Repentance and Faith

³ Then he (interpreting or messenger) said to me (Zechariah), “This scroll contains the curse that is going out over the entire land. One side of the scroll says that those who steal will be banished from the land; the other side says that those who swear falsely (liars) will be banished from the land. ⁴ And this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: I am sending this curse into the house of every thief and into the house of everyone who swears falsely using My Name. And My curse will remain in that house and completely destroy it — even its timbers and stones.” Zechariah 5:3-4, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

In Zechariah chapter 5, the prophet Zechariah is once again visited by a messenger angel from the living LORD God of all the earth (see Zechariah 4:14). Throughout Zechariah’s prophecy, the prophet Zechariah has a series of visions, and the living LORD God sends His messenger angel to Zechariah to explain the meaning of these divine visions (e.g., see Zechariah 1:9, 13-14, 19, 21; Zechariah 2:2-3; Zechariah 3:1; Zechariah 5:5, 10; Zechariah 6:4-6). Zechariah chapter 5 contains two additional divine visions.

In the first vision of chapter 5, the prophet Zechariah looked up and sees a large scroll flying or floating in midair (Zechariah 5:1; see also Revelation 5:1; Revelation 10:2). The messenger angel asked Zechariah, “What do you see?” (Zechariah 5:2; see also Zechariah 4:2). Zechariah informed the messenger angel the flying unrolled scroll appeared to be about thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide (see Zechariah 5:2). Some biblical scholars have noted the heavenly scroll’s size has similar dimensions to the Temple’s porch (e.g., see Exodus 26:15-25; 1 Kings 6:3). Other biblical scholars have noted that the scroll was like a banner for the whole world to see.

Then, the messenger angel informed Zechariah the flying scroll represented the words and warnings of the living LORD God going out over the entire land (Zechariah 5:3; see also Psalm 147:15; Isaiah 55:11). Similarly, the living LORD God of the whole earth instructed His servant Jeremiah to dictate His Word on a scroll to Baruch concerning Israel, Judah, and all the other nations so that each person would turn from their wicked ways, and then He would forgive their wickedness and sins (Jeremiah 36:1-4, 6-8, 10, 14, 17-18, 28-29; see also Matthew 3:2, 8, 10; Matthew 4:17). Also, the prophet Ezekiel received the living LORD God’s Word on a scroll to warn the people to stop their evildoing and rebellion (see Ezekiel 2:4-5, 7-10).

The living LORD God revealed to Zechariah that the world was cursed because the people violated His instructions and commandments; therefore, the people were now subject to His divine wrath, and punishment (Zechariah 5:3; see also e.g., Deuteronomy 28:15; Deuteronomy 29:25-28; Psalm 119:21; Isaiah 24:5-6; Romans 1:18, 28-31). The Holy Scriptures are clear: the living LORD God blesses and gives His life to those who OBEY His good commands, but He curses and gives eternal death to those who disobey His commands (voice) (e.g., see Leviticus 26:14-17; Deuteronomy 11:26-28; Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; 2 Chronicles 24:20; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Hosea 4:1-3; Zechariah 3:7; Matthew 19:18; Mark 10:17-19; Luke 8:15, 21; Luke 11:28; Luke 18:20; John 15:9-10, 12; Romans 13:9). A call of faithfulness and obedience to the living LORD God and His moral commands are repeated throughout the Holy Scriptures (e.g., Matthew 6:33)!

The vision of Zechariah confirms all who steals and lies will be judged, cursed, and sentenced to death (Zechariah 5:3; see also Exodus 20:7, 15-16; Leviticus 19:11, 13, 18; Psalm 63:11; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15). The living LORD God declares that He is sending this curse into the home of every thief and everyone who swears falsely by His Name (Zechariah 5:4; see also Exodus 20:7; Exodus 22:28; Leviticus 19:11-13; Isaiah 48:1; Matthew 5:33). Moreover, the living LORD God promises His curse and wrath shall remain upon the home of every unrepented thief, deceiver, blasphemer, and liar until their home is destroyed (Zechariah 5:4; see also Proverbs 3:33; Malachi 3:5; Colossians 3:5-6).

The Holy Scriptures are clear: the living LORD God of the whole earth wants EVERYONE to follow His good example and speak the truth and NOT plot evil, steal, defraud, nor speak lies and falsehood because He such behaviors are those of Satan (Zechariah 8:16-17; see also Psalm 15:2; Proverbs 6:16-19; Jeremiah 5:1-3; Ephesians 4:25, 28). Satan and his evil alliances are adulterers, liars, thieves, tempters, murderers, and filled with every trickery and falsehood that leads people astray from the true and living God and His moral commandments (e.g., see Matthew 4:1-2, 10; Matthew 7:15-16, 23; John 10:10; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:2-3, 7-8, 10).

