As stated in previous Updates, (361, 360 and 359) when discussing Zechariah’s visions of the “woman in the basket,” the “flying scroll” and “the four chariots,” as recorded in the fifth and sixth chapters, Zechariah’s visions must be viewed, foremost, as containing prophecies for us today and our immediate future.

Zechariah 1:18-21 states:

“(18) Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were four horns. (19) And I said to the angel who talked with me, ‘What are these?’ So he answered me, ‘These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.’ (20) Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen. (21) And I said, ‘What are these coming to do?’ So he said, ‘These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head; but the craftsmen are coming to terrify them, to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.'”

While some commentaries understand this vision as strictly symbolic with no historical or prophetic meaning attached to the specific nature and identity of the four horns (compare the Broadman Bible Commentary), most commentaries agree that the four horns represent four kingdoms or powers (compare Daniel 7:7, 8, 24; Revelation 17:12) which fight against the house of Judah, the city of Jerusalem and the house of Israel. However, very few seem to understand that the vision does not only relate to the time of Zechariah, but that it is foremost discussing events in the end time. Failing to appreciate this, they are bound to misidentify the real nature of the four horns.

For example, the Ryrie Study Bible writes that the four horns describe the “power of Gentile nations (perhaps Assyria, Egypt, Babylonia, and Medo-Persia specifically) which afflicted and scattered Israel.” This understanding is echoed in The Life Application Bible. A similar, howbeit equally wrong interpretation is offered by The Nelson Study Bible, stating, “The horns that persecuted Israel and Judah included Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia and later Greece.”

A better explanation is given by Unger’s Bible Handbook. That commentary seems to understand the prophetic end-time significance of the prophecy. It states regarding the four horns that they “represent hostile nations, i.e., the four great world powers of the times of the Gentiles (cf. [Daniel] 2:37-45; 7:2-8, 17-28), namely, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome (the latter to be revived at the end time, [Daniel] 2:42-44; 7:7, 8, 20; [Revelation] 13:1).”

A similar interpretation is offered by Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, stating: “But the Spirit in the prophet looked farther; viz., to the four world powers, the only ones which were, or are, to rise till the kingdom of the Messiah, the fifth, overthrows and absorbs all others in its universal dominion. Babylon and Medo-Persia alone had as yet risen, but soon Graeco-Macedonia was to succeed…, and Rome the fourth and last, was to follow… The fact that the repairing of the evils caused to Judah and Israel by all four kingdoms is spoken of here proves that the exhaustive fulfillment is yet future.”

However, even these last two explanations do not capture the full significance of Zechariah’s vision for end-time events still ahead of us. It is true that the Bible foretold the existence of four world-ruling empires (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome), and also prophesied that the ancient Roman Empire would be revived ten times throughout history, culminating in the tenth and final revival just prior to Christ’s return.

It does not appear that the four horns refer to ancient powers which have long come and gone; rather, the emphasis is primarily directed at four powers in existence at the time of Christ’s return, which will have turned against the modern descendants of the houses of Israel and Judah–as well as spiritual Israel and Judah, the Church of God–and which will have been instrumental in a future occupation and destruction of the city of Jerusalem. (For more information as to the identity of the modern houses of Israel and Judah, please read our free booklet, “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America.”)

We need to realize that the Bible speaks of “ten horns” or ten kings or kingdoms, as existing contemporaneously in the future, and which will give their power and authority to a charismatic political and military leader (“the beast”) for a very short time (Revelation 17:12-13). However, these ten horns–symbolizing kings or kingdoms–are not totally united in approach and goal, and some will be more powerful and influential than others. In the book of Daniel, we read that these last ten kings will be “partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron,” showing that the last “kingdom shall be divided… [and] be partly strong and partly fragile… [and] they will not adhere to one another” (Daniel 2: 41-43). It is therefore likely that some–apparently four–of the ten future kings or kingdoms will be more powerful than the rest and instrumental in persecuting and attacking modern physical and spiritual Israel and Judah.

