Connect Zechariah 5:7 with other biblical instances of God's justice and righteousness.

◄ Link Zech 5:7 to God's justice elsewhere. ►

An Ephah, a Lead Cover, and the God Who Sees

“Then behold, the lead cover was lifted, and there was a woman sitting inside the basket.” (Zechariah 5:7)

Why the Vision Matters

• God lifts the heavy lid—wickedness can no longer hide.

• The woman personifies evil; the basket (ephah) represents commerce and daily life.

• Justice is swift: wickedness is sealed, removed, and sent to Shinar (vv. 8-11).

God Exposes Hidden Sin

• Achan’s theft: “Joshua said to Achan, ‘My son, give glory to the LORD… tell me what you have done.’” (Joshua 7:19-21)

• Nathan to David: “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7-9)

• New-covenant echo: “Nothing is concealed that will not be disclosed.” (Luke 12:2)

Judgment That Fits the Crime

• Sodom and Gomorrah: “The LORD rained down burning sulfur.” (Genesis 19:24-25)

• Egypt’s firstborn: “I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:12, 29-30)

• Flying scroll earlier in Zechariah: “It enters the house… and destroys it.” (Zechariah 5:3-4)

• “Every violation and disobedience received its just punishment.” (Hebrews 2:2)

Removing Evil from the Community

• Day of Atonement: “The goat shall carry on itself all their iniquities to a solitary land.” (Leviticus 16:21-22)

• Zechariah’s basket: wickedness flown to Shinar—far from Jerusalem.

• Final banishment: “The devil… was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:10)

Justice Begins With God’s People

• “Judgment must begin with the household of God.” (1 Peter 4:17)

• Ananias and Sapphira: “Great fear seized the whole church.” (Acts 5:1-11)

• Purifying fire in the temple vision: “I have removed your iniquity.” (Zechariah 3:4)

Righteousness Revealed and Upheld

• “The LORD is righteous in all His ways.” (Psalm 145:17)

• At the cross: “God presented Christ as an atoning sacrifice… to demonstrate His righteousness.” (Romans 3:25-26)

• Kingdom promise: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24)

Living in the Light of His Justice

• Take sin seriously; hidden wickedness will be uncovered.

• Trust His timing—justice may appear delayed but never fails.

• Celebrate His righteousness: judgment on evil secures the purity of His people and magnifies His grace in Christ.