Sadly, the judgments and curses of the flying scroll from the living LORD God are upon anyone violates God's commandments specifically by stealing, deceiving, and lying (see Zechariah 5:1-4). As much as everyone likes to focus on God's love and mercy, His anger and judgment are also part of His righteous character (e.g., see Exodus 34:5-7). If one has unconfessed and habitual sin in your life, JESUS calls everyone to REPENT and TURN AWAY from such evils (e.g., see Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15). REPENTANCE and CONFESSION bring God's mercy, restoration, and grace, but refusing to repent invites His curses and wrath (e.g., see Deuteronomy 30:1-3; 1 John 1:9). Yet, the living LORD God gives His eternal life, joy, and blessings to those who obey His commandments (e.g., see Psalm 119:1-2, 35; Matthew 19:16-19).

The living LORD God wants EVERYONE to put off falsehood and speak truthfully to our neighbors, for we are all members of one body (e.g., see Exodus 23:1-3; Deuteronomy 5:20; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 19:18; Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 4:15, 25; Colossians 3:9). Moreover, the living LORD God commands EVERYONE to stop stealing and defrauding others but work, doing something useful with our hands, that we may have something to share with those in need (e.g., see Exodus 23:4; Deuteronomy 5:19; Zechariah 8:17; Ephesians 4:28). Finally, the living LORD God wants NO nasty, angry, and gossipy talk coming out of our mouths, but only what helps encourage and build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (e.g., see Ephesians 4:29-31; Colossians 3:8).

Even more, the living LORD God wants EVERYONE to honor, love, and respect Him and His Name – Yahweh (e.g., see Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 22:37). Curses and divine wrath come to those who misuse, defile, and dishonor the living LORD God and His Name (e.g., see Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11; Jeremiah 5:1-3). Importantly, the living LORD God’s Name must ONLY be used in the highest honor, truth, and righteousness and NOT in falsehood, deceit, and lies (e.g., see Isaiah 48:1; Matthew 5:33-37). The Holy Scriptures are clear: NEVER swear falsely by the living LORD God’s Name because such falsehood profanes the Name of God (e.g., Leviticus 19:12; Deuteronomy 5:11). Sadly, the evil one and his evil minions profane the living LORD God’s Name and His commandments (e.g., see Psalm 139:20; John 10:10; Revelation 13:1; Revelation 17:3). 

The living LORD God is holy and good, and He wants ALL PEOPLE – His creation – to reflect His holiness and goodness on the earth (e.g., see Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Psalm 119:68; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Peter 1:15-16). The living LORD God’s holiness and goodness are reflected in His creation as follows:

·         Honor and respect for one’s mother and father;

·         Never turning to idols or falsehood gods;

·         Caring for the poor and needy;

·         Being humble and not arrogant;

·         Not stealing nor dealing falsely and deceptively with others;

·         Not lying to one another;

·         Never swearing by the living LORD God’s Name falsely;

·         Not defrauding one’s neighbor nor robbing our neighbor;

·         Paying our workers on-time;

·         Not cursing the deaf nor putting a stumbling block before the blind;

·         Doing no injustice in court but being fair to ALL people – the poor and rich alike;

·         Never going around slandering, gossiping, and insulting others;

·         Not hating another in our hearts nor taking vengeance or bearing a grudge against another but loving one another as ourselves;

·         Staying away from greed and envy;

·         NEVER murdering nor harming others;

·         Not committing adultery and fleeing sexual sins;

·         Not eating any flesh with the blood;

·         Never interpreting omens or telling fortunes;

·         Not making any cuts on our bodies for the dead or tattooing ourselves;

·         Keeping the LORD’s Sabbaths and reverencing His sanctuary;

·         NEVER turning to mediums, witches, or necromancers nor seeking out sorcerers, magicians, and wizards;

·         Respecting and honoring the elderly;

·         Never taking bribes and kickbacks;

·         Doing no wrong, harm, nor mistreatment of aliens, strangers living with you in our land but treating aliens and foreigners as a native among you; and

·         Use fair and honest scales, weights, and measures.

(e.g., see Exodus 20:3-23:19; Leviticus 19:3-37; Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Deuteronomy 18:9-13; Deuteronomy 24:19-21; Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 12:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-20; Ephesians 5:1-7; Colossians 3:5-9; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15).

