Zechariah 5:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This marked a shift from the vision of the sickle to a new revelation concerning the measure. The prophet then raised his gaze upward, emblematic of those who aspire to understand divine mysteries through sorrow and grace. He inquired about the significance of what he saw, and the angel responded, "This is the measure that goes forth; this is their unrighteousness throughout the whole earth."

It is important to contemplate the nature of this measure. We affirm that the Creator is inherently good and merciful, exhibiting patience with sinners and giving those who transgress the law an opportunity to repent. However, when an individual reaches the peak of their offenses and exhausts the divine patience allotted to them, punishment will inevitably follow, leaving no justification for their prolonged neglect, and they will not evade the consequences of their actions. Therefore, our Lord also addressed the people of Judah, who recklessly pursued unnatural behaviors, saying, "and ye shall fulfil the measure of your fathers" (Matthew 23:32). The measure revealed to the prophet symbolized the culmination of the people's sins. Within that measure sat a woman, representing iniquity, as if she were overflowing, her presence exceeding the limits of the measure.

Then, a talent of lead appeared, placed in her mouth. This vision illustrates iniquity as a wife, denoting both temptation and fragility. All wrongdoing arises from the allure of pleasure, which leads the soul toward evil and reveals its vulnerabilities. If the soul remained steadfast and brave, it would resist such inclinations. However, when indulged in pleasure, it becomes susceptible to sorrow. Thus, iniquity is aptly depicted as a wife. The lead talent, which rises to gag her, signifies our Lord Jesus Christ, who was exalted through the honorable cross, bearing our sins "on his body on the tree" (1 Pet. 2:24) and nullifying "every manuscript about us" (Col. 2:14), fulfilling the words of the divine Psalmist: "all iniquity shall block up your mouth" (Ps. 106:42). Lead is akin to refining metals, as it is employed by silversmiths, symbolizing the purifying power of Christ within us. When He resides in our hearts and souls, He eradicates all impurity. Some interpret the lead placed in iniquity's mouth as a sign of God restraining it, preventing it from excessively condemning sinners. Therefore, iniquity finds itself bound, as it were, by a measure, analogous to being tethered, because the merciful God calibrates each punishment to fit the transgressions committed.

As the vessel was raised, it was evident its purpose was to reveal the iniquities of the people. The angel, conveying a divine message, named the vessel as representing unrighteousness across the globe, while in Hebrew, it is described as the eye of all sins. The woman, situated within this vessel—referred to in Hebrew as an epha—was identified as representing iniquity.

When they observed this, a substantial piece of lead, resembling a stone, was transported aloft, either by divine intervention or an unnamed force. This angel, who addressed the prophet and revealed all visions, seized the woman called wickedness and swiftly placed her inside the vessel, previously visible to all. To ensure she could not arise again and indulge in her transgressions, the angel covered the vessel's opening with a heavy lead weight, effectively confining her there.

In this interpretation, we sketch outlines of a future reality, aiming to fill in the details with our understanding. The angel who revealed this vision commanded the prophet to focus on the iniquities of Israel, gathered in this vessel, which epitomizes the peak of their offenses. The Hebrew term for their errors, spelled with ain, iod, nun, and mem, represents their transgressions.

If this were mistakenly spelled with the letter vau, it would misleadingly translate to a different term, a common error seen in some versions of the Vulgate due to the similar appearance of the letters. The vessel symbolizes the broad scope of sin in the world, a compilation of vices laid bare for all to see, illustrating how Israel must reveal its true nature.

The heavy lead piece was transported, and its Hebrew designation—chachar—refers to both the weight and the term ‘stone’ (aben) expressing the heavy burden of sin. On this vessel, representing all wrongdoings, sat ungodliness, which could be interpreted as idolatry or apostasy. Thus, the Savior spoke to the Jews, stating, “You have filled the measure of your forefathers” (Matt. 23:32).

This wickedness, which resided on the sins of Israel and reveled in its own offenses, was ultimately directed towards Babylon and contained through the devastation of captivity. Alternatively, according to Theodotion’s interpretation, the wickedness was confined within the vessel and weighed down, losing its ability to boast. It may also signify the oppression by God’s angel, rendering the previously triumphant wickedness silent for eternity. A deeper exploration of the text reveals the fate of this imprisoned wickedness and its captors.

Ultimately, the outcome of sin is disgrace; this is affirmed by the blessed Paul, who reminds us, ‘When you are free from sin, you will be enslaved to righteousness. What fruit then have ye then, of “them ye are now ashamed”’ (Rom. 6:18, 21).