TL;DR

Zechariah 5 depicts a prophetic vision where a flying roll and an ephah symbolize divine judgment against theft, lying, and wickedness, culminating in a curse that destroys corrupt houses and spreads across the earth.

Summary

The chapter opens with Zechariah turning to see a flying roll, described as a curse that will affect all who steal or swear falsely. The Lord declares that the curse will enter the houses of thieves and liars, consuming them. An angel then shows Zechariah an ephah (a measuring vessel) and a woman seated within it, representing wickedness, which is poured into the ephah. Two women with wings lift the ephah between earth and heaven, and the angel tells Zechariah that it will be used to build a house in the land of Shinar, indicating the spread of judgment. The vision illustrates the impending destruction of corrupt individuals and the spread of divine retribution.

Outline
  1. Vision of the flying roll as a curse against theft and false oath
  2. Angel shows the ephah, a woman symbolizing wickedness poured into it
  3. Two winged women lift the ephah and it will be used to build a house in Shinar
Themes
Divine judgment and punishment for sinSymbolic imagery of the cosmos (earth, heaven, wings)The spread of God's wrath beyond local boundaries
Keywords
flying rollcurseephahtalentleadShinarangelLord of Hostswickednesswinged women
People
ZechariahThe AngelLord of Hosts (God)ThiefOne that sweareth falsely
Places
Shinar
Things
Flying rollCurseEphahTalent of leadTwo winged womenHouse to be built in Shinar
Key Verses
  • Zechariah 5:3: Describes the curse that will be unleashed upon thieves and liars.
  • Zechariah 5:4: Shows how the curse will enter and destroy the houses of the guilty.
  • Zechariah 5:8: The angel declares that wickedness is poured into the ephah.
  • Zechariah 5:11: Reveals the final outcome of the vision: building a house in Shinar, indicating the spread of judgment.
Questions
  • What does the flying roll symbolize in terms of divine judgment?
  • How does the imagery of the ephah and the woman within it represent wickedness?
  • What is the significance of the house being built in Shinar?
  • In what ways does this vision reflect the broader themes of Zechariah’s prophetic message?
  • How can believers today apply the lessons of judgment and repentance found in this chapter?
Sentiment

negative
The vision conveys foreboding judgment and destruction of wickedness.