It is also possible that one of the four horns refers to the “kingdom” (compare Daniel 2:41) of the last revival of the ancient Roman Empire, consisting of ten nations or groups of nations, which will be led by the “beast.” The other three “horns” could then refer to three most powerful allies of the Beast power, which will fight together with the Beast power (the revived Roman Empire) against physical and spiritual Israel. An end-time confederacy of several nations against Israel is described in Psalm 83:5-8. Besides “Assyria”–a reference to modern Germany which will lead the coming last revival of the ancient Roman Empire–countries like Edom (Turkey), Ammon (part of Jordan) and Moab (perhaps part of Iraq) are mentioned (countries which are specifically identified in Daniel 11:41, as not being overthrown by the king of the North or the end-time Beast power).

As is the case with the identity of the four horns, commentaries are equally confused–and perhaps even more so–regarding the identity of the four craftsmen which will “cast out” the four horns who had lifted up “their horn”–signifying agreed-upon single and unified action–against the land of Judah.

A few commentaries suggest that some of the horns turned into the craftsmen. For instance, the Nelson Study Bible writes: “The craftsmen or ‘smiths’ destroyed the horns (v. 19). Historically, Babylon destroyed Assyria, Medo-Persia conquered Babylon, Greece conquered Medo-Persia, and Rome overcame Greece.” Similar, but equally unconvincing, is the explanation in Unger’s Bible Handbook, even though it does allow, at least, for a future end-time fulfillment. It states:

“The Lord then shows the prophet four smiths… These artisans (technicians) symbolize kingdoms which the Lord used to cast down the persecutors of His people Israel. Three of these ‘smiths’ (Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome) were horns, which in turn became smiths. The fourth smith is the kingdom set up by the returning King of [kings] and Lord of lords ([Revelation] 19:16) who destroys the ten-kingdom confederation of the end time ([Daniel] 2:44).”

The problem with this explanation is at least two-fold: First, Zechariah’s vision does not seem to allow for the concept that the horns turn into craftsmen. Rather, we read about four craftsmen who will destroy the four horns. If horns would turn into craftsmen, then–following that rationale–the last or fourth craftsman, allegedly the kingdom of God which Christ will establish here on earth–would have been a prior “horn.”

Secondly, the prophecy deals with the end-time fulfillment of the destruction of all the four horns by the four craftsmen. Contemporaneous horns and craftsmen are described–not one horn following another horn and one craftsman following another craftsman. In other words, at the very end, four existing craftsmen will destroy four existing horns at approximately the same time. Based on this understanding, we must conclude that the four craftsmen are four mighty and powerful angelic beings who will, in unison with Jesus Christ, destroy the four horns which will fight against the modern physical descendants of the houses of Israel and Judah, as well as spiritual Israel and Judah–the Church of God.

We read that Christ will return with His mighty angels to take vengeance on those who persecuted God’s people and who did not obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). We also explained in our last Update (#361) that God will destroy the modern Babylonian system with the help of angels. Our free booklet, “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World,” in more detail the role and function of “warrior” angels –such as the archangel Michael–who assist God with the execution of His judgment over disobedient people and kingdoms.

In conclusion, Zechariah’s vision pertaining to four horns and four craftsmen shows that God and His angels are in charge. When the time has come, they will intervene and destroy all enemies of God and of God’s people. Especially when we apply the vision to Christ’s disciples–spiritual Israel–it should encourage them and give them hope for the future–knowing that God cares for His people and that their blood is precious in His sight.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

As we mentioned in previous Updates (360 and 359) when discussing Zechariah’s visions of the “woman in the basket” and the “flying scroll,” as recorded in the fifth chapter, Zechariah’s visions must be viewed, foremost, as containing prophecies for us today.

In Zechariah 6:1-8, the following is recorded:

“(1) Then I turned and raised my eyes and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of bronze. (2) With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, (3) with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot dappled horses–strong steeds. (4) Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, ‘What are these, my lord?’ (5) And the angel answered and said to me, ‘These are four spirits of heaven, who go out from their station before the LORD of all the earth. (6) The one with the black horses is going to the north country, the white are going after them, and the dappled are going toward the south country.’ (7) Then the strong steeds went out, eager to go, that they might walk to and fro throughout the earth. And He said, ‘Go, walk to and fro throughout the earth.’ So they walked to and fro throughout the earth. (8) And He called to me, and spoke to me, saying, ‘See, those who go toward the north country have given rest to My Spirit in the north country.'”

Many commentaries try to explain this vision by identifying the four chariots and horses as the world-ruling ancient empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Or, they identify them as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, i.e., religious deception, war, famine and disease epidemics. However, in doing so, they miss the entire point of the vision, and replace the clear biblical explanation with human reasoning.

