Zechariah 5

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a vision of a flying scroll, symbolizing the curse that will come upon those who disobey God's law (Zechariah 5:1-4). The second vision is of a woman, Wickedness, who is placed in a basket and taken to the land of Shinar, representing the removal of sin from God's people (Zechariah 5:5-11). The chapter concludes with the announcement of the restoration of God's people and the establishment of a new kingdom. Key verses include Zechariah 5:3, which describes the curse, and Zechariah 5:11, which describes the removal of Wickedness.

Context for the Chapter

Zechariah chapter 5 is part of a larger series of visions that Zechariah received from God. The chapter fits into the book of Zechariah as a whole, which emphasizes God's plan to restore His people and establish a new kingdom. The chapter also fits into the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's judgment on sin and His plan to redeem humanity through Christ. Specifically, Zechariah 5:1-11 serves as a bridge between the judgment of God's people and the restoration of Jerusalem, highlighting God's sovereignty and mercy.

Heart Application

The chapter's themes of judgment and restoration should lead believers to reflect on their own obedience to God's law. Believers should strive to obey God's commands and seek to remove sin from their lives, knowing that Christ has borne the curse for them. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, and believers should seek to live in obedience to God's law.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Zechariah chapter 5 describes two visions that emphasize God's judgment on sin and His plan to restore Israel. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's law and the consequences of disobedience. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse will come upon those who disobey God's law, and Zechariah 5:11 illustrates the removal of sin from God's people.

Voices from the Church

“The curse of God is a terrible thing, and it will come upon all who disobey His law.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The removal of sin is a great blessing, and it is a blessing that is only possible through the work of Christ.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Vision of the Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4) — The flying scroll represents the curse that will come upon those who disobey God's law. As stated in Zechariah 5:3, the curse will be a universal judgment.
2. The Vision of the Woman Wickedness (Zechariah 5:5-11) — The woman Wickedness represents the sin that separates God's people from Him. Her removal, as seen in Zechariah 5:11, represents the removal of sin from God's people.
3. The Restoration of God's People (Zechariah 5:5-11) — The chapter concludes with the announcement of the restoration of God's people and the establishment of a new kingdom. This is evident in Zechariah 5:11, where the woman Wickedness is taken to the land of Shinar.
4. The Importance of Obedience (Zechariah 5:1-11) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law, highlighting the consequences of disobedience. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
5. The Fulfillment in Christ (Zechariah 5:1-11) — While Christ is not explicitly mentioned in Zechariah chapter 5, the chapter's themes of judgment and restoration are fulfilled in Christ. As stated in Zechariah 5:3, the curse that comes upon those who disobey God's law is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who bore the curse for humanity.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Judgment

The chapter teaches that God's judgment is universal and will come upon all who disobey His law. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse will be a universal judgment.

The Doctrine of Restoration

The chapter teaches that God has a plan to restore His people and establish a new kingdom. This is evident in Zechariah 5:11, where the woman Wickedness is taken to the land of Shinar.

The Doctrine of Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law, highlighting the consequences of disobedience. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

The Doctrine of Christ's Work

While Christ is not explicitly mentioned in Zechariah chapter 5, the chapter's themes of judgment and restoration are fulfilled in Christ. As stated in Zechariah 5:3, the curse that comes upon those who disobey God's law is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who bore the curse for humanity.

Lessons from Zechariah 5

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches that obedience to God's law is essential for avoiding the curse and receiving God's blessing. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
2. The Removal of Sin — The chapter teaches that sin must be removed from God's people in order for them to be restored. This is evident in Zechariah 5:11, where the woman Wickedness is taken to the land of Shinar.
3. The Universality of Judgment — The chapter teaches that God's judgment is universal and will come upon all who disobey His law. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse will be a universal judgment.
4. The Plan of Restoration — The chapter teaches that God has a plan to restore His people and establish a new kingdom. This is evident in Zechariah 5:11, where the woman Wickedness is taken to the land of Shinar.
5. The Fulfillment in Christ — While Christ is not explicitly mentioned in Zechariah chapter 5, the chapter's themes of judgment and restoration are fulfilled in Christ. As stated in Zechariah 5:3, the curse that comes upon those who disobey God's law is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who bore the curse for humanity.

