How does Zechariah 5:7 illustrate God's judgment against sin in our lives?

Zechariah 5:7—The Lid Comes Off

“Then a lead cover was raised, and behold, a woman was sitting inside the basket.”

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What the Vision Shows

• A large basket (an ephah) = the full measure of the people’s iniquity (v.6)

• A heavy lead lid = God’s sovereign power to weigh down and restrain sin

• A woman in the basket = wickedness personified, exposed the moment the lid is lifted

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Four Clear Pictures of Judgment

1. Exposure

– God himself lifts the lid; nothing stays hidden (Hebrews 4:13; Numbers 32:23).

2. Identification

– Sin is called “Wickedness” (v.8); the Lord names it without softening the verdict (Isaiah 5:20).

3. Containment

– The lead cover shows divine control: evil can go no farther than He allows (Psalm 99:4).

4. Eventual Removal

– The rest of the vision sends the basket to Shinar for final judgment (vv.9-11; Revelation 20:14).

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Personal Take-aways

• God sees beneath every self-made lid.

• What He exposes, He expects us to confess (1 John 1:9).

• Willing repentance now spares us heavier discipline later (Hebrews 12:10-11).

• Walking in the light brings freedom and fellowship (John 8:36; 1 John 1:7).