Flying Scrolls and Baskets

Transcription

1 Wilfred J. Hahn is a global portfolio manager and senior partner with HAHN Investment Stewards & Company Inc. and founder of The Mulberry Ministry, publisher of Eternal Value Review, written for thinking Christians seeking to understand the times. His views and research are particularly relevant to Christians living in the endtimes, a time of great prosperity, financial slavery and economic injustice. Wilfred J. Hahn Flying Scrolls and Baskets The Mulberry Ministry, publishers of Eternal Value Review. All rights reserved worldwide. One-time reproductions and excerpts are encouraged without permission. For multiple reproductions please provide and acknowledgement to The Mulberry Ministry, P.0. Box 2609, Station R, Kelowna BC, Canada V1X 6A7. The use of this publication for the promotion of any other commercial activity or pursuit is expressly prohibited. The Mulberry Ministry does not endorse any thirdparty financial product, service or any promotion of an investment scheme. If not otherwise noted, all scripture references are taken from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. PO Box 2609 Station R Kelowna BC CANADA V1X 6A7 Wilfred J. Hahn MMB-014

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3 Flying Scrolls and Baskets: Zechariah 5 - Two Visions of Today Table of Contents C H A P T E R 1 Zechariah s 6th and 7th Vision: Pictures of Today C H A P T E R 2 The Ways of the World: Two-Sidedness Explained C H A P T E R 3 Symbolism in Zechariah 5 and the Depth of Greed Today

4 Flying Scrolls and Baskets: Zechariah 5 - Two Visions of Today Wilfred J. Hahn Copyright 2007, Mulberry Press Inc. The booklet is based on articles originally published between July 2004 and August 2007 in one or more publications. Each of these articles have been edited from their original. 2 39

5 Chapter 3: Symbolism in Zechariah 5 and the Depth of Greed Today NOTES 1. Brittan, Samuel. How economics came to rival religious faith. Financial Times, London. August 15, 2002, Section 1, Comments & Analysis, pg Smith, Adam: An Inquiry into the Natures and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Nelson, Robert H. Religion, Economics, and the Market Paradox. Religion and Liberty, Volume 12, Number 1 (January/ February 2002.) Zechariah s 5th and 6th Vision: Pictures of Today Chapter 1 R emarkable for such a short chapter of only 11 verses, Zechariah 5 contains two separate but important visions of the endtimes. This text contains the 6 th and 7 th visions given to the prophet Zechariah. We first read of a giant scroll that is levitating in the air (verses 1 to 4). Right after this, the angel speaking to Zechariah shows him another vision. We then see a strange picture of an ephah (measuring basket) being carried by two women with wings of storks. What do these visions mean? The vision of the ephah is relatively clear in its meaning. (See Chapter 3 for a more detailed discussion of the symbols used in these two visions.) However, the meaning of the first vision containing a flying scroll has been most problematic. While some expositors have surely drawn out meaningful perspectives (i.e. relating its significance to the 10 Commandments as did G. Vernon McGee), I have yet to encounter an interpretation of this vision that meets a common-sense, literal fit with all of its criteria. 38 3

6 Chapter 1: Zechariah s 5th and 6th Vision: Pictures of Today Attempts at deciphering this flying scroll have surely resulted in some very imaginative interpretations and not just among lay people. One Bible historian sees a modern-day satellite revolving around the earth. He argues that this large scroll is descriptive of a large cylindrical object that is flying in the air. Others are convinced that the scroll is really an ancient attempt at explaining a modern-day intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or is the representation of a binary code that underpins futuristic computers and information technology. However, there is a very important clue that these more extreme interpretations overlook. The angel speaking to Zechariah reveals that the two visions are in fact linked. Therefore, they must be taken together, any interpretation applying to both. Encouragingly, we discover that as we follow the literal, common sense meanings of Zechariah 5, we discover prophecies that uniquely apply to the times in which we live today. Moreover, such an interpretation also offers a compelling perspective to the heavily-debated question of a future revived city of Babylon. Will there be a rebuilt Babylon or not? The evidence in Zechariah 5 is rather clear, though mostly overlooked. The Two Visions Connected In tackling this important chapter, we must pursue somewhat of a circuitous route. This stems from the two unlocking keys provided in this chapter. Let s review each of the visions as we first draw out these important keys, starting with the first: Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. Then said he unto for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. (Jeremiah 8:10) To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it. But I am full of the wrath of the LORD, and I cannot hold it in. (Jeremiah 6:9) Will our nations hear and turn from the error of Balaam? We can keep praying given our deepest fears on this question. Yet, it would be difficult to believe that America will voluntarily change its course. If this is correct, America and its immediate allies will not be much of a force in the final events just before and during the Great Tribulation. As we have seen, the literal interpretations of scripture suggest that world power in its various forms will shift to Rome and the Middle East. The world s power centre is not in America at the end of days. Whatever may occur, we can and must make a personal choice. Whom to serve? Him alone always or diabolical Mammon that leads to destruction? However, deciding for Christ is sure to cost us in the here and now at least in the terms that people subsumed in today s culture of affluence will interpret. God will be faithful and reward our faith 100-fold over in eternity. The seed that fell on good ground the faith truly acted upon came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." (Luke 8:8) Though The LORD will [ ] have compassion on his servants when He sees their strength is gone and no one is left, slave or free. (Deuteronomy 32:38) Can we really believe this statement? We can take Jesus at His word: [ ] everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. (Matthew 19:29) 4 37

