Zechariah 5:6
And I said, What is it? and hee said, This is an Ephah that goeth forth. Hee said moreouer, This is their resemblance through all the earth. Zechariah 5:6 (KJV)
Historical Context
The book of Zechariah was written by the prophet Zechariah during the period when the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylonian captivity and were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Called by God to deliver messages of encouragement, correction, and prophecy, Zechariah addressed a people seeking to re‑establish their covenant relationship with the Lord.
Symbolism of the Ephah
In Zechariah 5:6‑8 the prophet sees a vision of an ephah, a large basket or measure used for grain and other commodities in ancient Israel. The ephah is described as “cometh forth,” indicating movement and expansion. Within the ephah a woman is seen sitting, identified in the subsequent verse (5:8) as “wickedness.” The angelic messenger explains that the ephah represents “their resemblance through all the earth,” and in verse 7 declares, “This is that curse that goeth forth over the whole land; for after that it is fulfilled, the land shall be desolate.” Thus the ephah symbolizes a pervasive curse or wickedness that spreads throughout the nation.
Interpretation
The vision serves as a stark warning about the consequences of unrighteousness. It illustrates that wickedness is not confined to a single locale but is carried outward, affecting the entire land. The imagery emphasizes the breadth of the curse rather than a literal commercial activity, underscoring the far‑reaching impact of sin when the people persist in disobedience.
Application
Believers are reminded of the seriousness of sin and the need for spiritual vigilance. The passage calls us to live righteously, resist temptation, and pursue repentance. It encourages a commitment to holiness, recognizing that unchecked wickedness can spread and bring desolation.
Related Scripture
Themes of judgment and the fate of Judah appear in Jeremiah 24:1‑10, where two baskets of figs represent the good and the wicked among the nation, echoing the ephah’s symbolism.
Conclusion
Zechariah 5:6‑8 uses the ephah to convey the pervasive nature of sin and the urgent need for righteousness, urging the people of God to turn from wickedness and embrace holy living.
