Zechariah 5:11

"To build a house for it in the land of Shinar," he told me. "And when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its pedestal."

Study Bible

To build a house for it in the land of Shinar
The phrase "to build a house for it" suggests the establishment of a permanent dwelling or place. In biblical terms, a "house" often signifies a place of worship or a center of influence. The "it" refers to the basket containing wickedness, as described earlier in Zechariah 5. The "land of Shinar" is historically and biblically significant, as it is associated with Babylon (Genesis 11:2). Babylon is often symbolic of rebellion against God and represents a center of idolatry and sin. This phrase indicates that wickedness will find a home in a place historically known for its opposition to God.

he told me
This indicates that the message is being delivered by an angelic messenger to Zechariah. Throughout the book, Zechariah receives visions and messages from God through angels, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the prophecy. The angelic communication underscores the importance and seriousness of the vision.

And when it is ready
The readiness implies a future time when conditions are fulfilled for the establishment of this "house." It suggests a period of preparation or waiting until the appointed time. This can be seen as a prophetic indication that wickedness will have its time and place, but it is under divine control and timing.

the basket will be set there on its pedestal
The "basket" containing wickedness being set on a "pedestal" signifies the elevation and recognition of sin in a prominent position. A pedestal is typically used to display something of importance or to give it prominence. This imagery suggests that wickedness will be openly displayed and perhaps even celebrated in the land of Shinar. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of the rise of evil before its ultimate downfall, as seen in Revelation 17-18, where Babylon is depicted as a symbol of end-times rebellion against God. The setting of the basket on a pedestal also implies a temporary triumph of wickedness, which will ultimately be judged and destroyed by God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period who received visions from God to encourage the Israelites in rebuilding the temple and to convey messages of future hope and judgment.

2. The Angel
A divine messenger who interprets the visions for Zechariah, providing clarity and understanding of God's revelations.

3. The Woman in the Basket
Represents wickedness, as seen earlier in Zechariah 5:8, symbolizing sin being contained and removed from the land.

4. The Land of Shinar
An ancient region, often associated with Babylon, symbolizing a place of exile and judgment, where wickedness is to be confined.

5. The Basket (Ephah)
A measuring container, symbolizing the containment and measurement of wickedness, which is to be transported to Shinar.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Sin
God has the authority to contain and judge wickedness. The vision of the basket being taken to Shinar illustrates God's control over sin and its ultimate removal from His people.

Symbolism of Shinar
Shinar represents a place of judgment and exile. Understanding its historical and biblical context helps us see how God deals with sin by removing it from His presence.

Hope in God's Justice
While the vision depicts judgment, it also offers hope that God will ultimately deal with wickedness, ensuring that righteousness prevails.

The Role of Prophetic Visions
Zechariah's visions serve to encourage believers in their faith, reminding them of God's plans for justice and restoration.

Personal Reflection on Sin
Just as wickedness is removed to Shinar, believers are called to examine their own lives, seeking to remove sin and live in righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of the basket and the land of Shinar in Zechariah 5:11 help us understand God's approach to dealing with sin?

2. In what ways does the historical context of Shinar (Babylon) enhance our understanding of this vision's message?

3. How can the removal of wickedness to Shinar encourage us in our personal walk with God, especially when facing sin and temptation?

4. What parallels can we draw between the vision in Zechariah 5:11 and the depiction of Babylon in Revelation 18 regarding God's ultimate judgment?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Zechariah's vision to our lives today, particularly in terms of seeking God's justice and righteousness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 11
The land of Shinar is where the Tower of Babel was built, representing human pride and rebellion against God. This connection highlights the theme of judgment and the containment of sin.

Revelation 18
Babylon is depicted as a symbol of ultimate wickedness and its eventual downfall, paralleling the removal of wickedness to Shinar in Zechariah.

Jeremiah 29
The Israelites' exile in Babylon (Shinar) serves as a backdrop for understanding the significance of wickedness being sent there, emphasizing God's control over judgment and restoration.