Zechariah 5

Zechariah 5:1

AFlying roll] Of paper, or other stuffe to write upon, after the ancient manner: This roll, or book, signified Gods judgements upon his people, pronounced by his Prophets: the flying of it, the swift execution of them: the greatnesse, the weight and long-lastingnesse of them.

Zechariah 5:3

curse that goeth forth] Gods curse thrown upon all the land of Israel and Judah.

every one that stealeth] Or, every one of this people that stealeth, holdeth himself guiltlesse, as it doth. Or, every one that stealeth being written on this side shall be cut off, according to it: and every one that sweareth, being written on that side, shall be cut off according to it See Ezekiel 2:10.

on this side] God hath punished all the sinnes; as well those which were against the second Table of the Law, as those that were against the first: all comprehended under these two kinds of swearing, and theft. Others expound it, on that side: that is to say, according to the prediction, happened the execution. See Ezekiel 5:4.

according to it] That is, according to that curse.

Zechariah 5:4

I will bring it forth] God will see his own law executed.

enter into the house of the thief] It shall inevitably seise upon them, even there, where they think themselves most secure.

remain in the midst of his house] He shall neither keep it out, nor drive it out, so long as the sinne remaineth unrepented, or unreformed; but the judgement that hath seised on his person or family, shall remain on him or them.

consume it] Shall bring to utter ruine them and their whole estates, which they have got together by rapine, sacriledge, and perjurie.

Zechariah 5:5

that goeth forth] That appeareth again to thee in vision.

Zechariah 5:6

an ephah] A figure of the just measure of Gods judgements.

This is] It seems that the Angel turned to that apparition of the Lord, which did represent his providence: and shewed it to the Prophet.

resemblance] Or, eye. Namely, of the three Persons of the most holy Trinitie: as Genesis 1:26. & Genesis 3:22. & Genesis 11:7.& Isaiah 6:8. By this resemblance, or eye, is meant Gods universall providence, Chap. 3. 9. & 4. 10. & 9. 1. 2 Chronicles 16:9. which is president over his judgements.

Zechariah 5:7

talent of lead] Or, weightie piece. The woman sitting in the ephah, is sinne, which by little and little filleth up the measure: and the same woman thrown into the midst of it, is sinne punished, and beaten down: the talent of lead is the immoveable decree for the punishing of the wicked; and the weight of the judgement.

Zechariah 5:9

two women] A figure, as it should seeme, of Gods two properties; namely, mercy toward his, and justice toward his enemies: wherewith he transferreth upon these last (to wit, his enemies) the judgements by which he had punished his owne people: which is done with admirable celeritie.

Zechariah 5:11

To build it an house] To remove the iniquitie, and afflictions that came for the same, from Judah, to place it for ever in Shinar; to wit, Babylon, Genesis 10:10. & Genesis 11:2. Whereby are meant all Gods and the Churches enemies.

it shall be established] Hereby is shewn the irrevocable eternitie of the punishments of the wicked; opposite to the termined, and short lasting chastisements of the Church, figure before by the flying roll.