What is the meaning of Zechariah 5:6? “What is it?” I asked Zechariah, face-to-face with another night vision, honestly asks for clarity—a reminder that God welcomes sincere questions (cf. Zechariah 4:4; Daniel 8:15). • The question shows humility; instead of assuming, the prophet seeks revelation (James 1:5). • It also underscores that every vision has a concrete meaning, not a vague impression (Habakkuk 2:2–3). • God’s messenger immediately responds, illustrating the Lord’s readiness to make His word plain to those who ask (Jeremiah 33:3). “A measuring basket is going forth” The angel identifies the object as an ephah-basket, a standard commercial measure (Leviticus 19:35–36). • Going forth pictures the basket moving through the land, exposing what it contains everywhere it travels (Amos 8:5–7). • A measuring basket implies accurate, righteous standards; God’s justice weighs deeds precisely (Proverbs 16:11; Revelation 11:1). • In a society where dishonest scales were common, the vision confronts systemic corruption (Micah 6:10–11). • God’s measure is on the move, unstoppably carrying out His purpose (Zechariah 1:10–11). “This is their iniquity in all the land” The contents of the basket symbolize the nation’s collective sin. • Iniquity is treated as a tangible load that can be lifted, confined, and ultimately removed (Psalm 103:10–12). • “In all the land” makes the indictment comprehensive; no town or tribe escapes the charge (Ezekiel 7:2–4). • The vision prepares for the next verses, where wickedness is sealed inside and carried away, promising both judgment and cleansing (Zechariah 5:7–11; Isaiah 1:25–26). • God exposes sin so He can deal with it; conviction is the first step toward restoration (John 16:8; 1 John 1:9). summary Zechariah asks, God answers, and the vision of the traveling ephah declares that the Lord is actively measuring, revealing, and addressing the nation’s wrongdoing. The basket’s journey announces a just standard and foreshadows the removal of wickedness, assuring God’s people that He neither overlooks sin nor abandons His plan to purify the land. |
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