Next, the messenger angel left Zechariah for a while, but he returned and said to Zechariah, “Lift your eyes, and see what this is that goes forth” Zechariah 5:5, Revised Standard Version). Zechariah could see something traveling through the sky (Zechariah 5:5; see also Zechariah 5:1, 9; Zechariah 6:1). Zechariah asked the messenger angel, “What is it?” (see Zechariah 5:6). The messenger angel informed Zechariah the flying object was a bushel basket (Zechariah 5:6; see also Leviticus 19:36). Some biblical translations refer to the bushel basket in verses 7 through 11 as a measuring basket or an “ephah,” which is 3/5 of a bushel or 22 liters used separate grains all collected together.

Sadly, the bushel basket was filled with the sin or iniquity prevailing everywhere throughout the whole land (see Zechariah 5:6). Some biblical translation said the bushel basket was filled with “an eye” or “an appearance” in all the land. During this time, the people of Israel and Judah – including their leaders, priests, judges, and prophets – were cheating, lying, unjust, violent, and deceptive in their dealings with others, particularly with the poor, widows, and foreigners (e.g., see Isaiah 1:23; Jeremiah 7:2-11; Jeremiah 9:3-6; Ezekiel 22:6-12; Ezekiel 45:9-10; Hosea 12:7; Amos 8:5-6; Micah 6:10-12; Zephaniah 3:1-4). These people had an “appearance” of good on the outside, but inwardly they were hypocrites and filled with greed, wickedness, and bad fruit (e.g., see Matthew 3:7-10; Matthew 7:15-23; Matthew 23:25-28; Mark 14:1, 10-11).

From the beginning, the living LORD God commanded His people to be good, honest, merciful, and fair in ALL dealings with others and NEVER use dishonesty, favoritism, and deceitful standards (e.g., see Genesis 6:9; Genesis 17:1; Exodus 23:2-3, 6-9; Leviticus 19:15, 35; Deuteronomy 16:18-19; Deuteronomy 24:17-18; Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 23:23-24; James 2:8-9). The living LORD God wanted His people to be truthful, fair, and honest with one another (e.g., see Leviticus 19:36; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3; Micah 6:6-8). All such trickery, deception, and falsehood against any person – whether rich, poor, young or old – were wicked to the living LORD God (e.g., see Deuteronomy 25:16; Proverbs 11:1).

Next, Zechariah saw a heavy lead covering the bushel basket and the lead was lifted off (see Zechariah 5:7). Zechariah could see a woman sitting inside the basket (see Zechariah 5:7). The messenger angel informed Zechariah the woman is called “wickedness” (Zechariah 5:8; see also Revelation 17:5). Some biblical translations refer to the woman as “lawlessness.” Then, the messenger angel pushed the woman back into the basket and clamped down the heavy lid (see Zechariah 5:8).

Afterward, the prophet Zechariah saw two women flying toward him and the messenger angel (see Zechariah 5:9). The wind was in the two women’s wings, and they had wings like those of a stork (see Zechariah 5:9). The two flying women took the basket with the wicked woman and flew off high into the sky between earth and heaven (see Zechariah 5:9). Zechariah asked the messenger angel where the two flying women were taking the wicked woman (see Zechariah 5:10). The messenger angel announced to Zechariah the two flying women were taking the wicked woman to Babylon (also known as Shinar) (Zechariah 5:11; see also Genesis 11:1-9). In Babylon, the flying woman would build a temple (some translations say house or shrine) for the wicked woman; and when the temple is prepared, the wicked woman will be set there on her own pedestal (see Zechariah 5:11).

In the Holy Scriptures, the ancient city of Babylon along with Assyria is first mentioned in Genesis 10:10-11 as a part of Nimrod’s empire (see Genesis 10:8-12). Nimrod is called “a mighty warrior on the earth” and “a mighty hunter before the LORD” (see Genesis 10:8-9). The famous Tower of Babel was built in Shinar as humanities’ prideful and idolatrous attempt to dethrone the living God (see Genesis 11:1-9). Throughout the Holy Scriptures, Babylon symbolized humanities’ self-reliance and hostility against the living LORD God, concluding in the vivid destruction of Babylon in Revelation chapters 17-18 (see also Jeremiah 50:1-51:64.)

