Wickedness Dealt With – Zech 5
“Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: For every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; And every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.” — Zechariah 5:3
On the surface, Zechariah 5 is a bizarre vision filled with flying scrolls, baskets filled with wickedness, and women with wings like storks. But as we dig deeper, we see another vision of what things will be like in the future, particularly when Christ sets up His kingdom.
The main thing we see is that wickedness will be dealt with. The flying roll had a curse on both sides and it said that those who steal and those who swear will be cut off and destroyed (v.3-4). The basket (“ephah”) of wickedness will be carried away to Shinar in Babylon (v.5-11), which was a wicked nation and remains a Biblical symbol of rebellion against God.
The lesson of this vision seems to be that God is going to deal with wickedness and with wicked people. His kingdom will be one of righteousness. Judgment on those who sin will be immediate and final (see Matthew 25:31-46).
For those who continue to rebel against God, let this be a warning to you. For those who chafe under the wickedness of others, let this be a message of hope for you. For all who think they can get away with sin, let this be a reminder that the Son of man is coming with his holy angels and the wicked will “go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.”