7 Chapter 3: Symbolism in Zechariah 5 and the Depth of Greed Today verses are quoted here: Jeshurun (sic: or righteous Israel) grew fat and kicked; filled with food, he became heavy and sleek. He abandoned the God who made him and rejected the Rock his Savior. They made him jealous with their foreign gods and angered him with their detestable idols. They sacrificed to demons, which are not God gods they had not known, gods that recently appeared, gods your fathers did not fear. [ ] I will heap calamities upon them and spend my arrows against them. [ ] For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede. Their vine comes from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are filled with poison, and their clusters with bitterness. Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras. [ ] The LORD [ ] will say: "Now where are their gods, the rock they took refuge in, the gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up to help you! Let them give you shelter! "See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. (Deuteronomy 32:31-39) This song containing prophecy has all the ingredients we have reviewed recent appearance of new gods, idols, snakes and poison. It wasn t a culture of affluence that saved them. Rather, it was precisely their conceited reliance upon their power of affluence that opened them up to error. They had forgotten the original author of their prosperity. The consequences couldn t be clearer. Jeremiah s and Ezekiel s prophecies, quoted at the beginning of this chapter, mention similar outcomes: "`I will surely strike my hands together at the unjust gain you have made and at the blood you have shed in your midst. (Ezekiel 22:13) Therefore I will give their wives to other men and their fields to new owners. From the least to the greatest, all are greedy me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof." (Zechariah 5:1-4, KJV) Just what does this scroll represent? It enters houses, it flies, consumes timbers and it is inordinately large. Most would agree that in only reading these four verses one is left perplexed and wondering. There simply are not many clues given that allow us to put this vision into its intended framework and prophetic timeframe. We, therefore, must read further. (Verses 5-11, KJV) Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth. And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base. Before delving into the meaning of this last vision, we want to 36 5

8 Chapter 1: Zechariah s 5th and 6th Vision: Pictures of Today first isolate the first of the key clues. It is found in verse 6. It says that the wickedness in the ephah is their resemblance through all the earth. To who is their referring? The Amplified Bible brings out this point more clearly. And I said, What is it? [What does it symbolize?] And he said, This that goes forth is an ephah [-sized vessel for separate grains all collected together]. This, he continued, is the symbol of the sinners mentioned above and is the resemblance of their iniquity throughout the whole land. (Zechariah 5:6. AMP) Who are the sinners said to be mentioned above? They are the very same that either sweareth falsely or stealeth, the two groups that are listed on opposite sides of the opened scroll in the first vision. We will come back to these two groups of people as we delve into the details of this vision more closely. However, for now, we have found the first of the important keys to this chapter. The two visions are clearly linked. Therefore, the key to understanding the first vision is to first understand the second vision. The second key to which we must draw our attention is also clear and logical. As one vision follows the other, the sequence of the two prophetic visions is therefore significant. In other words, it will make sense that the events surrounding the second vision will follow that of the first, especially so as both are related. That is our second key. Holding on to these two keys, we can now launch our investigation into the meaning of these two visions. However, we need to start in reverse by examining the second vision first. Then proceeding, we can examine the first. Finally, this sequence will lead us to the conclusion, which is also the logical follow-through to the order of the two visions. Here, it speaks about judgment and something being relocated to Shinar, an theologians or not, they prescribe ethics. The most perverted among them, whitewash this new human and global prerogative with twisted appeals to scripture. Parading their Christian credentials and claimed objectives of bringing good and new insight to the world, they sprinkle holy water on the volcanic forces that power Mammon. Their water baptisms will prove sorely ineffective in cooling the burning furnaces of Mammon. What will be the ultimate outcome of this continuing slide into idolatry the wickedness that is interred in the ephah under a lid of lead? Points to Ponder As many global commentator s note, America is the most religiously Christian of all the major nations of the world by far. It is the nation that makes the most noise about morality, even seeing its task as ridding the world of political and social evils. But, inwardly, it has sold its soul to Mammon. As we have briefly examined, there are not a few Christian leaders who lend their alliance to this gospel of affluence and global power of prosperity. As a result, America is the most enslaved societies in the world. It citizens work more hours per week than any other advanced country; its households labor under more debt than any other nation; their cisterns are empty, and their wants still unsatisfied. The god of gain has not been keeping his promises of ease and comfort. Now, it is no longer a matter of choice. Mammon must be served just to keep our heads above water. The same dilemma now confronts the entire nation on a sovereign level. Why? Because our whole society remains fixated on the pursuit of affluence. Actually, Moses, over 3000 years ago offered a complete analysis of the current error and its consequences. Though it was a song to Israel, it clearly applies to all nations. A few of its 6 35