(1) The Bible tells us very distinctly who and what the four horses with their chariots are. Zechariah 6:5 says that they are “four spirits of heaven,” that is, angelic beings. A few commentaries accept this explanation. For instance, Scofield Reference Notes points out:

“That which is symbolized by the four chariots with their horses is not the four world-empires of Daniel, but ‘the four spirits of heaven which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth…’ These ‘spirits’ are angels…”

Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible agrees, stating:

“These are the four spirits of the heavens – They cannot be literal winds: for spirits, not winds, stand before God, as His servants, as in Job, ‘the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord’…”

In our free booklet, “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World,” we have explained at length the fact that the four spirits of heaven, as mentioned in Zechariah 6, are indeed angelic beings. We are setting forth below a few excerpts:

“Some Angels Look Like Horses

“We find additional accounts in the Bible, describing angels as fiery horses. Note, for example, 2 Kings 2:11–12: ‘Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more.’

“A similar account can be found in 2 Kings 6:15–17: ‘And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.’…

“The angel who spoke directly to Zechariah [in chapter 6] is described as a man [compare Zechariah 1:8, 10-11]. The horses walking to and fro throughout the earth are called ‘spirits of heaven.’ They are spirit beings, or angelic beings, that look like horses. In Revelation 5:6, some of those spirit beings are described as ‘seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits [better translated: “spirits” or “spirit beings”] of God sent out into all the earth.’…

“We find another description of angelic beings that look like horses in the famous passage in Revelation 19:11, 14, describing the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. Notice, however, what the Bible actually says in this little-understood passage: ‘Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war… And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.’

“We are told here that Christ and His armies in heaven will come, riding on white horses. These horses must be spirit beings, because they come from heaven down to this earth. The armies in heaven, riding on white horses, are angelic beings that presumably look like men… certain angels are ‘warriors.’ Their main function is to fight the forces of evil. Other angels, like those who look like horses, have different or additional functions, including the task to carry Christ and His warrior angels.”

(2) Since two of the four horses in Zechariah’s vision are sent into the “north country,” special emphasis is placed on its judgment. Most commentaries agree that the “north country,” as referred to in Zechariah 6:6 and 8, speaks of Babylon. The commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown states: “… ‘the north country,’ that is, Babylon…” The commentary adds: “The ‘white’ [horses] go after the ‘black’ horses to the same country [Babylon]; two sets being sent to it because of its greater cruelty and guilt…”

The commentary continues that the “south country” (mentioned in Zechariah 6:6) signifies “Egypt, the other great foe of God’s people.”

(3) We need to remember that the judgment and punishment of Gentile nations, as described in Zechariah’s vision, is mainly of future application.

The “north” country applies to MODERN Babylon, as described in Revelation 17 and 18. In addition, an interesting end-time reference to MODERN Egypt is found in Daniel 11:42-43, stating that “the land of Egypt shall not escape” the king of the North who will have “power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt.”

The Scofiled Reference Notes explains further:

“The vision… speaks of the Lord’s judgments upon the Gentile nations north and south in the day of the Lord…”

The Day of the Lord refers to the time when God begins to intervene actively in human affairs by pouring out His wrath on disobedient humanity–commencing about one year prior to Christ’s return. (For more information, please read our free booklet, “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.” )

Note also the following comments in the Ryrie Study Bible:

“… the vision may also depict the final subjugation of the world, especially ‘Babylon,’ during the Tribulation days…”

Even though the commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown applies Zechariah’s vision foremost to the destruction of world-ruling empires in Old Testament times, it does allow also for an end-time fulfillment. It points out that the “strong steeds” in verse 7 seem “to apply to all four horses, and here especially to the ‘red.’ Their office is to complete hereafter the work already in part executed by the previous three who have stilled Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Graeco-Macedonia; namely, to punish finally the last great foe of Israel, the final form assumed by the fourth world kingdom, Rome, which is to continue down to the second advent of Christ [and which is identified in Revelation 17 as the modern Babylonian system]. Hence they ‘walk to and fro through the earth,’ counterworking Satan’s ‘going to and fro in the earth’… in connection with the last awful development of the fourth world kingdom.”

(4) We also read, in verse 1, that the four horses and their chariots came from “between two mountains” of “bronze” or “brass” (Authorized Version).

The commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown speculates that the “two mountains” might refer to “the valley of Jehoshaphat, between Moriah and Mount Olivet… or the valley between Zion and Moriah, where the Lord [will be, Zechariah 2:10], and whence He sends forth His ministers of judgment on the heathen…” The commentary continues that “bronze” or “brass” is “the metal among the ancients representing hard solidity; so [is] the immovable and resistless firmness of God’s people (compare Jeremiah 1:18),” implying that the two mountains of bronze or brass might picture God’s firm and immovable judgment on disobedient nations.

We must point out, however, that the four spirit beings are sent out from heaven (Zechariah 6:5), eager to walk the earth (verse 7). Therefore, these two mountains ought to be understood as spiritual mountains in heaven–as the Bible records the existence of a spiritual Mount Zion in heaven (compare Hebrews 12:22-23; Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:14, 16).

(5) Commentaries are divided as to the meaning of Zechariah 6:8, saying that the angels have given “rest to My Spirit in the north country.” Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible seems to have the correct explanation, pointing out that the phrase should be translated as “‘These have quieted My spirit in the north country’ [compare Authorized Version], Or rather, ‘have made My anger to rest’ on, that is, have carried it thither and deposited it there, made it to rest upon them, as its abode, as John saith of the unbelieving, ‘The wrath of God abideth on him’ [John 3:36].”

The commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown agrees, stating that the angels “caused My ANGER to rest” on Babylon [Ecclesiastes 10:4; Ezekiel 5:13].”

God will destroy modern Babylon in His anger (compare Revelation 18:4-6, 8; 14:8). As we see in Zechariah’s vision, He will do so with the help of His angels. This fact seems to be confirmed in Revelation 18:21, where we read: “Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.'”

God’s judgment on this disobedient world is sure and certain, and it will be swift. Most people will be caught unawares, but God warns His servants today to be awake and to watch world events, so that they can be prepared and ready for Christ’s return (compare 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4; Luke 21:28; Matthew 24:32-33, 44).

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

As we mentioned in our Q&A in Update #359, when discussing Zechariah’s vision of the woman in a basket (Zechariah 5:5-11), Zechariah’s visions must be viewed, foremost, as containing prophecies for us today.

In Zechariah 5:1-4, we read the following:

“(1) Then I turned and raised my eyes, and saw there a flying scroll. (2) And he (the angel talking to Zechariah, compare Zechariah 4:1), said to me, ‘What do you see?’ So I answered, ‘I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.’ (3) Then he said to me, ‘This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth: “Every thief shall be expelled,” according to this side of the scroll; and, “Every perjurer shall be expelled,” according to that side of it.’ (4) “I will send out the curse,” says the LORD of hosts; ‘It shall enter the house of the thief And the house of the one who swears falsely by My name. It shall remain in the midst of his house And consume it, with timber and stones.”‘”

1) Many commentaries are in agreement about the general meaning of the “flying scroll.”

The commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown explains:

“It was inscribed with the words of the curse [compare Deuteronomy 27:14-26]. Being written implied that its contents were beyond all escape or repeal… Its ‘flying’ shows that its curses were ready swiftly to visit the transgressors. It was unrolled, or else its dimensions could not have been seen… Being open to all, none could say in excuse he knew not the law and the curses of disobedience… Being written on both sides, ‘on this and on that side’… connects it with the two tables [or tablets] of the law [Exodus 32:15] and implies its comprehensiveness. One side denounced ‘him that sweareth falsely… by God’s name,’ according to the third commandment of the first table, duty to God; the other side denounced theft, according to the eighth commandment, which is in the second table, duty to one’s neighbor.”

The Scofield Reference Notes elaborates:

“The two sins mentioned really transgress both tables of the law. To steal is to set aside our neighbor’s right; to swear is to set aside God’s claim to reverence…”

Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible gives a similar explanation:

“… stealing and swearing are supposed to be two general heads of crimes; the former, comprising sins against men; the latter, sins against God.”

