[Question]

Zechariah 5:1–4
"I looked again, and I saw a flying scroll. He asked me, ‘What do you see?’ I answered, ‘I see a flying scroll, twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide.’ And he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is going out over the whole land; for according to what is written on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what is written on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished. 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.”’"

According to this passage, the flying scroll is twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide. What does the scroll represent, and what is the meaning behind this prophecy?

When I looked up the measurement of a cubit, I found that twenty cubits is approximately 9 meters (30 feet) in length, and ten cubits is around 4.5 meters (15 feet) in width. This suggests that the scroll is incredibly large. Since it is unlikely that a literal scroll of such size was flying through the air, I am curious about its symbolic meaning. Additionally, what is the significance of these specific dimensions?

[Answer]

The prophecy of the flying scroll in Zechariah 5 does not refer to a literal scroll soaring through the sky but symbolizes the spread of God’s word and judgment. The dimensions of the scroll (20 cubits × 10 cubits) provide an essential clue to its meaning, as they are directly related to the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s Temple.

2 Chronicles 3:8–9 states that the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s Temple measured 20 cubits in length and 20 cubits in width. The fact that the scroll’s length matches one side of the Holy of Holies suggests a deep symbolic connection between the two.

Therefore, if we look for any objects or structures in the Holy of Holies that match the scroll’s dimensions (20 cubits × 10 cubits), we can better understand what the scroll represents.

In Solomon’s Temple, two cherubim (angelic figures) were placed inside the Holy of Holies. These cherubim stood facing forward, with their wings spread out.

 1 Kings 6:23–27
"Inside the inner sanctuary, he made two cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits high. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits, and the other wing was five cubits—ten cubits from wingtip to wingtip. The second cherub also measured ten cubits. Both cherubim had the same size and shape. Solomon placed them inside the inner sanctuary, and the wings of the cherubim were spread out so that one wing touched the wall while the other wing met in the center."

• Each cherub was 10 cubits high.
• Each cherub’s wingspan was 10 cubits.
• Together, the two cherubim spanned 20 cubits.

This perfectly matches the scroll’s dimensions (20 cubits × 10 cubits), implying that the flying scroll is not a literal object but a symbolic representation of the two cherubim in the Holy of Holies.

The Connection to Zechariah 4: Two Olive Trees

The two cherubim in Solomon’s Temple also correspond to the two olive trees (or anointed ones) described in Zechariah 4.

 Zechariah 4:11–14
"Then I asked the angel, ‘What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?’ Again, I asked him, ‘What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?’ He replied, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ I said, ‘No, my lord.’ So he said, ‘These are the two anointed ones, who stand before the Lord of all the earth.’"

These two anointed ones symbolize divinely appointed messengers (prophets or leaders), reinforcing the idea that the flying scroll is not just a written document but a representation of God’s judgment and prophetic voice.

The Judgment of the Flying Scroll

Zechariah 5 states that the flying scroll carries a curse against those who swear falsely and steal.

 Zechariah 5:3–4
"This is the curse that is going out over the whole land… 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."

Here, false oaths and theft are not just literal sins but violations of the Ten Commandments.

• God commanded Israel to take an oath to keep His commandments.
• However, Israel broke their covenant by turning away from God, oppressing others, and violating His laws.
• As a result, their homes and the Temple itself were destroyed—first by Babylon and later by the Romans.

Thus, the flying scroll serves as both a warning and a declaration of divine judgment. Just as Israel was judged for breaking their covenant, modern churches that turn away from God’s truth and exploit others will also face judgment.

Conclusion

The flying scroll in Zechariah 5 is not a literal scroll but a symbolic representation of God’s judgment.

1. The scroll’s dimensions (20 cubits × 10 cubits) match the measurements of the cherubim in Solomon’s Temple, suggesting that the scroll represents these two angelic figures.
2. These cherubim are connected to the two anointed ones (olive trees) in Zechariah 4 and the two witnesses in Revelation 11.
3. The scroll’s message is a warning against those who violate God’s covenant, specifically those who steal and swear falsely.
4. The prophecy implies that churches today, like ancient Israel, will face judgment if they abandon God’s commandments and exploit others.

 Ultimately, the flying scroll signifies divine judgment and the prophetic role of God’s anointed messengers, who proclaim His truth and warn of coming destruction for those who reject His covenant.