9 Chapter 3: Symbolism in Zechariah 5 and the Depth of Greed Today money would lead to false teaching and apostasy, particularly as related to materialism and lusts of the flesh. Actually, Smith was not the first to observe this problem. Every movement of false teaching mentioned in the New Testament epistles reveals an improper infatuation with money and greed. A similar force works in academia. Theologians studying economics are also held hostage by market forces. They are subtly forced to conform to accepted norms and assumptions. After all, their well-being and long-term career is dependent upon tenure and perceived legitimacy. Any hint of a personal relationship with Christ and their career potential is impaired. Marketable theology sells because that is what the world demands. The most rewarded theological product is the type that marries Mammon with scriptural legitimacy. It meets a ready market in a materialist world that has immersed itself in a culture of affluence. Not only does it meet friends in high places, but it also appeals to the masses who still believe in the American Dream. Says one incisive observer, There are two types of economic theologians. The first is an economist who functions as a theologian for progress by helping to provide an ethical foundation for society. If economic progress is the route to `salvation, these priests will be the experts on how to achieve that progress. Because society looks to economists for this knowledge, they logically become the leading priesthood of the age. The second [ ] study economics from a theological perspective. 3 These first type of economic theologians are the main prophets of Mammon economic theologians that have fallen for the error of Balaam. They have sold their prophecies and prescriptions for a price, seeking to feather their own positions. They have elevated progress and prosperity as the solution to mankind s ills. In doing so, whether professing to be Christian area inside Iraq today. Just what is being moved, and to where? As did Zechariah, we will have to leave these answers to the conclusion. The Ephah Explained The ephah that Zechariah saw lifted up toward heaven shown with a lid of lead upon it to contain the iniquity was a commercial measuring unit for dry goods. It is the approximate equivalent of about 8-9 bushels today. This unit of measure is mentioned more than twice as much as any other in the Bible (the hin, the homer or the seah, for example). Clearly, it was the key unit of commerce during the prophet s time, both for measurement and transport. If Zechariah s vision had been given in our day, God may have used the symbol of a twenty-foot shipping container (the type that is transported on ocean-going ships and tractor trailers) or perhaps even a No. 10 cardboard box. Clearly, the ephah here is being used as the symbol for trade and commerce. Yet, more than this is being symbolized in this vision. More expressly, it indicts the iniquity and idolatry associated with commercialism a worldwide fixation with commercialism, as we will yet show. The woman figure contained in the ephah speaks of idolatry or unfaithfulness as is often symbolized in the female form in prophetic language. All in all, it is a grave allegation. This is wickedness, says the angel in no uncertain terms. (Verse 8) But, can we at this point determine the general time period during which the prophecies of Zechariah 5 play out? We can conclude that it definitely refers to the last days, most likely the Tribulation period and the worldwide developments leading to this condition. Involved here is a global application and a divine intervention. Such apocalyptic events do not occur in prophecy until the 70 th week or thereabouts. Specifically the vision of the 34 7