2) However, the condemnation of thieves can also be viewed in a broader context.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible points out:

“… two sorts of sinners are here specified as the objects of this curse: – (1.) Thieves; it is for every one that steals, that by fraud or force takes that which is not his own, especially that robs God and converts to his own use what was devoted to God and his honour… Sacrilege is, without doubt, the worst kind of thievery. He also that robs his father or mother, and saith, It is no transgression [Proverbs 28:24], let him know that against him this curse is directed, for it is against every one that steals. The letter of the eighth commandment has no penalty annexed to it; but the curse here is a sanction to that command. (2.) Swearers. Sinners of the former class offend against the second table, these against the first; for the curse meets those that break either table. He that swears rashly and profanely shall not be held guiltless, much less he that swears falsely…”

That the condemnation of the “thief” in Zechariah’s vision can be viewed as relating to both robbery of man AND of God is also expressed in the commentary by Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, where we read:

“The ‘theft’ immediately meant is similar sacrilege to that complained of in [Nehemiah 13:10; Malachi 3:8]. They robbed God by neglecting to give Him His due in building His house, while they built their own houses, forswearing their obligations to Him; therefore, the ‘houses’ they build shall be ‘consumed’ with God’s ‘curse.’ Probably literal theft and perjury accompanied their virtual theft and perjury as to the temple of God…”

3) Regarding the dimensions of the flying scroll (“Its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits”), these are the same dimensions as those of the temple porch or “vestibule” in front of the sanctuary of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:3). The commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown explains that that was the place “where the law was usually read… Its large size implies the great number of the curses contained…”

John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible contains the following additional comments regarding the meaning of the dimensions of the flying scroll:

“… it was a very large one, a volume of a very uncommon size… this being the length and breadth of the porch before the temple… it may design either the roll or book in which the sins of men are written; which is very large, and will quickly be brought into judgment, when it will be opened, and men will be judged according to it; which shows the notice God takes of the sins of men; the exact knowledge he has of them; his strict remembrance of them; and the certain account men must give of them another day… or rather the book of the law… which will be a swift witness against the breakers of it, as more fully appears from the explanation of it in the next verse [Zechariah 4:3].”

4) We should note that the curse of the flying scroll “goes out over the face of the whole earth” (verse 3).

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible explains the all-encompassing nature of God’s judgment, as well as the required preceding worldwide announcement of God’s coming judgment:

“God’s prophets are not only his ambassadors, to treat of peace with the sons of peace, but heralds, to proclaim war against those that delight in war, and persist in their rebellion. In this chapter we have two visions [the vision of the flying scroll, and the vision of the woman in the basket, see Update #359], by which ‘the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.’…

“This flying roll [The New King James Bible says, “scroll”] is a curse; it contains a declaration of the righteous wrath of God against those sinners especially who by swearing affront God’s majesty or by stealing invade their neighbour’s property…

“It goes forth over the face of the whole earth, not only of the land of Israel, but the whole world… All mankind are liable to the judgment of God; and, wherever sinners are, any where upon the face of the whole earth, the curse of God can and will find them out and seize them. Oh that we could with an eye of faith see the flying roll of God’s curse hanging over the guilty world as a thick cloud… big with thunders, lightnings, and storms, ready to destroy them! … The world is full of sin in great variety…”

5) Regarding the worldwide and comprehensive execution of God’s judgment, notice the following comments by Jamieson, Fausset and Brown:

“[The curse will] enter … the house — In vain they guard and shut themselves up who incur the curse; it will inevitably enter even when they think themselves most secure. [It will] consume … timber [and] stones — not leaving a vestige of it. So the ‘stones’ and ‘timber’ of the house of a leper (type of the sinner) were to be utterly removed…”

Wesley’s Notes agrees with this explanation:

“This curse shall come with commission from [God]… It shall stick close to them and theirs like Gehazi’s leprosy… Nothing shall remain, as when both the timber and stones of a house are consumed.”

6) The execution of God’s judgment is certain. Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary explains:

“He that pronounces the sentence [i.e., the LORD of hosts] will take care to see it executed… It is a righteous curse, for he is a righteous God that warrants it… He brings it forth with power, and orders what execution it shall do; and who can put by or resist the curse which a God of almighty power brings forth?…”

7) Let us now address the meaning and relevance of Zechariah’s vision of the flying scroll for us today.

The Bible warns us not to become indifferent about the certain worldwide judgment of God. We are commissioned by God to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God and to feed the flock. This includes preaching repentance of breaking the law of GOD and the necessity to obey God and to keep His law (compare Luke 24:46-47; Romans 16:25-26; James 2:8-13).