Amazingly, the Apostle John in the book of Revelation has a similar vision of the wicked woman named “Babylon” (see Revelation 17:1-5). The wicked woman committed adultery and murder, spoke against the living LORD God, and she was filled with all kinds of unclean (evil) spirits (see Revelation 17:2-4, 6; Revelation 18:2-3, 9). However, that wicked woman was destroyed by her own evil partners, proving that Satan only comes to kill, steal, and destroy people, even the people that serve him (Revelation 17:16-17; Revelation 18:7-8, 10; 19-20; see also John 10:10). Even more important, Revelation 17 reveals the living LORD God controls evil and will destroy all sins (Revelation 17:17; see also Jeremiah 50:41-42; Jeremiah 51:7-8). Here is the Good News: The Lamb of God triumphed over the wicked woman and her evil alliance (see John 16:33; Revelation 14:8; Revelation 17:14). The Lamb is Lord of lords and King of kings — and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers (Revelation 17:14; see also Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 10:36). 

Some biblical scholars argued this wicked woman in Zechariah’s vision showed that wickedness and evil would not only be punished by the living LORD God (the vision of the flying scroll) but He would also graciously banish and destroy evil from the earth (Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 5:6-11; see also Hosea 9:15). Other scholars suggest the wicked woman reveal evil being removed from Israel and Judah and taken to Babylon – the land of idolatry (e.g., see Daniel 1:2). The land of Babylonia (which is now modern-day Iran and Iraq) had become a symbol for the center of world idolatry and wickedness.

The Holy Scriptures are clear: the living LORD God will one day remove ALL sin and wickedness from the entire earth, and there will be a new heaven and new earth (e.g., see Revelation 21:1-22:5, 14-15). At His first coming, the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) died on Calvary’s Cross as the Lamb of God to forgive our sins and remove sin’s power and penalty through faith in Him (e.g., see Matthew 26:27-28; John 1:29, 36; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 5:6-8; Revelation 5:4-14). When the Lord Jesus Christ returns, He will finally remove ALL sin from the earth!  

Afterward, the prophet Zechariah sees another vision. Zechariah looked up again and saw four chariots coming from between what looked like two immovable mountains made of brass or bronze (Zechariah 6:1; see also 2 Kings 2:11-12). Red horses pulled the first chariot (Zechariah 6:2; see also Zechariah 1:8; Revelation 6:4).  Black horses pulled the second chariot (Zechariah 6:2; see also Revelation 6:5-6). White horses pulled the third chariot (Zechariah 6:2; see also Revelation 1:8). Significantly, in the book of Revelation, the Rider of the white horse held a bow (see Revelation 6:1-2). Moreover, the Rider of the white horse was given a crown, and He rode out as a Conqueror bent on conquest (Zechariah 6:11-12; see also Revelation 6:2; Revelation 14:14; Revelation 19:11-16). Strong dappled-gray horses pulled the fourth and final chariot (Zechariah 6:3; see also Revelation 6:8).

Then, Zechariah asked the messenger angel the meaning of these four chariots (Zechariah 6:4; see also Zechariah 1:9). The messenger angel informed Zechariah these four horsemen are the four spirits or winds of heaven who stand before the living LORD God of all the earth, and they go out to do His work (Zechariah 6:5; see also Psalm 104:4; Ezekiel 37:9; Daniel 7:2; Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1-3). The living LORD God is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient, and He ranges and patrols throughout His earth by His gracious Spirit (Zechariah 1:8-10; see also e.g., 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 33:13-15, 18; Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 16:17; 1 Peter 3:12). Zechariah’s vision assures us that the living LORD God is in control!

Subsequently in Zechariah’s vision, the chariots went in three different directions. The chariot pulled by the black horses went toward the northern country (see Zechariah 6:6, 8). The chariot pulled by white horses went west, while the dappled-gray horses went south (Zechariah 6:6; see also Zechariah 9:14). The powerful and strong horses were eager to set out, and the living LORD God sent the horses to patrol the whole earth (Zechariah 6:7; see also Zechariah 1:10). Significantly, the LORD summoned Zechariah and said, “Look, those going toward the north country have given My Spirit rest in the land of the north” (see Zechariah 6:8, New International Version).

The Holy Scriptures speak of the living LORD God’s angels as spirits or winds that represent the living LORD God’s Presence and control in the world (Zechariah 6:5; see also Ezekiel 37:9; Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1). These angels or winds are servants of the living LORD God of all the earth, and they stand in His very Presence (e.g., see 1 Kings 22:19; Job 1:6; Psalm 103:21; Psalm 104:4; Matthew 18:10; Luke 1:19; Hebrews 1:7). Moreover, the living LORD God sends His angelic army as ministering spirits to serve and protect those who will inherit His salvation (e.g., see Psalm 34:7; Psalm 68:17; Psalm 91:11; Hebrews 1:14). The angels of the living LORD God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands (e.g., see Psalm 68:17; Daniel 7:10; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 5:11). This angelic fiery and whirlwind army is referenced during such places as Elijah’s departure to heaven and again protecting Elisha from the Syrian army (e.g., see 2 Kings 2:11-12; 2 Kings 6:17). The Good News is that believers can enter the very Presence of the living LORD God through our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 4:14-16).

