Zechariah 5:1
Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll.
Original Language Analysis
וָאָשׁ֕וּב
Then I turned
H7725
וָאָשׁ֕וּב
Then I turned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וָאֶשָּׂ֥א
and lifted up
H5375
וָאֶשָּׂ֥א
and lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
2 of 7
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
עֵינַ֖י
mine eyes
H5869
עֵינַ֖י
mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Historical Context
Post-exilic Judah struggled with the same sins that caused the Babylonian exile—theft and false oaths are highlighted in verse 3-4. Despite return to the land and temple rebuilding, moral reformation lagged. Malachi (c. 430 BC) would later rebuke similar sins: robbing God (Malachi 3:8), false swearing (Malachi 3:5), and withholding tithes. The flying scroll warns that geographic return doesn't guarantee covenant blessing without heart-level repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the image of an inescapable, flying scroll illustrate God's active judgment against sin?
- What does the transition from restoration visions to judgment vision teach about the order of God's redemptive work?
- In what areas of your life does God's 'flying scroll' convict you of unaddressed sin?
Analysis & Commentary
Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll—Zechariah's fifth vision depicts a megillāh 'āphāh (מְגִלָּה עָפָה, 'flying scroll'). The megillāh is a rolled parchment manuscript, and 'āphāh (participle of 'ūph, עוּף, 'to fly') indicates autonomous movement—this scroll flies of its own accord through the air, symbolizing the self-executing nature of God's judgment. Ancient scrolls contained written decrees, laws, or prophecies. A flying scroll represents the word of God actively searching out and judging sin.
This vision shifts focus from restoration promises (visions 1-4) to purification requirements. God cleanses His land not only by removing external enemies but by purging internal sin. The scroll's flight suggests God's word can't be evaded—it pursues transgressors like a heat-seeking missile. This anticipates Hebrews 4:12-13: 'The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword... all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.' The flying scroll fulfills Deuteronomy 28's covenant curses against covenant-breakers. Before God fully blesses restored Judah, He must execute justice against persistent sin.