Notice Paul’s encouragement and warning in 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10:

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulation that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not OBEY THE GOSPEL of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because of OUR TESTIMONY AMONG YOU WAS BELIEVED.”

In the book of Revelation, we are told that Jesus Christ will come to reward His saints and to punish the disobedient. Notice Revelation 11:17-18: “…’We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged. And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Before Christ returns, this world will need to be warned. The Church of God has the duty to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God today in all the world as a witness, before the end comes (Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10). God will use two witnesses, prior to Christ’s return, to prophecy and to testify for 3 1/2 years (Revelation 11:6-7). In addition, we read that John saw, in a vision, an “angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth–to every nation, tribe, tongue and people–saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (Revelation 14:6–7).

When God pours out His plagues over this disobedient world, many will refuse to repent of their sins, including transgressions such as demon worship, sorceries, murders and thefts, but they will rather curse God who has the power over those plagues (Revelation 9:20-21; 16:9, 11, 21). Mankind will not be left without God’s warning. Before the curse of the flying scroll enters their houses, they will have been warned.

In fact, as a confirmation of the warning of God’s Church to rebellious man, God will “open” His third heaven to the eyes of physical man and manifest His spiritual temple and the ark of His covenant (Revelation 11:19). We read in that passage that the temple of God in heaven was opened and the ark of the covenant was seen or “could be seen,” as some translations have it. Since spirit beings could see the temple and the ark of the covenant before that time; and since this passage is not strictly a reference to John, because then he would have referred to himself as the one seeing it (compare Revelation 5:1, 6; 6:1; 7:1, etc.), this passage in Revelation 11:19 refers to the manifestation of the ark of the covenant to the eyes of human beings. The physical ark of the covenant contained the tablets of the law–the Ten Commandments. The manifestation of His spiritual ark of the covenant in heaven will show man that God expects of him to keep His law today and in the future, as He expected man to keep it in the past.

The good news is that some WILL repent and escape God’s punishment (Revelation 7:1-17). Others, however, will reap what they have sown. God’s curse over a disobedient world will be executed. The curse for disobeying God’s law will swiftly and without partiality enter the house of every thief and every liar (representing every unrepentant sinner).

God is fair. He will give everyone an opportunity to repent–in His due time. But those who refuse willfully to do so, will experience eternal destruction. Revelation 21:7-8 tells us: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

For more information on the fate of the unrepentant wicked, as well as those whom God does not call in this day and age for His salvation, please read our free booklets, “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God,” and “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?”

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

Several visions are recorded in the book of Zechariah. Some commentaries try to interpret these visions by limiting them to events at the time of Zechariah. However, as the book deals with the end time and the return of Jesus Christ (compare Zechariah 14:1 ff), it must be viewed, foremost, as containing prophecies for our time today.

In this light, let us review Zechariah’s vision of the woman in a basket, as recorded in Zechariah 5:5-11, where we read:

“(5) Then the angel who talked with me came out and said to me, ‘Lift your eyes now, and see what this is that goes forth.’ (6) So I asked, ‘What is it?’ And he said, ‘It is a basket that is going forth.’ He also said, ‘This is their resemblance [better: their iniquity] throughout the earth: (7) Here is a lead disc lifted up, and this is a woman sitting inside the basket’; (8) then he said, ‘This is Wickedness!’ And he thrust her down into the basket, and threw the lead cover over its mouth. (9) Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were two women, coming with the wind in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven. (10) So I said to the angel who talked to me, ‘Where are they carrying the basket?’ (11) And he said to me, ‘To build a house for it in the land of Shinar [i.e., Babylon, compare Genesis 10:10; Daniel 1:2]; when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base.'”

What does this vision try to convey to us today?

(1) Without trying to explain every word of this vision, some commentaries identify the woman in the basket as the woman or harlot riding the beast, as described in the book of Revelation. There, she is called “Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth” (Revelation 17:5). She is also described as a religious city built on seven hills (Revelation 17:9, 18, New International Version, Living Bible)–in other words, Babylon the great, in the book of Revelation, signifies a false religious, political, military and economic system.

In this regard, notice the explanation of the Scofield Reference Notes:

“The Babylon phase of the apostate church is symbolized by an unchaste woman, sodden with the greed and luxury of commercialism… Prophetically, the application to the Babylon of the Revelation is obvious.”

Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible agrees:

“The land of Shinar means Babylon; and Babylon means Rome, in the Apocalypse…”

John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible concurs as well:

“This woman is a very lively emblem of the whore of Rome, sitting as a queen upon many waters; ruling over kings and princes; living deliciously, and in great ease and pleasure filling up the measure of her sins…”

(2) Regarding the reference to the land of Shinar, virtually all commentaries agree that this is a reference to Babylon, whether ancient or modern. The commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown states that “Shinar” is “Babylonia…, the capital of the God-opposed world kingdoms, and so representing in general the seat of irreligion…”

(3) Evaluating the ORIGIN of ancient Babylon, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible points out:

“The name of Shinar, though strictly Babylonia, carries back to an older power than the world-empire of Babylon; which now too was destroyed. ‘In the land of Shinar’… was that first attempt [by Nimrod and the attempt to build the Tower of Babel] to array a world-empire against God… And so it is the… [appropriate] symbol of the antitheist or anti-Christian world, which by violence, art, falsehood, sophistry, wars against the truth…”

The Broadman Bible Commentary adds the following observation:

“Verse 8 identifies the figure as the wicked one or wickedness. In the Old Testament this may be understood in many ways. One is the worship of idols [such as]… the figure of the Babylonian goddess Ishtar [ancient name for Easter] [or]… the figure of a goddess representing idol worship in general.”

(4) The modern application of the woman in the basket, called wickedness, is explained by John Gill as follows:

“‘And he said, This is wickedness,’ …. particularly [referring to] the wicked one, the man of sin and son of perdition… that wicked lawless one, [2 Thessalonians 2:8] yea, wickedness itself, being extremely wicked, a sink of sin and of all abominations.”

The man of sin, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, refers to the future RELIGIOUS head of modern Babylon, who is also identified as the “false prophet” in the book of Revelation. He will indeed be a wicked and evil person, representing an evil and wicked system (compare Revelation 18:23-24).

(5) With this understanding, let us explore the additional meaning of the prophecy in Zechariah 5. We read that the woman, personifying worldwide wickedness or iniquity, is confined to a basket or container, but she is trying, unsuccessfully, to escape from her prison (verses 7-8). This gives us the time setting of Zechariah’s vision–it describes the woman’s future judgment–which will occur when Jesus Christ returns. The modern CITY of Babylon the great–as well as the SYSTEM which it represents– will be destroyed with fire (Revelation 18:8, 21; 19:3). Depending on the translation, it will become a “dwelling place” or a “habitation” or a “house” (Elberfelder Bibel, Menge Bibel and Luther Bibel all say: “Behausung”) or a “home” (New International Version) of “demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird” (Revelation 18:2).

This fact explains why two women with wings of a stork (verse 9) –perhaps angels–carry the imprisoned woman to the land of Babylon, to build a house or dwelling place for her (verse 11). (For a further discussion about the appearance and functions of angels, please read our free booklet, “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World.”) The two women will assist in removing “wickedness”–the wicked system–from this earth. Please note that true Christians are already told today to “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). In the future, wickedness will be placed “forever in Babylon” (compare Geneva Study Bible); that is, the burned and destroyed location and area of the modern city of Babylon will become a “house” for demons during the time of the Millennium.

As Wesley’s Notes put it, the house built for the personified wickedness is not going to be built “in mercy, but in judgment.” She will be “set there… on its base” (verse 11); that is, she “shall be confined without hope of release.”

This reminds us that Satan, the one behind this evil system, will also be “bound” by an angel “for a thousand years.” He will be cast “into the bottomless pit” and he will be “shut up,” and a “seal” will be set on him, “so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years [of the Millennium] were finished” (compare Revelation 20:1-3).

Zechariah’s vision of the woman in the basket is meant to give us hope for the future. Even though wickedness and idolatry prevail in this present evil world, the time will come when Jesus Christ will make an end to wickedness. God WILL remember modern Babylon’s iniquities (Revelation 18:5). We read that God will judge “the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He [will avenge] on her the blood of His servants shed by her” (Revelation 19:2).

“Modern Babylon” will not be able to deceive people in the new world to come. No one following God will want to “dwell” there–her future “house” or “home” will be reserved for demons and evil spirits. By contrast, each child of God will dwell “in the temple of… God” (Revelation 3:12).

Lead Writer: Norbert Link