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 5:5 (KJV)

Context

Zechariah prophesied after the Babylonian exile, when the Jewish people had returned to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This verse sits within a series of visions from the Lord. The angel who had interpreted the previous vision of the flying scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4) goes forth and instructs Zechariah to look up and see what is going forth.

Meaning

The angel’s command is a call for Zechariah to be attentive to the next revelation. The phrase “that goeth forth” connects this verse to the preceding vision of the flying scroll, which goes forth as a curse against thieves and those who swear falsely by God’s name (Zechariah 5:3-4). The angel’s movement signals a shift from one vision to the next, and his role as interpreter is central: he does not merely show Zechariah the vision but also explains its meaning.

Although this verse does not detail what Zechariah sees next, the subsequent passages describe a woman sitting in an ephah, a large basket. The woman represents wickedness, and her placement in the ephah signifies the containment and control of evil. Thus Zechariah 5:5 functions as a transitional verse, directing the prophet’s attention to the next phase of the vision.

Biblical connections

The call to “lift up” one’s eyes is a recurring biblical theme, urging believers to focus on heavenly realities rather than earthly concerns. This verse also demonstrates the pattern of God using angelic messengers to communicate with His prophets, a theme that continues into the New Testament.

Application

For the Christian reader, this passage reminds us that God reveals His purposes progressively and that we must be willing to look beyond our immediate circumstances to see what He is doing. The immediate context of judgment against sin and the subsequent vision of wickedness being contained and removed highlight God’s holiness and His commitment to purging evil from His people. The verse encourages believers to be watchful, observant, and discerning so that they may comprehend and respond faithfully to God’s word.

Reflection

God’s judgments are part of His redemptive work. As Zechariah was called to lift up his eyes, believers today are invited to trust God’s messengers, remain attentive to His revelation, and recognize that He is at work even in seasons of transition and judgment.