Zechariah 5

2 twenty cubits . . . ten cubits. Making the length more than ten yards, and the breadth more than five. A figurative expression of great size.

3 of the whole earth. Rather, “of the whole land” (R.V.); i.e., of Judea.

on this side . . . on that side. The roll was written on both sides (cp. Ezek. ii. 10); containing on one side the crimes against the second table of the Law, represented by “theft”; and on the other those against the first table, represented by “swearing.”

4 with the timber thereof and the stones thereof. Utterly detroying all that he has.

6 an ephah. Or, “barrel.” The ephah was one of the largest measures used by the Hebrews, containing about seven gallons. Indicating the full measure which the sins of the Jews had attained before their captivity.

resemblance. Some ancient authorities read iniquity, the two words in Heb. being very similar.

8. This is wickedness. That is, This woman represents wickedness.

cast it. Rather, “cast her,” the woman. He hides and effectually imprisons her, by the lead cast on the cover.

9 like the wings of a stork. That is, very strong. Some suppose that these two women denote the Assyrians and Babylonians. But they are probably symbols of wickedness generally. All this foreshadows the purification of the Church: see on ver. 11.

11 the land of Shinar. “Shinar” is the country around Babylon; where, as in its appropriate home, the Jews left their propensity to idolatry. In its widest sense Shinar may symbolise the whole sphere of ungodliness, “the world,” into which all evil is banished from the Church (Keil).