Zechariah 5

Zechariah 5:1

AFlying roll] Of paper or other stuffe to write upon, after the ancient manner: This roll or booke signified. Gods judgements upon his people; pronounced by his Prophets: the flying of it, the generall execution of them; the greatnesse, the weight and long lastingnesse of them.

Zechariah 5:3

The curse] Gods curse throwne upon all the land of Israel and Judah For every one] God hath punished all the times; as well those which were against the second table of the Law: as those that were against the first; all comprehended under these two kindes of swearing and theft: others expound it on that side: that is to say; according to the prediction happened the execution.

Zechariah 5:5

That goeth forth] That appeares againe to thee in vision.

Zechariah 5:6

An Ephah] A figure of the just measure of Gods judgements This is] It seemes that the Angel turned himselfe towards some apparition of the Lords which did represent his providence, and shewed it to the Prophet Their resemblance] the Italian; The eye] namely; of the three persons of the most holy Trinity: as Gen. 1. 26. and 3. 22. and Isaiah 6:8. By this resemblance or eye, is meant Gods universall providence: Zech. 8. 9. and 4. 10. and 9. 1. 2 Chronicles 16:9. which presideth over his judgements.

Zechariah 5:7

A talent] The woman sitting in the Ephah is sinne; which by little and little filleth up the measure; and the same woman throwne into the middest of it, is sinne punished and beaten downe: the talent of Lead is, the immoveable decree for the punishing of the wicked.

Zechariah 5:9

Two women] A figure, as it should seem, of Gods two properties: namely; Mercy towards his Elect, and Justice towards his Enemies; wherewith hee transports upon these last the judgements by which he had punished his owne people; which is done with admirable celerity.

Zechariah 5:11

Of shinar] Of Babylon: Gen. 10. 10. and 11. 2. Wherby are meant all Gods and the Churches enemies It shall be] Hereby is shewne the irrevocable eternity of the punishments of the wicked; opposite the termined and short lasting punishments of the Church figured before by the flying booke or roll.