Zechariah 5:2 - He said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Zechariah 5:2" mean?
Zechariah 5:2 describes the prophet Zechariah receiving a vision of a flying scroll. The meaning is complex and multi-layered, with interpretations varying among scholars. Here's a breakdown of potential interpretations:
The Nature of the Scroll: The scroll represents a divine message or decree. Its flying nature signifies that this message will be spread quickly and widely. The dimensions are quite large (a cubit is roughly 18 inches, making the scroll about 30 feet long and 15 feet wide), indicating the immensity and importance of the message.
Judgment and Curse: Most commentators understand the scroll to be a symbol of divine judgment and a curse upon those who break God's law. The fact that it's flying suggests that the curse will move swiftly and not be contained by geographical boundaries.
Specific Sins Addressed: The next verses (Zechariah 5:3-4) clarify the content of the scroll: it is a curse against those who steal and those who swear falsely. These two sins were seen as particularly destructive to the social fabric of the community. Stealing undermined trust and economic stability, while false oaths corrupted justice and relationships.
The Scope of the Judgment: The curse will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely, and consume it with its timber and stones. This signifies a complete and utter destruction. The curse isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a devastating judgment.
Symbolic Cleansing: In the context of Zechariah's prophecies, which were delivered after the return from Babylonian exile, this vision serves as a reminder of the need for moral and spiritual purification. The people of Judah were being challenged to rebuild not only the temple but also their moral character.
Universal Application: While addressed to the specific context of Zechariah's time, the vision has broader implications. It highlights God's justice and His intolerance of sin, and it serves as a warning to all people to live according to His standards.
In summary, Zechariah's vision of the flying scroll is a powerful and symbolic representation of divine judgment and the pervasive nature of God's law. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder that sin has consequences. The large size and flying nature emphasize the scope and swiftness of this judgment.
Zechariah 5:2 - He said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”
What does "Zechariah 5:2" mean?
Zechariah 5:2 describes the prophet Zechariah receiving a vision of a flying scroll. The meaning is complex and multi-layered, with interpretations varying among scholars. Here's a breakdown of potential interpretations:
The Nature of the Scroll: The scroll represents a divine message or decree. Its flying nature signifies that this message will be spread quickly and widely. The dimensions are quite large (a cubit is roughly 18 inches, making the scroll about 30 feet long and 15 feet wide), indicating the immensity and importance of the message.
Judgment and Curse: Most commentators understand the scroll to be a symbol of divine judgment and a curse upon those who break God's law. The fact that it's flying suggests that the curse will move swiftly and not be contained by geographical boundaries.
Specific Sins Addressed: The next verses (Zechariah 5:3-4) clarify the content of the scroll: it is a curse against those who steal and those who swear falsely. These two sins were seen as particularly destructive to the social fabric of the community. Stealing undermined trust and economic stability, while false oaths corrupted justice and relationships.
The Scope of the Judgment: The curse will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely, and consume it with its timber and stones. This signifies a complete and utter destruction. The curse isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a devastating judgment.
Symbolic Cleansing: In the context of Zechariah's prophecies, which were delivered after the return from Babylonian exile, this vision serves as a reminder of the need for moral and spiritual purification. The people of Judah were being challenged to rebuild not only the temple but also their moral character.
Universal Application: While addressed to the specific context of Zechariah's time, the vision has broader implications. It highlights God's justice and His intolerance of sin, and it serves as a warning to all people to live according to His standards.
In summary, Zechariah's vision of the flying scroll is a powerful and symbolic representation of divine judgment and the pervasive nature of God's law. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder that sin has consequences. The large size and flying nature emphasize the scope and swiftness of this judgment.