10 Chapter 1: Zechariah s 5th and 6th Vision: Pictures of Today ephah being transported arguably applies to that time point that the Millennium period begins. Several more factors line up with this interpretation which we will yet review. Now that we have a workable framework, timeframe, and sequence, the meaning of the first vision unfolds. We are now ready to examine this vision. And, as we will see, doing so provides further proofs for our interpretation of the second. Most of all, we must remember that we are dealing with the massive idolatry of commercialism in the last days. The Flying Scroll: What is it? What a strange sight a flying scroll levitating in mid air. Yet, Zechariah mentions two times that he sees a flying scroll. Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. (Zechariah 5:1-2, KJV) The scroll seen here is surely one of odd size. Converting its dimensions into the measures of our day, it is approximately 30 feet wide and 15 feet high. It is visible as an open book an open ledger of record. As most scrolls of that day, writing was on both sides. Zechariah says twice that the flying object that he saw was a scroll with writing on both sides. The writing could be clearly seen. Therefore, it was unfurled, rather than being rolled up. The Bible uses two Hebrew words for literary documents, megillah (used here) and siphrah. Both mean a type of document that can be rolled up into a roll. If God meant us to understand that it was to prefigure an object of some type that was cylindrical, or a futuristic technology, Zechariah would have explained what he saw quite differently. Yet this scroll is very large, much larger than could be handled by a single reader. It floats in the air as if a banner for all to see necessary to define a religion, secular humanism does not qualify. If on the other hand religion, or a god, is defined as one s ultimate value, then secular humanism is a religion. 1 The field of economics belongs to humanism. Therefore, economics is a faith system. Few secular practioners of this discipline would disagree with this statement. Yet, many economic theologians who declare themselves to be Christians, do not see any contradictions. They almost exult in their friendliness with the world, secure in their new understandings even revisionism of scripture. With these, they seek to change the world in the name of good ethics. Mammon is the worship of earthy power and prosperity for its own end-sake. It has nothing to offer the eternal Kingdom of God. Let the devices of Mammon into the Church, even by a nose length, and the road to destruction begins. Diverting our attention and worship from God for even a moment, or bemoaning our unsatisfied physical wants, we can be stung with poisons. As happened to Israel in the desert (Numbers 21) when they were dissatisfied with their physical circumstances, they were beset upon by poisonous snakes. Only when they focused upon the bronze snake (representing Christ) that Moses had set upon a pole, did they meet relief. Adam Smith, in his famous book, The Wealth of Nations 2 published in 1776, expressed the view that he thought the church (in his case, referring to the Church of England) was doomed. He reasoned that the since independent clergy relied upon the voluntary donations of their congregation for their income, that they had little incentive to give them what they needed, but rather what they wanted. The men of learning and elegance in the state church would eventually lose market share to those popular and bold, though perhaps stupid and ignorant independents. While we may not lament the demise of a state church as Smith did, he hit upon a truth. Eventually, the love of 8 33

11 Chapter 3: Symbolism in Zechariah 5 and the Depth of Greed Today Despite the high-profile convictions of various individuals such as Martha Stewart, Bernie Ebbers and others (some of them declared Christians) at the corporate level, business ethics continues to circle down the drain. Yes, a few of the corporate elites every now and then are sent off to prison as sacrificial lambs. These individuals were probably unlucky at best, and at worst may have become a little too noticeably greedy and caught in the public eye. Overall, apart from some chastening, there has been little change of heart at all in the worlds of government, business and finance. If anything will have changed, it is the techniques gain and increase that become more sophisticated and hidden. In fact, the greatest corruption is now taking place at global levels, far above the heads of most people to be either noticed or fully understood. One only needs to observe the heinous policies at work in world geo-political and monetary affairs between nations today to get a sense of how wicked corruption has engulfed the entire world. It surely fits the description of the iniquity and wickedness found in Zechariah s measuring basket. Even as periodic recriminations or economic downturns may discipline the greedy heart of mankind, there likely will not have been any change of heart at best, only a state of repressed avarice for a temporary period. Very soon after global economic tremors or social-political reaction, the genie of greed is out of the bottle and unbridled greed is again baying at a new moon of profit opportunities, bubbling property prices or a rising stock market. A Pandering New Religion Samuel Brittan, a noted columnist and economic historian questions rhetorically, Is economics a religion? According to the Dictionary of Christianity in America: `If belief in a god is across the whole world having application to the face of the whole earth. The Bible says that it is a scroll which is a recordkeeping device for all the world to see. It is a marquee, announcing a curse and a final judgment. Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth [ ]. (Verse 3a) A Banner Proclaiming a World-wide Curse We know then that the scroll represents a curse that applies to the whole world. Why a curse? As the Bible shows, a curse is always the result of forsaking God s ordinances. For example, referring to the Hebrews: If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the LORD Almighty, I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me. (Malachi 2:2) The book of Deuteronomy lists numerous curses that would befall Israel if they departed from the commands given to them by Moses. Joshua summed them up. He [ ] read all the words of the law the blessings and the curses just as it is written in the Book of the Law. (Joshua 8:34) However, Isaiah mentions a curse that applies not just to Israel, but the whole world: The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. (Isaiah (24:3-6, KJV) 32 9

