Zechariah 5:5

¶ 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.

Then the angel {H4397} that talked {H1696} with me went forth {H3318}, and said {H559} unto me, Lift up {H5375} now thine eyes {H5869}, and see {H7200} what is this that goeth forth {H3318}.

Then the angel speaking with me went forward and said to me, "Now raise your eyes, and see what this thing is, passing by."

Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and told me, “Now lift up your eyes and see what is approaching.”

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.

Commentary

Commentary on Zechariah 5:5 (KJV)

This verse marks a transition point in Zechariah's series of powerful visions. The prophet is in the midst of receiving divine revelations concerning God's plans for Israel and the nations. The "angel that talked with me" is the interpreting angel who guides Zechariah through these complex prophetic images, explaining their meaning.

Context

Zechariah chapters 1-6 present a sequence of night visions given to the prophet. These visions address the issues facing the returning exiles in Jerusalem, offering encouragement, challenging sin, and revealing God's future plans. Before this verse, Zechariah saw visions of horses patrolling the earth (Zechariah 1:8-17), horns representing oppressive powers and craftsmen who would overthrow them (Zechariah 1:18-21), and a man with a measuring line signifying the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Zechariah 2:1-5). This verse introduces the next vision, which will deal with the removal of wickedness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Instruction: The angel actively directs Zechariah's attention to what God is about to reveal.
  • Preparation for Revelation: The command "Lift up now thine eyes, and see" emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the ensuing vision.
  • Transition: This verse serves as a bridge, signaling the beginning of a new prophetic image within the sequence of visions.
  • Observational Command: The focus is on careful observation of the specific object or event "that goeth forth."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "angel that talked with me" refers to the specific angelic guide who acts as the interpreter throughout Zechariah's visions (see Zechariah 1:9, 1:13-14, 1:19, etc.). The command "Lift up now thine eyes, and see" is a common prophetic device used to draw attention to a significant visual element of the revelation, highlighting the importance of the object "that goeth forth," which is revealed in the subsequent verses to be an ephah.

Reflection and Application

Just as Zechariah was instructed to "lift up" his eyes and observe what God was showing him, we too are called to be attentive to how God reveals Himself and His will. This can be through His Word, prayer, circumstances, or the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must actively engage our spiritual senses, preparing ourselves to see and understand what God is doing or communicating in our lives and in the world around us. This verse encourages a posture of readiness and observation in our walk of faith.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Zechariah 1:9

    Then said I, O my lord, what [are] these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these [be].

  • Zechariah 1:14

    So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

  • Zechariah 4:5

    Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

  • Zechariah 2:3

    And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

  • Zechariah 1:19

    And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What [be] these? And he answered me, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.