Even more, the vision of the four horsemen was like the four horsemen in chapter one (see Zechariah 1:8-12). In the opening chapters, Zechariah had a vision of the Angel of the LORD leading a heavenly army or cavalry astride red, brown, and white horses, and this heavenly army patrolled and walked the earth for the LORD God (Zechariah 1:8-12; see also Zechariah 6:2-8). Incredibly, the book of Revelation also references these heavenly horsemen (see Revelation 6:2-8). The Holy Scriptures speak of the living LORD God as “the LORD of Hosts” because He is the Leader of His powerful angelic army or heavenly court that patrols throughout His earth and carries out His orders (Zechariah 6:2-8; see also e.g., Deuteronomy 33:2; 1 Kings 22:19; Job 1:6-7; Job 2:1-2; Daniel 7:9-10).

Some biblical scholars argue the flying scroll from Zechariah 5 represents the Law of God that brings a curse on all who disobeys His Law (e.g., see Deuteronomy 27:26; Galatians 3:10; James 2:10). However, the living LORD God graciously and lovely gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to redeem, adopt, and save us from the curse of the Law by becoming the curse for us on Calvary’s Cross – Good Friday (e.g., see Deuteronomy 21:23; Acts 5:29-30; Romans 3:24-25; Romans 5:6-11; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:4-7). Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, His Father – the living LORD God – exalted His Son Jesus to sit at His right hand as Prince and Savior that He (Jesus) might bring salvation and forgiveness of sins through REPENTANCE and FAITH in Him (Jesus) (e.g., see Matthew 1:21; Mark 1:4; Luke 2:10-11; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 5:31-32; Acts 10:43). Through faith in Jesus, the living LORD God forgives ALL our sins (e.g., see Acts 13:38; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). The living LORD God graciously forgives our sins, which brings His wrath and curses, when we turned to His Son Jesus for forgiveness of sins (e.g., see 1 John 2:12). Through His gracious forgiveness, the Lord Jesus commands us to sin no more and walk in the Light (John 5:14; John 8:11; see also Romans 6:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8)! Our continued sins will lead to death and the living LORD God’s wrath and vengeance (e.g., see Romans 6:23; Jude 14-15). The Lord Jesus bore our sins in His body on Calvary’s Cross, so that we might die to darkness and sin and live righteous, holy, and good lives for God’s glory, while NEVER harming or hurting others (e.g., see Ecclesiastes 3:12; Romans 6:2, 19, 22; Romans 12:19-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 9-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 2:24-25). Through our faith in Jesus, we are all children of God and all one in Christ Jesus (e.g., see John 1:12-13; Galatians 3:26-29).

Now that we have forgiven of our sins through faith in Jesus, many will ask what about the Law! Everyone who BELIEVES IN JESUS is declared right (justification) by His Father, the living LORD God — something the Law of Moses could never do (e.g., see Acts 13:39; Romans 3:20-22, 28; Romans 8:3-4; Galatians 2:16). However, the Law of God reveals and teaches what is sin and wickedness (e.g., see Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7; 2 Peter 2:19). Even more, we receive life through our obedience to the Law, which are summarized in the Ten Commandments and explained in the Book of the Covenant (see Exodus 20:1-23:19; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Matthew 19:17-19; Matthew 23:1-3; Mark 10:17-19; Luke 8:15, 21; Luke 11:28; Luke 18:19-20; John 15:9-10, 12; Romans 13:9). The Law of God is good and holy (e.g., see Romans 7:12, 16; 1 Timothy 1:8-9). All the Law and the Prophets are summed up by Jesus: LOVE GOD AND LOVE ANOTHER (e.g., see Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; John 15:9-10, 17; James 2:8). For clarity, in the New Testament the Jewish people also had another set of rules – the laws and traditions of the elders that were NOT biblical and Jesus condemned obedience to these man-made or human rules, rituals, and ceremonies – legalism while neglecting the commandments of God (Matthew 15:2, 8-9; Mark 7:3, 5-9, 13; see also Isaiah 29:13; Galatians 1:14; Colossians 2:8, 20-23).

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – Old Testament (Victor Books, 1989).