12 Chapter 1: Zechariah s 5th and 6th Vision: Pictures of Today There is an argument to be made that this curse applying to the whole world is in fact linked to the curse we are now examining in Zechariah. In this case, why is a curse being pronounced? The Bible tells us clearly: [ ] for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. (verse 3) Therefore, both those that steal and those that sweareth falsely are being cut off and cursed. This answer only serves to trigger another important question: Why is the world being judged for these two sins? Aren t there 10 commandments? The Ills of Swearing and Stealing What is clearly peculiar is that only two of the 10 commandments the 4th d and 8 th are mentioned as the cause of the curse upon the whole world (that being misusing the Lord s name and stealing). It could be argued that the 9 th commandment, You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor is also involved. (Exodus 20:16) Whatever the case, why are only 2 (perhaps 3) sins mentioned at most? Because, the breaking of the other commandments is not directly involved. That is another important clue. However, at this point, we must again recall the first clue that the vision of the scroll is linked to the ephah of the second vision. We therefore can know that the false witness and the stealing being mentioned has to do with the idolatrous commercialism of the last days pointed out in the second vision. Pinpointed are the two sins that are mainly responsible for the filthy idolatry that was shown in the flying ephah the last-day semblance of manmade prosperity, the religion of greed (and we surmise, the intoxicating wine of Babylon the Great mentioned in Revelation 18) the human quest for the actualization of man on earth right and wrong in our society. What goes up in price is good; what goes down in price is bad. Try arguing otherwise with a real estate agent or a stockholder. They will ask, How can a declining stock or house price be good? Of course, no one wants to face financial hardship nor do we wish it upon others. The point to see is that it is gain in price or increase that has been set up as the ultimate standard of our society. Of course, gain itself is not necessarily wrong nor must it involve a sin. The issue is that it is gain that has been set up as the ultimate measuring basket of what is acceptable, no matter what the morality. What passes for ethical practice these days concerns itself more with the appearance of doing good rather than what is right or actually converting the heart to doing right. Much of the preoccupation with ethics serves as a veneer that attempts to cover up a deep moral slide with respect to greed and gain. Ezekiel spoke to a similar situation of two-faced morality. My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. (Ezekiel 33:31-32) We see the same attitude today. There is much expression of devotion to good ethics. The statements of commitment to upstanding ethics are soothing. But there is no intent to change the desires of the heart. These paeans of commitment to good ethics make pleasant background music even as corruption deepens and becomes more sophisticated at high levels. So we see that while ethics can be vaunted as a high social good by even the most rapacious people and organizations, corruption and cheating continue to heighten

13 Chapter 3: Symbolism in Zechariah 5 and the Depth of Greed Today Shinar. We see an allegory provided by the story of Joseph. The world-wide economic enslavement laid out in this Old Testament story plays out during the dispensational period the gap between the 69 th and 70 th week of Daniel across the world stage. It then meets God s wrath during the Tribulation and judgment thereafter. A Look Underneath the Lead Lid Our nations are over-run with programs to promote good ethics and corporate governance, new university chairs for the studies of ethical practices and high-sounding commitments by lawmakers and leaders to punish evil-doers. Many companies now hire senior executives with the tile of Ethical Program Director. Virtually every major company has a Statement of Ethics or Standards of Practice. It is not surprising that the study of ethics and organizations promoting its cause have literally boomed in the recent decade. It is the companion trend to rising sophistication of deception and expertise in greed. As such, there are a number of reasons contributing to an apparent fixation with ethics? For one, it s good for business to promote upstanding ideals. It s even better business for the swelling cadre of ethics consultants. But, today s ethics has very little to do with right and wrong. Certainly, the concept of sin, or God s word or its repository, the Bible, is ever appealed to as the ultimate moral authority in the definition of ethics. That would be too politically incorrect. Even worse, God s word is much too inflexible of a standard in the pursuit of affluence or a profit plan. It may get in the way of a profit plans or shareholder return targets. In reality, profit and gain is often the ultimate arbiter of what is through the economics of satiating people s physical and materialistic wants. In no uncertain terms, we are seeing here the endemic commercialization and financialization of all human life on earth of the last days. Rampant globalization today is surely part of this picture whether in its earlier or later stages. Encompassed here is everything from the elevation of manipulative and global monetary systems, fiat money, capitalism, globalism based on the vested interest of intertwined world-wide trading systems, accounting shenanigans, corporatism and debt-based wealth. All together it represents that heaving mass of Mammonism a world that has chosen Money over God. The corrosiveness and imbalances of these systems are literally consuming the timber thereof and the stones thereof" (Zechariah 5:4) symbolizing the poor structural integrity of man s globalized foundation. For such systems to prosper prospering here meaning nothing more than giving the semblance of success, though its underpinnings are deceitful and not sustainable they depend upon two impulses alone. What are these? To no surprise, the very two sins of stealing and false-witness. Swearing Falsely and Stealing Up Close To understand the linkage of these two sins with Zechariah s second vision, let s examine them more closely beginning with swearing falsely. Swearing here means to take an oath, or to promise something. The actual translation of the Hebrew word is to seven one self in other words, to enter into contract or declaration by saying it seven times. The issue here has to do with swearing falsely by my name (verse 4, KJV) Therefore, this first wicked condition has to do with lying, perjury, deceit misusing the Lord s name. It concerns the issue of making a 30 11

