Zechariah 5-6
Introduction
Zechariah 5–6 continues the eight visions given in one night to encourage God’s struggling people. They have been back in Jerusalem for twenty years after seventy years of exile, yet the work is hard, opposition is strong, and progress feels slow.
Previous visions reminded them:
You can count on God (comfort, mercy, justice).
You can count on Jesus to forgive when Satan accuses.
You can count on the Holy Spirit — not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.
These next visions show the Holy Spirit at work in three essential ways: He convicts us of sin, removes our sin, and gives us hope. The same Spirit active in Zechariah’s day is still at work in us today.
1) The Spirit Convicts Us of Sin (5:1-4) – Vision 6
Zechariah sees a huge flying scroll—thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide—moving through the air. Written on both sides are curses: one side against thieves, the other against those who swear falsely in God’s name. These two commands represent the whole law—sins against our neighbor and sins against God. The scroll will enter every house and destroy the guilty.
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. Without Him, we would not even be aware of our guilt. He shines light on hidden things, calls out what is wrong, and brings it into the open so we can repent. Have you ever had God expose something in your life you thought was hidden? That is the gracious work of the Spirit (John 16:8).
2) The Spirit Removes Our Sin (5:5-11) – Vision 7
Zechariah then sees a basket (an ephah used for measuring grain) with a woman inside called “Wickedness.” She tries to escape, but an angel pushes her back down. Two women with wings like storks (symbols of loyalty and speed) carry the basket away to Babylon, the land of wickedness.
The Spirit removes our sin. Just as the woman (representing the sin of the people) is taken far away from God’s holy place, the Holy Spirit cleanses believers and carries away what does not belong in God’s presence. He convicts, He cleanses, He produces fruit, and He transforms us to be more like Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:11; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Sin cannot stay where the Spirit dwells.
3) The Spirit Gives Us Hope (6:1-15) – Visions 8 & 9
Zechariah sees four chariots with colored horses going out to the four corners of the earth to execute God’s judgment on the nations. Once judgment is satisfied, the Lord commands that a crown be made and placed on Joshua the high priest. This act points to the coming Messiah, who will unite the roles of priest and king.
The Spirit gives us hope. Because God’s justice has been (and will be) satisfied, we can look forward with confidence. Jesus will rebuild the temple (His body, the Church), be clothed with majesty and glory, and rule as our Priest-King forever. The promise of His return and reign fills us with hope even in the middle of struggle.
Application
The Holy Spirit is actively at work in every believer: He convicts us of sin, removes our sin, and fills us with hope.
Where is the Spirit convicting you right now? Will you let Him remove what needs to go? Are you living with the hope that comes from knowing Jesus is our Priest-King who has already won the victory?
Do not try to clean yourself up or fight in your own strength. Depend on the Spirit. Let Him do what only He can do — convict, cleanse, and comfort. The same power that moved in Zechariah’s day is available to you today.
Small Group Questions
· In what ways is sin still honored in our society (like it was in Babylon)? How is the church responding?
· How has the Holy Spirit convicted you of sin recently? How did you respond?
· Which of these three works of the Spirit (conviction, removal, hope) do you need most right now?
· How does the promise of God’s return and the finished work of Jesus give you hope in your current struggles?
For Further Study
Read Zechariah 5–6 alongside John 16:8-11 to see the Holy Spirit’s work of conviction.
Study Romans 8:1-4 and Galatians 5:16-25 for the Spirit’s power to remove sin and produce fruit.
Meditate on Hebrews 6:19-20 and Revelation 19:11-16 to rejoice in Jesus as our Priest-King who brings final hope and justice.
