June 16 - Zechariah 5

June 16 - Zechariah 5:1-11

The Flying Scroll

"What do you see, Zechariah?"

An immense scroll with writing on both sides - reminiscent of the tablets of the Law. In fact, the sins that were described on the scroll are the middle commandments on each side of the Tablet. Number 8 - "You shall not steal" and then Number 3 - "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God - (swear by God's name)." In essence, this scroll encompasses sin in Israel. Sin will be banished from the land.

The Woman in a Basket

The measuring basket was a tool used to measure grain and would hold on average something equal to 5 - 10 gallons. Since there was a woman in the basket, it is assumed that the basket measured much larger so as to accommodate her.

The translation of the word in Zechariah 5:6 can be translated as 'iniquity' as most Bibles have it, but it also translates as "appearance." This basket symbolizes how Israel appears to the world. Though they are supposed to be God's chosen people, they are filled with wickedness (Zechariah 5:7-8). The woman in these verses is pushed back in to the basket and a lead cover is pressed over her head to keep her within.

If you turn to Revelation 17-18, we meet this woman again. She is known as "The Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth." (Revelation 17:5) She corrupts absolutely and brings all manner of hell to earth. She is Babylon.

If we return to Zechariah 5:9-11, two women with wings like a stork took the basket to Babylon to create an idol of it in the place of wickedness. This is in preparation for the final judgment on Babylon which will come when Christ returns.