14 Chapter 1: Zechariah s 5th and 6th Vision: Pictures of Today promise without intending to fulfill it. But how is it that the Lord s name is involved? Well, it must be. After all, God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. (Numbers 23:19) He is the God of Truth (Psalms 31:5, 33:4) Every man may be a liar, but God is true. (Romans 3;4) The Bible clearly tells us that God is the embodiment of truth. Therefore, to swear falsely in the name of truth, is to sweareth falsely by my name. (Zechariah 5:4) Actually, this type of lying in other words, swearing falsely in the name of truth is the glue of our world s economic and geopolitical systems. At the highest levels, it is mirrored in the institution of contract law. On the one hand, legions of lawyers are required to establish a rigid framework for world commerce to function. Of course, this wouldn t be required in the first case, were there not so many false promises. In fact, for a long time the common law system has included the practice of asking deponents and witnesses to swear upon the Bible, that they will tell nothing but the truth. Most contracts today are made entirely on the premise of what is legally allowable as opposed to what is right, moral and a true promise. All that is required to get out of one s obligation is a simple loophole. It is as easy as that for the most part, representing little more than a façade of truth. The same attitude applies to the world of competitive geopolitics. The lie is the most deftly used technique in the pursuit of nations interests. The lying and deceit definitely defines the modus operandi of the entire world today. Christ warned of this murky quagmire of swearing : Simply let your `Yes' be `Yes,' and your `No,' `No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37) already, the Iraqi nation seems headed towards a protectorate status under a UN-coordinated world government. Iraq, after all, is the test case for many humanists and social theorists who see religion as an impediment to the advancement of mankind. They want to prove that globalization and free-market capitalism can revolutionize the world, bringing peace and prosperity to all mankind. Taming and converting the despotic heart of this Islamic country to the virtues of their adulterous religion the marriage of the spirit of capitalism (Mammon) to Western Christendom would be the crowing glory of globalists, humanists and socialist theologians. We can imagine that little effort will be spared in converting Iraq. Whatever our speculations, time will prove the veracity of God s word whether we can see how it will happen or not. In Chapter 2 we showed just how unlikely such an outcome would be. No Escape for Christians In the meantime, Christians today encounter many corrupting philosophies and false religions that find their home in the spiritual and commercial Babylon of the endtimes, even though we will not face the Tribulation. Whereas the Bible clearly points to certain and literal events that will occur in the end-time Tribulation period, we are witnessing the preparatory trends play out in type even now in the latter stages of the Church Age during the latter stages of this dispensation. For example, the processes that foreshadow the literal Babylon in Revelation 17 and 18 may play out on the world scene in allegorical form, but also in physical form as the Tribulation period nears. During this prior period, the foundations of endtime systemic Babylon are taking form on a global scale as it is today. Then, after the departure of the true Church and after the 7y-year period of the Tribulation, the idolatry and doctrines of demons that have underpinned the world s controlling system of materialism and commercialism is moved to 12 29

15 Chapter 3: Symbolism in Zechariah 5 and the Depth of Greed Today is moved to Babylonia, otherwise referred to as Shinar. The symbolism of the ephah confirms its commercial connections. How can this be? Zechariah sees the centre of world commerce being transported to Shinar, which represents the approximate area of Iraq today. Admittedly, it sounds rather unlikely gauging by what we see in the world today. Iraq is considered a backward nation, much of it in disrepair and upheaval. The world s commercial centre will be found here some day? If so, it would be fitting. The first image of wealth was worshipped in this very place when Nebuchadnezzar constructed a statue of gold and demanded that all bow down to it. (Daniel 3). Only this time the time of the last days in the early Millennium period the furnace may burn seven times hotter for those that did worship this image of gold. Heading Towards Shinar The account in the book of Zechariah undoubtedly does say Shinar. Therefore, though we may puzzle how this could happen, as this vision must be referring to a yet future event. Shinar refers to an ancient era. We can only speculate how and why this might happen. Indeed, at some point, it will not be a technological impossibility to move or construct a world commercial nexus in Iraq. Today, the center of commerce doesn t need to be anything more than a great worldwide electronic trading system connected with fiber optic cables. Already, the globe has a great overcapacity of fiber-optic cable strung across the world s oceans that is rapidly changing the very nature of world trade. The wave of outsourcing of American white collar work to India and China in the fields of accountancy, software and design development, call centers and other industries, are an early indication of how these technologies are changing the balance of trade in the world. Speculating for a moment how this might eventually happen, The Ways of the World: Two-Sidedness Explained W e continue with our examination of Zechariah s two strange visions mentioned in Zechariah Chapter 5 the strange, flying scroll and the transported ephah. In Chapter 1 we concluded that both of these visions concern the judgment of the endtime boom of commercialism that is also depicted in Revelation 18 as Babylon the Great. We resume our review of the meanings of those that sweareth falsely and stealeth and that were listed on opposite sides of the unfurled scroll. As we have already identified the meaning of those that sweareth falsely, we can now deal with the other. Hand in Hand With Theft Chapter 2 What about stealing? It is the other side of the coin or we should better say, the other side of the flying scroll. Stealing in our time is probably more prevalent that ever before, though this condition is likely not recognized. Stealing today is more sophisticated and systematized. There are 28 13

