Introduction: At this point the series of visions takes a sharp turn from that which heretofore has been comforting, to a stern warning that the Lord is a holy God and cannot tolerate evil. If the people continue to sin, they shall be visited with severe punishments. This thought has an application to the immediate context, but also portrays the unsparing destruction of sinners during the Tribulation as well as the rigid judicial and governmental administration of the millennium itself.

God has promised restoration to the nation Israel, but He must deal with unrepentant sinners before the period of blessing can dawn.

I. THE VISION:

The vision centers around a flying roll which appears to be an instrument of judgment. By comparing scripture it is easy to determine exactly what a roll is. (Isa. 8:1; Jeremiah 36; Ezekiel 2, 3) all tell us that a roll is what we would call a scroll, or something to write on. The roll of Zechariah's vision was not wound up but unrolled or spread open, like a huge sheet. That the roll was unwound appears from the fact that it was inscribed on both sides, which could only be ascertained if it were unrolled.

The dimensions of the roll are 10 by 20 cubits, or approximately 15 x 30 feet. It is interesting to note that this is the exact same size of the porch on Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:3). I have no idea what it means - but I'm certain some "theolog" can come up with something.

II. THE MEANING OF THE VISION:

A. The Curse - Since the curse is one that encompasses the whole earth it must be dispensationally placed in the Tribulation (Malachi 4:5,6). Daniel 9 deals with a curse (Daniel 9:11) that is poured out upon Israel because they have disobeyed God's commandments. The last part of the chapter identifies the time as the 70 weeks.

B. The Reason For The Curse - It is obvious that a willful violation of God's commandments is the issue. It is interesting to notice that the two commandments focused upon are the third and eighth, which happen to be the middle ones of each table of stone (Exodus 31:18). This may be why these were chosen - to be representative of the entire law.

A detailed description of the kind of swearing-and stealing that God probably has in mind here is given in Matthew 23:16-27.

C. The Instrument Of The Curse - The roll must be a picture of the Word of God which can include the "seven eyes" of God (Zechariah 3:9; 4:10) "which run to and fro through the whole earth." The Word of God "is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword." A sword can "cut off." How we underestimate the power of that Book!

D. The Result Of The Curse - The "cutting off" seems to include a consuming of the timber and stones of the cursed man's house. This finds some parallel application in Revelation 5 and 6 where a seven sealed "book" brings a curse upon the earth. Zechariah five is undoubtedly some early insight into (Revelation 6:14-17).