The Hammer of the Law Flying Overhead.

A Vision of a Flying Scroll

This vision is found in Zechariah 5:1-4.  After reading the first visions that seemed inspiring and hopeful, we come to a vision that seems different.  A totally rectangular scroll flies through the air and settles in peoples homes with a curse.  The scroll features are unique in relation to its size and the fact there is writing on both sides.

It is presumed that the violations of the Law are representative. “And he said to me, “This is the curse that is going out over the whole land; for according to what it says on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what it says on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished.” (Zechariah 5:3, NIV). "This call to purity highlights two fundamental aspects of loyalty in the covenant tradition of Israel: the command to love the Lord with all one’s heart, soul, and mind , represented by the first set of commandments ( Ex. 20: 1– 11; Deut. 5: 6– 15), and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, represented by the second set of commandments (Ex . 20: 8– 17; Deut. 5: 12– 21). 2 In the visions of Zechariah 5, these two foundational relationships are covered in reverse order." [1]

Another note is that this curse goes out over the whole land, and its purpose to purge the land or consume the lawbreakers. "The significance of the vision of the flying roll for the Israel of Zechariah’s day is to show that those who sin openly will not hinder God’s work; for God’s judgment is upon them, and they will not escape." [2]

The application of the vision is made very clear: “The Lord Almighty declares, ‘I will send it out, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of anyone who swears falsely by my name. It will remain in that house and destroy it completely, both its timbers and its stones.’ ”” (Zechariah 5:4, NIV).   "It reminds those within the covenant community that they cannot ignore or abuse God’s covenant law and expect to escape discipline. Although granted a new start by Yahweh in this new phase of redemptive history, he continues to take sin seriously and demands covenant loyalty with one’s neighbor." 

Internal evidence of redemptive hope is absent from this passage. Indeed, in the Law alone, there is no hope.  The Law and it's power to condemn is understood by the New Testament.  “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,” (Romans 8:3, NIV).  Galatians 3:12–14 (NIV) affirms:

¹² The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” ¹³ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” ¹⁴ He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

The seriousness by which God takes sin is seen clearly in how He condemned sin in the flesh of His own Son, who became sin for us.  Sin will not impede the progress of God's kingdom.  Sin will either be purged from the land or punished in Christ Jesus.  Either way, the work of God will continue.

Father, Your Law flies over our communities today. It is a hammer.  It is condemning and consuming.  We suppress the knowledge of it because it carries with it fearful obligations. “Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.” (Proverbs 19:16, NIV).  Your demands are high.  You do not mark on the curve. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (James 2:10, NIV).  Father, grace is amazing and grace is immeasurable, but may we never take for granted the incredible standard of holiness that You set before Your people.  It is because of Christ, His death-defying sacrifice, that enables us to live for righteousness.  It is only cancelled sin that has its power broken.  It is only the Gospel that empowers us to live in pursuit of holiness.  Grant grace this day to live a life reflecting Your glory and purity.  Amen.

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1. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 5654-5657). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. 

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1810). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 5756-5758). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.