The book of Zechariah, one of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, is rich with visions and symbolic imagery that often require careful interpretation. One of the intriguing and enigmatic visions is found in Zechariah 5:5-11, where the prophet sees a woman in a basket (ephah) being carried away by two women with wings. This vision has puzzled scholars and believers alike, prompting the question: Who are the two women with wings in Zechariah 5?
To understand this vision, it is essential to consider the broader context of Zechariah's prophecies and the symbolic nature of his visions. Zechariah was a prophet during the post-exilic period, around 520-518 B.C., when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. His prophecies were meant to encourage the people and provide them with divine insight into God's plans for Israel's restoration and future.
In Zechariah 5:5-11, the vision unfolds as follows:
"Then the angel who talked with me came forward and said to me, 'Lift your eyes and see what this is that goes out.' And I said, 'What is it?' He said, 'This is the basket that is going out.' And he said, 'This is their iniquity in all the land.' And behold, the leaden cover was lifted, and there was a woman sitting in the basket! And he said, 'This is Wickedness.' And he thrust her back into the basket and thrust down the leaden weight on its opening. Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, two women coming forward! The wind was in their wings. They had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven. Then I said to the angel who talked with me, 'Where are they taking the basket?' He said to me, 'To the land of Shinar, to build a house for it. And when this is prepared, they will set the basket down there on its base.'" (Zechariah 5:5-11, ESV)
The vision begins with a basket (ephah) representing iniquity or wickedness in the land. Inside the basket is a woman identified as "Wickedness." This personification of wickedness is significant, as it symbolizes the pervasive sin and moral corruption among the people. The leaden cover, a heavy weight, is used to contain the wickedness, indicating the seriousness and gravity of sin.
The focus then shifts to the two women with wings like those of a stork, who come forward to carry the basket away. The stork, known for its large wings and migratory nature, is often associated with swiftness and strength. The fact that these women have wings like a stork suggests their ability to swiftly and powerfully accomplish their task.
The identity of these two women is not explicitly stated in the text, leading to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest that the two women represent agents of God, tasked with removing wickedness from the land. Their wings and the wind propelling them indicate divine empowerment and direction. This interpretation aligns with the broader theme of Zechariah's visions, where God is actively working to purify and restore His people.
The destination of the basket is also significant. The women are taking it to the land of Shinar, which is another name for Babylon. In biblical symbolism, Babylon often represents a place of exile, judgment, and opposition to God. By sending the basket to Shinar, the vision suggests that wickedness is being removed from Israel and sent back to its place of origin, a land associated with rebellion against God. This act of removal underscores God's commitment to purifying His people and establishing righteousness in the land.
The building of a house for the basket in Shinar further symbolizes the containment and isolation of wickedness. It implies that wickedness will be confined and will no longer have a place among God's people. This imagery resonates with the broader biblical theme of God's ultimate victory over sin and evil.
To delve deeper into the theological implications, it is helpful to consider parallel passages and themes in Scripture. For example, in Revelation 18, Babylon is depicted as a symbol of ultimate wickedness and is destined for destruction. The removal of wickedness to Babylon in Zechariah's vision foreshadows the final judgment and eradication of evil in the eschatological future.
Additionally, the vision of the two women with wings can be seen in light of other biblical instances where God uses agents, whether human or angelic, to accomplish His purposes. In Isaiah 6:6-7, a seraphim touches Isaiah's lips with a burning coal to purify him. In Daniel 10:13, the angel Michael assists another angel in spiritual warfare. These examples illustrate that God often employs intermediaries to execute His will, and the two women in Zechariah's vision can be understood in this light.
The vision also carries a message of hope and encouragement for Zechariah's contemporaries. The removal of wickedness signifies that God is actively working to cleanse and restore His people. It reassures them that their efforts to rebuild the Temple and reestablish their community are part of a larger divine plan. God's commitment to purifying His people is a source of strength and motivation for them to pursue holiness and righteousness.
In conclusion, the two women with wings in Zechariah 5:5-11 are symbolic figures representing agents of God tasked with removing wickedness from the land. Their wings, like those of a stork, signify swiftness and strength, and their mission to carry the basket of wickedness to Shinar (Babylon) underscores God's intention to purify His people and isolate sin. This vision, rich with symbolic meaning, aligns with the broader themes of Zechariah's prophecies and the biblical narrative of God's ultimate victory over evil. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's active role in cleansing and restoring His people, offering hope and encouragement to all who seek to live in righteousness.
