Zechariah 5:10
Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?
Original Language Analysis
הַמַּלְאָ֖ךְ
I to the angel
H4397
הַמַּלְאָ֖ךְ
I to the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 10
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
הַדֹּבֵ֣ר
that talked
H1696
הַדֹּבֵ֣ר
that talked
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 10
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אָ֛נָה
H575
מֽוֹלִכ֖וֹת
H1980
מֽוֹלִכ֖וֹת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Babylon symbolized everything opposed to God's kingdom—idolatry, pride, violence, economic exploitation. The original Babylon built the tower of Babel in defiance of God (Genesis 11). Neo-Babylonian Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and exiled Judah (586 BC). In prophetic imagery, 'Babylon' represents the world system opposed to God. Zechariah's vision promises that wickedness will be sent back to where it belongs—away from God's people, to the realm of rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Zechariah's question 'Whither?' teach about actively engaging with God's revelations?
- How does sending wickedness TO Babylon reverse the exile pattern where Israel went FROM Babylon?
- Where is today's 'Babylon' where economic and spiritual wickedness finds its home?
Analysis & Commentary
Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?—Zechariah asks about the destination: 'ānāh hēmmāh mōlīkōt et-hā'ēphāh (אָנָה הֵמָּה מֹלִיכוֹת אֶת־הָאֵיפָה, 'where are they taking the ephah?'). The prophet wants to understand not just that wickedness is removed but WHERE it goes. The question demonstrates proper curiosity about God's redemptive plans—wanting to know the full story, not just part of it. Zechariah models engaged discipleship: observing visions carefully, asking clarifying questions, seeking complete understanding. The angel will answer (v. 11), but the question itself matters—it shows the prophet processing what he sees and desiring fuller comprehension.
The question 'Whither?' anticipates the answer 'Babylon,' completing the reversal motif. Israel came FROM Babylon; now wickedness goes TO Babylon. The geographic movement symbolizes spiritual reality: the land of exile becomes the land for exiling sin. Babylon, historically the source of idolatry and opposition to God's people, becomes wickedness's appropriate destination—sent back to its source. This previews Revelation's final judgment when Babylon (representing all anti-God systems) falls permanently (Revelation 18:2).