Zechariah 5:10

Commentary on Zechariah 5:10 (KJV)

Zechariah 5:10 is a direct question from the prophet Zechariah to the interpreting angel, seeking clarification about the destination of the "ephah" (a large measuring basket) containing "Wickedness." This verse is crucial as it marks the prophet's engagement with the vision, demonstrating his desire to understand God's message for His people.

Context

This verse is part of a series of eight nocturnal visions granted to the prophet Zechariah during the post-exilic period. These visions, given around 520 BC, aimed to encourage the returning Jewish exiles in their task of rebuilding the Temple and restoring the community in Jerusalem. The vision of the ephah, described from Zechariah 5:5-11, immediately follows the vision of the flying scroll, which symbolized God's curse on sin throughout the land. While the flying scroll dealt with the *presence* of sin and its judgment, the ephah vision focuses on the *removal* and *exile* of wickedness from the land of Judah, paving the way for a restored and holy community.

Key Themes

• Divine Purification and Removal of Wickedness: The central theme is God's active intervention to cleanse the land of Israel from sin and idolatry. The ephah, containing a woman personifying "Wickedness," is being carried away to a distant land, signifying a decisive and complete removal of evil.
• God's Desire for a Holy Dwelling: The removal of wickedness is a prerequisite for God to dwell among His people in a pure and undefiled land. This vision underscores God's ultimate desire for a clean and holy dwelling place for His presence, a theme echoed in the ultimate vision of the New Jerusalem, where nothing impure will enter.
• Prophetic Inquiry: Zechariah's question highlights the role of the prophet as an intercessor and seeker of understanding. His dialogue with the angel allows for the full revelation of God's message, ensuring that the people would grasp the significance of these symbolic acts.

Linguistic Insights

The term "ephah" (Hebrew: 'ephah) refers to a common dry measure, roughly equivalent to 3/5 of a bushel or 22 liters. In this vision, it serves not as a measure of quantity but as a symbolic container. Its use here suggests that wickedness, though pervasive, can be measured, contained, and removed. The "woman" inside the ephah is identified as "Wickedness" (Hebrew: rish'ah), signifying the embodiment of national sin and idolatry that defiled the land.

Practical Application

Zechariah 5:10, and the vision it belongs to, offers powerful lessons for believers today:

• God Deals Decisively with Sin: Just as God purposed to remove wickedness from ancient Israel, He continues to work to purge sin from the lives of His people and from the world. This gives hope that evil is not eternal but will ultimately be dealt with and exiled.
• The Call to Personal Purity: Understanding God's desire for a holy dwelling should inspire individuals to pursue personal holiness. As followers of Christ, we are called to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.
• Hope for a Renewed Future: The vision points to a future where God's presence can fully reside among His people because sin has been removed. This provides an enduring hope for the church and for the ultimate establishment of God's righteous kingdom.