The Wings of Justice: A Divine Intervention
"Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base." - Zechariah 5:5-11
The imagery of Zechariah 5:5-11 presents a compelling narrative that draws us into the complexities of divine judgment and the purification of God's people. As we delve into this passage, we discover a striking dichotomy between judgment and mercy, the earthly and the heavenly.
In verse 5, Zechariah writes, "Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven." Here, Zechariah perceives two mysterious figures—the women with stork-like wings carrying an ephah, a symbol of commerce or trade filled with iniquity. These women, representatives of divine agency, fly with the wind of God's will, soaring above the earth towards their appointed destiny.
The stork, often associated with migration and provision, carries significant meaning. In a world fraught with spiritual decay, these women are not merely carriers of wickedness but instruments of divine retribution. Their ability to lift the ephah 'between the earth and the heaven' illustrates the profound connection between our earthly actions and the heavenly response. They represent the judgment of God penetrating the earthly realm, sending the wickedness of Israel back to its origin—Babylon, the land of Shinar, a location steeped in idolatry and rebellion against God.
Verse 10 poses a vital question, "Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?" This inquiry is critical as it embodies our human curiosity towards God's plan. We are often left wondering about the fate of our own iniquities and the nature of God's judgment. The angel's response in verse 11, "To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base," signifies the ultimate destination of sin and rebellion. The ephah, representing the collective sin of the people, is being sent back to Babylon, highlighting that unrepentant wickedness has a place, but it is not among God's chosen people.
The act of sending evil back to its source demonstrates God’s commitment to justice. He is a God of order who will not allow evil to thrive within the community of the faithful. The establishment of a house for iniquity only emphasizes the need for vigilance; it warns us against complacency in our spiritual walk. When we allow sin to operate unchecked, we inadvertently lay the foundation for evil to take root within our lives, churches, and communities.
The profound beauty within this narrative is found in the recognition that God is actively working to remove unrighteousness. Just as the two women fly and accomplish their task by the wind of God, we too are called to be instruments of God’s justice. As believers, this passage encourages us to rise above the temptations and iniquities that seek to ensnare us. We are offered wings of faith to abandon sin and pursue holiness.
Despite the judgment shown through the ephah's removal, we must not miss the underlying message of redemption. In cleansing His people from the filth of sin, God daily invites us to transform our hearts through repentance. The sending away of the ephah represents a chance for restoration—a cleansing that empowers us to suggestively say no to sin. As we reflect upon the gravity of God’s intention to purge evil from His people, let us consider the areas in our lives that need to be released.
Ultimately, Zechariah 5:5-11 is a call to vigilance and repentance. It is a reminder that God desires a pure sanctuary—His people—to glorify Him on earth. As we engage with this text, may we be inspired by the two women, emboldened by their swift mission fueled by the winds of divine will. Let us behold the weight of our actions and strive to build a life grounded on the firm foundation of Christ, a house that reflects His glory and not the shadows of wickedness.
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Zechariah 5:5-11 Artwork
Zechariah 5:5-11 - "Then the angel who was speaking to me came forward and said to me, "Look up and see what is appearing." I asked, "What is it?" He replied, "It is a basket." And he added, "This is the iniquity of the people throughout the land." Then the cover of lead was raised, and there in the basket sat a woman! He said, "This is wickedness," and he pushed her back into the basket and pushed its lead cover down on it. Then I looked up—and there before me were two women, with the wind in their wings! They had wings like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth. "Where are they taking the basket?" I asked the angel who was speaking to me. He replied, "To the country of Babylonia to build a house for it. When the house is ready, the basket will be set there in its place.""
"Then the angel who was speaking to me came forward and said to me, "Look up and see what is appearing." I asked, "What is it?" He replied, "It is a basket." And he added, "This is the iniquity of the people throughout the land." Then the cover of lead was raised, and there in the basket sat a woman! He said, "This is wickedness," and he pushed her back into the basket and pushed its lead cover down on it. Then I looked up—and there before me were two women, with the wind in their wings! They had wings like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth. "Where are they taking the basket?" I asked the angel who was speaking to me. He replied, "To the country of Babylonia to build a house for it. When the house is ready, the basket will be set there in its place."" - Zechariah 5:5-11
Zechariah 5:11 - "And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base."
Nehemiah 11:5 - "And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni."
Zechariah 11:5 - "Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not."
Zechariah 5:5 - "¶ Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth."
Zechariah 1:5 - "Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?"
Zechariah 8:5 - "And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof."
Zechariah 5:7 - "And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah."
Zechariah 5:10 - "Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?"
Zechariah 5:1 - "Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll."
"And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base." - Zechariah 5:11
1 Chronicles 5:7 - "And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,"
Zechariah 2:5 - "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her."
Zechariah 12:5 - "And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God."
"And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni." - Nehemiah 11:5
Zechariah 5:8 - "And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof."
Zechariah 4:5 - "Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord."
Zechariah 5:6 - "And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth."
"Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?" - Zechariah 1:5
Zechariah 13:5 - "But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth."
Zechariah 6:5 - "And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth."
Ezra 5:1 - "Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them."
"Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not." - Zechariah 11:5
2 Chronicles 26:5 - "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper."
Genesis 11:5
Numbers 11:5
Genesis 11:5
Genesis 11:5
Zechariah 10:5 - "¶ And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded."