Zechariah 5:2

"What do you see?" asked the angel. "I see a flying scroll," I replied, "twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide."

Study Bible

“What do you see?” asked the angel.
This phrase indicates a vision, a common method of divine communication in the prophetic books. The angel serves as a mediator between God and Zechariah, guiding him to understand the vision. Angels often appear in biblical narratives to deliver messages or provide insight, as seen in Daniel 9:21-23 and Luke 1:11-20. The question prompts Zechariah to engage with the vision actively, emphasizing the importance of spiritual perception and discernment.

“I see a flying scroll,” I replied,
The flying scroll is a symbolic representation of God's judgment and the proclamation of His word. Scrolls were the primary medium for written communication in ancient times, often used for legal documents or sacred texts. The imagery of a flying scroll suggests swiftness and the pervasive reach of God's decrees. This vision parallels the scroll in Ezekiel 2:9-10, which contained lamentations and woes, indicating a message of judgment. The scroll's flight signifies that God's word is active and will accomplish its purpose, as echoed in Isaiah 55:11.

“twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide.”
The dimensions of the scroll are significant, measuring approximately 30 feet by 15 feet. These measurements are identical to the dimensions of the Holy Place in Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:3), suggesting a connection to the law and the covenant. The size of the scroll implies the magnitude and comprehensiveness of the judgment it contains. The use of cubits, an ancient unit of measurement, reflects the historical context of the text, grounding the vision in the cultural and religious practices of the time. The large size of the scroll also indicates that the message is meant to be seen and understood by all, underscoring the public and unavoidable nature of divine judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah is the recipient of visions from God, including the vision of the flying scroll.

2. Angel
A divine messenger who communicates with Zechariah, guiding him through the visions and providing explanations.

3. Flying Scroll
A large scroll seen in Zechariah's vision, symbolizing God's judgment and the proclamation of His word.

4. Jerusalem
The city where Zechariah prophesied, significant as the center of Jewish life and worship during the post-exilic period.

5. Post-Exilic Period
The time after the return from Babylonian exile, marked by the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of the Jewish community.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
The flying scroll represents the authoritative and active nature of God's word. It is not static but moves to accomplish God's purposes, reminding us of the power and reach of Scripture in our lives.

Judgment and Accountability
The dimensions of the scroll (twenty cubits by ten cubits) are significant, as they match the dimensions of the Holy Place in the tabernacle, symbolizing God's standard of holiness and the judgment that comes from failing to meet it. We are called to live in accordance with God's standards, knowing that His word holds us accountable.

Repentance and Restoration
The vision serves as a call to repentance for the people of Israel, urging them to turn from sin and return to God. In our lives, we must be vigilant in examining our hearts and aligning our actions with God's will.

The Universality of God's Message
The scroll's flight signifies the universal reach of God's message. It is not confined to one place or people but is meant for all. We are encouraged to share God's word broadly, knowing it has the power to transform lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of the flying scroll in Zechariah 5:2 challenge our understanding of the authority and power of God's word in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are living according to God's standards, as symbolized by the dimensions of the scroll?

3. How does the concept of divine judgment, as seen in the flying scroll, influence our approach to repentance and seeking forgiveness?

4. What parallels can we draw between the flying scroll in Zechariah and the scrolls mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as Ezekiel and Revelation?

5. How can we actively participate in spreading the message of God's word, inspired by the imagery of the flying scroll reaching far and wide?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 2:9-10
Similar to Zechariah's vision, Ezekiel sees a scroll, which represents God's message of lamentation and woe.

Revelation 5:1-2
The scroll in Revelation, sealed with seven seals, signifies divine revelation and judgment, paralleling the flying scroll's symbolism.

Jeremiah 36
Jeremiah's scroll, which is read to the people, underscores the power and authority of God's word, akin to the flying scroll's message.