Primary Text: Zechariah 5Supporting Texts: Revelation 2, Revelation 17, 1 Corinthians 6, Galatians 5Theme: God’s judgment against wickedness and deception; the prophetic parallels between Zechariah and Revelation. 1. Opening Context Zechariah 5 is closely related to the Book of Revelation, sharing themes of end-time judgment and spiritual deception. The speaker emphasizes discernment in “the last days,” praying for the church to recognize truth and avoid deception, citing Jesus’ warning that even the elect could be deceived. 2. Review of Chapter 4 Zechariah’s vision of two olive trees—interpreted as the two anointed ones (Moses and Elijah). Discussion compares the ministries of Elijah and Moses in Revelation’s two witnesses, rejecting the idea that Enoch must die before the end. Enoch is seen as a type of the raptured church, while Moses and Elijah represent the two witnesses. 3. The Flying Scroll – Zechariah 5:1–4 The scroll symbolizes a curse over the earth, exposing lies and theft. It mirrors New Testament warnings about rejecting truth and living deceitfully. The speaker cites 1 Corinthians 6 and Galatians 5 to describe unrighteous behaviors—thievery, fornication, drunkenness, sorcery (pharmakeia / drug use)—that prevent inheritance of God’s kingdom. Modern parallels: moral decay, the drug epidemic, and society’s normalization of sin. God’s curse enters the house of the liar and thief, consuming it—illustrating divine justice. 4. The Woman in the Basket – Zechariah 5:5–11 A woman sitting in a basket symbolizes wickedness personified. The lead cover restrains her until she is carried to Shinar (Babylon)—a prophetic image of wickedness being centralized and prepared for the final system of evil. The vision points to Babylon as the spiritual center of rebellion against God, ultimately reflected in Revelation. 5. Jezebel and the Spirit of Seduction – Revelation 2:18–29 Comparison to the Church of Thyatira, where “Jezebel” seduced believers into immorality and idolatry. Jezebel represents the spirit of manipulation and compromise within the church. God, in mercy, still offers her repentance—underscoring divine patience even toward those who corrupt the church. The greatest national sin is not just immorality but idolatry—replacing God with false worship or self-gratification. 6. The Great Harlot – Revelation 17 The woman in Zechariah 5 reappears symbolically as the great harlot, Babylon, who corrupts the nations and rides the beast. She represents the world system of deception, materialism, false religion, and rebellion against God. Her adornments (gold, purple, pearls) signify the seductive beauty of sin. The nations are “drunk with her fornication,” echoing humanity’s addiction to pleasure and rebellion. Eventually, the kings of the earth turn against her—symbolizing the collapse of worldly evil under divine judgment. Despite the horror, Christ—the Lamb—overcomes all, as Lord of lords and King of kings. 7. Key Warnings and Applications Wickedness is real and organized. It will be judged in God’s time. Discernment is vital. The church must stay rooted in Scripture to recognize deception. Repentance remains open. God extends mercy even to those deep in sin. Our allegiance matters. Being “married to the Lord” requires purity and faithfulness, avoiding seduction by the world. Final accountability. Every believer will stand before God—motivation to live in holiness and love. 8. Closing Exhortation The end is near; the systems of evil are aligning (“the two storks have flown in the basket of wickedness”). Believers must remain faithful, loving God’s Word and reaching the lost. The session ends in prayer for steadfastness, gratitude, and daily surrender to God’s will.