Zechariah 5: Measured by Christ, A Scroll Flies, Wickedness Deported

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, Texas, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Zechariah 5. A giant flying scroll and a woman in a basket! Zechariah 5 continues the symbolic visions of people and things associated with the Temple. The larger-than-life scroll (30 feet by 15 feet) had the same measurements as the Temple porch where sermons were given. Amist Israel’s reconstruction of the Temple, God Himself was preaching and purifying them from the oaths of theft and deception. As for the woman in the basket—this was no ordinary basket. An ephah basket was a unit of measure, and this woman was found wanting. Why a woman? While “iniquity” (ʿāwōn) is a little ambiguous, “wickedness” (rišʿâ) is one of many Hebrew abstract nouns like “wisdom” which are poetically represented by women. Jesus Christ Himself, the ultimate messenger of God, comes to purify His bride the church that we may bless the entire world.