Themes from Zechariah 5

1. Judgment and Restoration — The chapter emphasizes God's judgment on sin and His plan to restore His people. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse will be a universal judgment, and Zechariah 5:11 illustrates the removal of sin from God's people.
2. Obedience and Disobedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's law and the consequences of disobedience. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
3. The Removal of Sin — The chapter teaches that sin must be removed from God's people in order for them to be restored. This is evident in Zechariah 5:11, where the woman Wickedness is taken to the land of Shinar.
4. The Universality of God's Judgment — The chapter teaches that God's judgment is universal and will come upon all who disobey His law. As seen in Zechariah 5:3, the curse will be a universal judgment.
5. The Plan of God — The chapter teaches that God has a plan to restore His people and establish a new kingdom. This is evident in Zechariah 5:11, where the woman Wickedness is taken to the land of Shinar.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the significance of the flying scroll in Zechariah 5:1-4?
2. How does the vision of the woman Wickedness relate to the removal of sin from God's people?
3. What is the importance of obedience to God's law, as emphasized in Zechariah 5:1-11?
4. How does the chapter's theme of judgment relate to the gospel of Christ?
5. What is the significance of the restoration of God's people, as announced in Zechariah 5:5-11?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Zechariah 5

	Sermon	Description
	Revival - Part 2 by J.I. Packer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of revival and the pouring out of God's Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of practicing justice, mercy, and compassion towards
	(Revelation) Revelation 6:1-17 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four instruments that God uses as weapons of warfare: sword, famine, disease, and wild beasts. He references Revelation 6:7-8 and Ezekiel
	Reform or Revival, Which Shall It Be by Richard Sipley	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Zechariah, specifically chapter 4. He highlights three important questions asked in this chapter: "Who art thou a great mountain
	Mid South Conference 1978-12 Zechariah's Visions by Bob Clark	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's preparation conduct in relation to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to
	Pressures of Christianity 08 Pressure-Commercialism by Harry Deutchman	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of commercialism on society, including Japan's desire for the word of God being overshadowed by material pursuits. The wi
	Studies in Zechariah 05 Zechariah 5: by John W. Bramhall	In this sermon, the preacher discusses two visions from the book of Zechariah. The first vision is of a flying roll, which symbolizes the rapid and sudden execution of God's judgme
	(Through the Bible) Zechariah by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the visions and messages received by the prophet Zechariah, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, the new covenant fellowship, the need for young and old
	The Cleansing of Israel's People and Land (Zech. 5:1-11) by Mike Bickle	Mike Bickle emphasizes God's zeal for the cleansing of Israel's people and land as depicted in Zechariah 5. He explains that the visions reveal God's commitment to confront both in
	Homily 19 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of avoiding oaths, drawing examples from the destruction of Jerusalem due to a broken oath by King Zedekiah. He emphasizes the severe
	In the Storm With Jesus by Erlo Stegen	Erlo Stegen emphasizes the profound implications of Jesus calming the storm while in the boat with His disciples, illustrating that even in our greatest fears, Jesus remains sovere

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Zechariah 5

In Zechariah 5, we see the vision of the flying scroll, which represents the curse that will come upon those who disobey God's law. The chapter also describes the vision of the woman Wickedness, who represents the sin that separates God's people from Him. The removal of this sin is a theme that is central to the chapter, and it is a reminder that God's judgment is universal and will come upon all who disobey His law. As Matthew Henry notes, the chapter teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's law and the consequences of disobedience. Ultimately, the chapter's themes of judgment and restoration are fulfilled in Christ, who bore the curse for humanity and removes sin from His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?