16 Chapter 1: Zechariah s 5th and 6th Vision: Pictures of Today numerous types of stealing that are institutionalized into the everyday fabric of life. For example, consider the phenomenon of inflation (the price of goods continually rising in currency terms). Today it is one of the biggest forms of stealing. While there are many complexities to inflation, it is in fact really nothing more than stealing. Yet, every central bank in the world today will argue that a little bit of stealing (inflation) is necessary for the smooth and safe functioning of economies and financial systems. Too much inflation, however, can be disastrous. Therefore, quite a bit of inflation (meaning the stealing from the pocketbooks of the citizenry) is masterfully concealed or lied about so as to not arouse unnecessary suspicion. Officials are swearing falsely about inflation. These are factual statements that can be proven, had we the space. However, we want to continue illustrating how endemic stealing is today. It is the staple of many other activities, as well. Corporate executives steal from shareholders and countries try to steal precious resources from other countries (oil, for example). Although such motivations are couched in official policy-speak such as securing our interests or gaining access through free trade. This is all the norm today, though every now and then some people who make this reality too brazenly obvious for comfort will face conviction. In conclusion, we see that swearing falsely and stealing are at the very root of man s global endtime edifice. The competitions of modern-day economic pagan man and sovereign countries around the world are typified by swearing and stealing. It comes to its apex in the form of the commercial Babylon the Great, ancient Tyre reborn into its final global manifestation. Two-Sided Meaning We stop to consider the symbolic significance of the fact that the flying scroll has two sides. On one side thieves are listed, on ten feet in some species). (Job 39:13-18) This bird can soar to great heights with little effort of flapping its wings. It is not clear which species of stork that scripture describes. It could be referring to the large marabou stork that is found in Africa as it is the largest of the storks. After all, it would require very large wings to lift up three women (the two with the wings and the one in the container) and a basket into the air. The marabou, an aggressive variety of stork, is a carrion eater which often associates with a related bird, the vulture. An extremely ugly bird, it also is quite filthy having the manner of excreting upon its longs legs to cool itself. Taken together, the nature of this bird surely fits the foul content of the measuring basket shown in Zechariah s account. Next, we again note that this vision portrays three women. A image of woman is frequently used in the Bible as a symbol for idolatry or spiritual adultery, in other words. The fact that three women are depicted speaks of great idolatry. Do each of these women present a different aspect of spiritual adultery? We could only speculate. We are not given any clear indication of what there may be any connections as such. The women sitting in the basket could have some connections to the whore of Babylon the Great in some way (Revelation 17, 18) but again, we can would be speculating on the basis of Zechariah s comments alone. The most revealing statement is that this measuring basket will be transported to Babylonia. It is important to note that at first this ephah was lifted up by the two stork-women towards heaven. Then, only when the house for it in Babylonia is ready, will it be transported there. This elevation towards heaven reveals that the ephod is set up as an image against God as a system that compares itself to heaven. Almost certainly, the account in Zechariah clearly shows the center of the world s commercial system a system of wickedness and iniquity 14 27

