Visions of the Flying Scroll and Woman in the Basket

Zechariah 5 is a powerful reminder of God's intolerance of sin and His divine judgment on those who transgress His laws. However, it also presents a message of hope, indicating God's desire to cleanse the land of wickedness. For us, these visions can serve as encouragement to repent from our sins and seek God's righteousness, knowing that our God is not only a God of judgment but also a God who desires to rid our lives and lands of all forms of wickedness.

The Vision of the Flying Scroll (Verses 1-4)

The fifth chapter begins with Zechariah witnessing a large flying scroll in his vision. The angel explains to him that this scroll represents the curse that will spread over the whole land. This curse is upon those who steal and those who swear falsely in the name of God, indicating the breaking of commandments. The scroll is said to enter the house of the thief and the one who swears falsely, consuming it, thus illustrating the pervasive nature of sin and its destructive consequences.

The Vision of the Woman in the Basket (Verses 5-11)

The next part of the chapter introduces a second vision where Zechariah sees a woman sitting inside a basket. The angel explains to him that this woman represents wickedness. A lead cover is then placed over the mouth of the basket, symbolizing the containment of wickedness. Two other women with wings like storks lift the basket between earth and sky, indicating the transport of wickedness. The angel tells Zechariah they are taking it to Babylon, where a house will be built for it. This signifies that wickedness will be permanently removed from the land and taken to Babylon.

Zechariah 5 of the Berean Standard Bible forms part of a larger prophetic message delivered by Zechariah. In this chapter, Zechariah receives two vivid and symbolic visions from God that serve to illustrate the far-reaching consequences of sin and God's plan to remove wickedness from the land. The first vision involves a flying scroll, symbolizing the curse that goes over the whole land, while the second presents a woman in a basket, representing wickedness, being carried to Babylon.

Divine Judgement
Prophetic Visions
The Wrath of God
Law and Sin
Banishment of WickednessThe Flying Scroll
The Woman in the Basket
Sin and its Consequences
The Transport of Wickedness to BabylonZechariah
Angel (who was speaking to Zechariah)
Woman (representing wickedness)
Two other women (with stork wings, transporting the basket)Judah (implied)
Shinar (Babylon)

1. What does the flying scroll symbolize in Zechariah's first vision?

2. How does the vision of the flying scroll emphasize the consequences of sin?

3. How can you relate the consequences of sin illustrated in Zechariah's visions to real-life situations?

4. In the second vision, why is wickedness personified as a woman?

5. What does the transportation of wickedness to Babylon symbolize?

6. How can these visions inspire us to examine our own lives and actions?

7. What insights about God's character can we glean from these visions?

8. How do these visions portray the theme of divine judgement?

9. If you were Zechariah, how would you respond to these visions?

10. How can you apply the lessons from Zechariah 5 to your daily life?

11. How can the imagery of sin's pervasive and destructive nature in Zechariah 5 serve as a warning in your personal life?

12. How does this chapter highlight the importance of obeying God's commandments?

13. What does this passage teach about the dangers of ignoring God's warnings about sin?

14. What parallels can you draw between the banishment of wickedness to Babylon and the world today?

15. If God showed you a vision of a "flying scroll" in your life, what sin might it point to?

16. How can we ensure that our homes are not consumed by the "scroll" - the pervasive nature of sin?

17. In what ways can we, as believers, help to "carry away" wickedness from our communities, similar to the women with stork wings in the vision?

18. How does the vision of the woman in the basket inspire you to change any sinful behaviors?

19. What actions can we take in our lives today to respond to God's call for righteousness?

20. How can we use this chapter as a guide to pray for our communities and the world, concerning the eradication of wickedness?