Zechariah (5)

Here's the next installment on Zechariah. 

Our text is Zechariah Chapter 5 – more visions!

Definition: an ephah is about a bushel, or a cubic foot – so we can think in terms of a bushel basket and not be too far off.

In 5:1 – 4 is a vision of judgment on those who “swear falsely” by “My Name”. As with many images in Zechariah the image of a scroll is found elsewhere in the Bible: Revelation 10:1 – 11; Ezekiel 2:8 – 3:3; Revelation 5:1 – 2.

I think there is a sense in which the “whole land” in Zechariah 5:3 is likely the land of Judah/Israel rather than necessarily the “whole earth” in a global sense. I think this because of the emphasis on swearing falsely by the Name of the Lord – that seems to narrow it down to those who are aware of the God of Israel and His Law and Covenant. It also is in line with God holding His Covenant People (whether that is Israel or later the Church) accountable.

Peter makes the point (1 Peter 5:17) that “judgement begins with the household of God”. And of course in Revelation chapters 2 – 3, Jesus holds the Seven Churches accountable and speaks judgement to five of the seven – God does hold us accountable – if we pollute His Temple, His Church, we will be judged. God’s Temple is not some kind of religious frat house. 

The land of Shinar is the land of Babylon; we see Babylon, Babel, Shinar throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis 10:10 and 11:1 – 9 and culminating in Revelation 14:8, and Revelation chapters 17 and 18. Babylon, as portrayed in the Bible, is much more than a city or a land or a nation – it is a religious (Revelation 17) and economic (Revelation 18) system that prostitutes itself that is found in generation after generation and which Christ will destroy. It seduces God’s people, it deceives the nations, and as it is styled in Zechariah 5:8, it is “Wickedness”.

In Zechariah Chapter 5 and in Revelation Chapter 17 we see a woman associated with Babylon. Please read Revelation 17 – how is the “woman” characterized?

Why might a woman be used to characterize Babylon and not a man?

If you go to Bible Gateway or use a concordance you’ll see Babylon mentioned a number of times in the Bible – it really is a major Biblical thread. In one sense we can think of Babylon as a Satanic system that is the opposite of the Church. The Church is the Bride of Christ, Babylon is the Great Whore of Satan. The Church is called to be monogamous with Christ, Babylon’s goal is to have us prostitute ourselves. When we do prostitute ourselves we are unfaithful to our Husband, Jesus Christ.

Babylon is always trying to seduce the Church and to bring it into captivity – this was the case with ancient Israel and Judah and this has been the case with the Church. Remember, the epistles were written, in part, to correct heresy, unfaithfulness, and spiritual prostitution.

Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah…these books were written, in part, to show us what it can be like to leave Babylon and rebuild the City and Temple of God. But note the opposition that God’s people encountered, and note that no sooner had they returned from Babylon that many of them once again were prostituting themselves with the surrounding idolatrous culture. It seems to never end.

Because the dance of Babylon is usually seductive, we often don’t know when we’re falling under its influence…because it appeals to our egos and desire for more, more, more; it appeals to our desire for the easy way as opposed to the Cross of Christ; it makes us think that we’ll feel good if we just go with the flow.

Babylon presents us with many temptations, including economic temptations – just take a look at Revelation Chapter 18 – when money is the arbiter of life, both for the individual and for a nation, we are probably in the arms of Babylon…just saying.

When the professing-church cares more about economics and feeling good than about a pure relationship with Jesus Christ, a sacrificial relationship with Jesus Christ, about its mission to the people of the world…well then…we’re probably in Babylon.

When the professing-church no longer is in submission to the Scriptures, when we are no longer reading and learning and praying and sharing the Scriptures, when we allow the surrounding culture to interpret the Scriptures…then we’re probably in Babylon.

When we make Jesus Christ into our image, when we accommodate Him to the world and to our lusts, our wants, our desires; when we make Jesus our sugar daddy…then we’re probably in Babylon.

And note that in Revelation 17:2, 7 and 16 the Whore has a relationship with governments of the earth but that eventually they will destroy her as wickedness reaches a crescendo. We ought to be careful…very careful…when we see religious leaders and their followers prostituting themselves with centers of political, economic, and military power. Are we citizens of heaven or lackeys of the world?  

Please read Proverbs Chapter 9 – what do you see? How does Proverbs 9 help us think about the Bride of Christ and about Babylon? (You might also want to read the lead-up chapter, Proverbs 8).

Have you experienced Babylon in your life? How? How do you guard against it? How can we help one another guard against it? How can we help our churches guard against it?

Love,

Bob