17 Chapter 3: Symbolism in Zechariah 5 and the Depth of Greed Today asked the angel who was speaking to me. He replied, "To the country of Babylonia to build a house for it. When it is ready, the basket will be set there in its place. (Zechariah 5:6-11) What is the significance of the symbols a measuring basket, two women with wings of storks, the woman inside the container and the lid of lead? God definitely chose these symbols for a reason. The measuring basket that Zechariah saw lifted up toward heaven is referred to as an ephah in the King James and other Bible translations. The ephah was a commercial measuring unit for dry goods, the equivalent of about 8-9 bushels today. This unit of measure is used more than twice as much as any other mentioned in the Bible (the hin, the homer or the seah, for example). Clearly, it was the key unit of commerce during the prophet s time, both for measurement and transport. If Zechariah s vision had been given in our day, God may have used the symbol of a twenty-foot shipping container (the type that is transported on ocean-going ships and tractor trailers) or perhaps even a Size 10 cardboard box. The symbolism of the wings of a stork is equally significant. The stork was considered an unclean bird, unfit for eating. (Deuteronomy 14:18, Leviticus 11:19). Furthermore, the characteristics and lifestyle of the stork may be considered as offering some indications as to why its wings are used as a symbol. Some of these traits are mentioned in the Bible. It is a migratory bird that knows its seasons and perches very high in the trees. As such, we can conclude that it is an opportunistic bird that sets itself very high. (Jeremiah 8:7) The stork is not a very caring or compassionate animal, treating its young very harshly. It doesn t care that its labor is in vain nor is it blessed with wisdom and good sense. Yet, it is bird that is beautiful in flight with an enormously wide wingspan (up to the other those that sweareth falsely. Why are they shown as opposites or as two sides of the coin? Actually, the entire economic system upon earth is defined by these very two symptoms as well as this nature of duality. Isaiah, prophesying of judgment and wrath in the last days (the very same period that Zechariah sees) also emphasizes a duality. And it shall be as [what happens] with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the creditor, so with the debtor. (Isaiah 24:2 AMP) He lists here six sets of pairs that harbor an element of opposites. For example, there can be no maid without a mistress. Interestingly, three of these pairs (50%) directly refer to commercial aspects. There is a buyer and a seller; a lender and a borrower; and a creditor and a debtor. Significantly, these are mentioned last. The sequence moves from the highest order of people and priest to the basest of creditor and debtor. It pretty much fits the evolution of mankind s systems. The last pair pictures the crassest and most brutal world based on the rights of creditors and debtors of those that stealeth and those that swear falsely. And, indeed that is the world today a world witnessing an explosion of debt and the widest chasm between the lenders and borrowers ever in history. Interestingly, it is a commercial system perched upon the double entry bookkeeping system, its foundational duality. Zechariah s Conclusion: The Final Judgment The rendering of Zechariah speaks of an endpoint a final judgment. He sees a picture of the world that is being cursed in its sophisticated perversions of stealing and perjury. Then 26 15

18 Chapter 2: The Ways of the World: Two-Sidedness Explained: comes the point where this idolatry is encased in an ephah and moved. The ephah, the filth and wickedness it contains, which is the related condition to the swearing and stealing that is upon the whole earth, and is therefore under a curse, is sealed off with a heavy lid of lead and is removed to a specific location. The key aspects here are removal and a sealing off. We note that Zechariah tells us that after the contents of the ephah are revealed, that the angel pushed her back into the basket and the pushed the lead down over its mouth. (Verse 8) This does not reveal a releasing of this wickedness and idolatry to again reflourish in some endtime location, but rather a sealing. It is an end. Next, we are told that the ephah is taken away, to be set upon its base which is a place that has been prepared for it ahead of time. (verse 11) We must ask ourselves why such advance preparations are required? And, who is doing the preparing? Of the many answers that can be probed, the only one that relates to the general theme of judgment in this entire chapter, is that this removal is one for divinely set purposes. In other words, the filth and wickedness of a worldwide condition is quarantined and set upon a resting place (a base, possibly being a dungeon) somewhere in the land of Shinar. Iniquity Moved to Its Final Quarantine What is the significance of Shinar being mentioned as the final resting place for the flying ephah? Consider the significance of this location. It is just outside the eastern extremity of the land promised to the covenantal descendants of Abraham which is the Euphrates River. (Genesis 15:18) Shinar, is on the eastern side of this river, as is Babylon and therefore is just outside the periphery of the restored Millennial Israel. As the ephah contained wickedness (Zechariah 5:8) and as the restored land of Israel is considered Holy in the Millennial Chapter 3 Symbolism in Zechariah 5 and the Depth of Greed Today Z echariah was given a perplexing vision. In it, he saw a basket lifted up towards heaven and then transported away by two women with wings of storks. Puzzlingly as this vision is, it has attracted many different interpretations. Yet, it holds some important insights for our day. Then the angel who was speaking to me came forward and said to me, "Look up and see what this is that is appearing. I asked, "What is it?" He replied, "It is a measuring basket." And he added, "This is the iniquity of the people throughout the land." Then the cover of lead was raised, and there in the basket sat a woman! He said, "This is wickedness," and he pushed her back into the basket and pushed the lead cover down over its mouth. Then I looked up and there before me were two women, with the wind in their wings! They had wings like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth. "Where are they taking the basket?" I 16 25