Zechariah 5:9

Zechariah 5:9 continues the prophet's fifth vision, a vivid and symbolic depiction of the removal of wickedness from the land of Judah. Following the previous verses which introduced an ephah (a large measuring basket) containing a woman identified as "Wickedness," this verse describes the supernatural agents tasked with carrying this sin away.

Context

This verse is part of a series of eight night visions granted to the prophet Zechariah, dating around 520 BC, during the post-exilic period. At this time, the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the temple was underway. The visions collectively served to encourage the people, assure them of God's presence, and emphasize the necessity of holiness and purification for the restored community. The vision of the ephah (Zechariah 5:5-11) specifically addresses the removal of sin and lawlessness from the land, ensuring that the restored community would be truly purified before God. The preceding verses in this vision describe the ephah itself and the woman representing "wickedness" sealed inside it.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment and Purification: The central message is God's active role in judging and removing sin from His people and their land. This is not a passive process but an intentional, divinely orchestrated act. The swift and powerful movement of the women underscores the certainty and efficacy of this divine action.
• Symbolism of the Women and Stork Wings: The "two women" are agents of divine judgment, endowed with supernatural power and speed, symbolized by their wings. The comparison to "wings like the wings of a stork" (`chasidah` in Hebrew) is significant. Storks are known for their large, strong wings capable of long migrations, emphasizing the capacity to carry a heavy burden over a great distance. Though storks were considered unclean birds under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:19), their inclusion here likely highlights their practical ability for transport rather than their ritual status, or perhaps subtly suggests the unclean nature of the burden they carry.
• Removal of Wickedness: The act of "lifting up the ephah between the earth and the heaven" signifies a complete removal of this pervasive sin from the land, separating it from the earthly realm of Israel. This foreshadows the destination where this wickedness will be permanently established.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "stork" is chasidah, which can also mean "pious" or "kind." However, in the context of an unclean bird, its primary relevance here is its physical characteristic of large, powerful wings. The "ephah" was a common dry measure, typically used for grain, but here it serves as a symbolic container for the nation's collective sin. The "wind in their wings" emphasizes the speed and power of their flight, suggesting a divine force propelling them.

Practical Application

Zechariah 5:9 offers comfort and challenge to believers today. It assures us that God is sovereign over sin and evil, and He actively works to cleanse His people and His world. This vision reminds us:

• God's Commitment to Holiness: Just as God sought to purify post-exilic Israel, He desires holiness in His church and in individual lives. He is committed to removing wickedness.
• Hope for a Clean Future: The vision points to a future where sin will be definitively removed and confined, offering hope for a world free from its oppressive influence, culminating in the promise of a new heaven and new earth.
• Personal Responsibility: While God is the agent of purification, believers are called to participate in this process by confessing sin and striving for righteousness, knowing that God provides the means for cleansing (1 John 1:9).