INTRODUCTION: Background Information:

The Prophet Zechariah – A prophet during the return from Babylonian captivity. He and Haggai preach a return to the building of the temple after work had ceased for 16 years because of opposition.Earlier chapters – The first four chapters of Zechariah are uplifting and encouraging. Samples of this message can be seen in Zechariah 1:13And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.
See All...; Zechariah 2:10Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
See All...; Zechariah 3:10In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.
See All...; Zechariah 4:6Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
See All.... The children of Israel are encouraged to obey the Lord in the building of the temple and see the blessings that He will bestow upon them.Chapter Five – But chapter five turns to the negative side with two visions:

• The vision of the flying roll (Zechariah 5:1-4 [1] Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. [2] 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. [3] Then said he unto 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. [4] 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.
  See All...). The roll is identified in verse three: “This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth.” We will see in this message that it is a picture of the curse of the law to those who disobey it.
• The vision of the ephah with the woman in the midst (Zechariah 5:5-11 [5] 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. [6] 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. [7] And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. [8] 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. [9] 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. [10] Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? [11] 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.
  See All...). This vision is identified in verse eight: “This is wickedness.” The ephah is like a bushel basket and the woman who is returned to her base in Shinar (the land of Babylon) is a picture of false religion.
• Note: So, the two visions of chapter five give a double picture of condemnation. They are condemned because they disobey the law of God and they are condemned because they follow false gods.

In this message, we will look at the curse of the law as pictured in this vision; its description and the destruction it brings. Then, we will go to the New Testament to see God’s provision for deliverance from the curse of the law.

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE CURSE (Zechariah 5:1-2 [1] Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. [2] 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.
   See All...)
1. A Roll
1. That is, a roll of animal skin or papyrus used for the recording the words of a book. Jeremiah 36:2Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.
   See All... – “Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.”
2. Matching its work of condemnation, it shows up in the fifth chapter of Zechariah.
1. The law, which is called the “ministration of condemnation” (2 Corinthians 3:9For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
   See All...), is centered around the ten commandments, which are listed a second time in the Bible in the fifth chapter of the fifth book (Deuteronomy 5).
2. The seven-sealed book of tribulation judgments is introduced and opened in the fifth chapter of Revelation (Revelation 5:1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
   See All...)
2. Its Writing
1. Written on both sides (Zechariah 5:3Then said he unto 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.
   See All...) – “on this side…on that side”
1. Like the Ten Commandments. Exodus 32:15And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.
   See All... – “And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.”
2. Like the Seven-Sealed Book. Revelation 5:1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
   See All... – “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.”
2. Featuring the two tables of the Ten Commandments (Zechariah 5:3Then said he unto 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.
   See All...)
1. First Table
1. First set of commandments deal mainly with man’s relationship to God
2. If the first table had five commandments, the middle of these five would be the third commandment, which is the commandment against taking the name of the Lord in vain (Exodus 20:7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
   See All... – “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
3. The flying roll will put its curse o all who swear falsely by God’s name (Zechariah 5:4I 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.
   See All...).
2. Second Table
1. Second set of commandments deal mainly with man’s relationship to other men
2. In the second table had the last five commandments, the middle of these five would be the eighth commandment, which is the commandment against stealing (Exodus 20:15Thou shalt not steal.
   See All... – “Thou shalt not steal.”
3. The flying roll will put its curse on those who steal (Zechariah 5:3-4 [3] Then said he unto 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. [4] 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.
   See All...).
3. Evidently, swearing and stealing are taken to represent all the restrictions of the entire Ten Commandments. Those who fail to obey it are under the curse.
1. The teaching of the law. Deuteronomy 27:26Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
   See All... – “Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
2. The confirmation of the New Testament. Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
   See All... – “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
3. Its Dimensions (Zechariah 5:2And 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.
   See All...) – twenty cubits by ten cubits
1. Shows that it was open since only an open scroll (usually rolled up) could be measured. This points to the time that the books will be opened
1. Daniel 7:10A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
   See All... – “…the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”
2. Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
   See All... – “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
2. Obviously important
1. Since exact dimensions are given
2. Since the dimensions are so unusual
3. Scriptural comparisons; only a couple of things in scripture have the same dimensions
1. The porch of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:3And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
   See All...)
2. The holy place of the tabernacle; the first room holding the candlestick, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. [The determination of these dimensions require a bit of study, but they are strongly supported by scripture.]
4. Conclusion concerning the dimensions
1. Both of the places mentioned above are entry points into the presence of God
2. The keeping of the commandments of God are also a way into the presence of God. See Leviticus 26:3If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;
   See All..., 11-12.
3. In fact, two of the three pieces of furniture in the holy place of the tabernacle (candlestick and table of showbread) are types of the word of God.
4. Failing to keep the commandments of God separates one from the presence of the Lord. See Exodus 33:7And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.
   See All....
4. Its Activity – Flying (Zechariah 5:1-2 [1] Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. [2] 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.
   See All...)
1. It is Alive (Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
   See All...)
2. It Cannot be Escaped (Amos 9:1-3 [1] I saw the LORD standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered. [2] Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down: [3] And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:
   See All...)
2. DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY THE CURSE (Zechariah 5:3-4 [3] Then said he unto 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. [4] 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.
   See All...)
1. The Roll Identifies the Offenders (Zechariah 5:3Then said he unto 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.
   See All...)
2. The Roll Locates the Offenders (Zechariah 5:4I 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.
   See All...)
3. The Roll Condemns the Offenders (Zechariah 5:4I 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.
   See All...)
4. The Roll Destroys the Offenders (Zechariah 5:4I 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.
   See All...)
1. Universal Responsibility – it goes forth over the face of the whole earth
2. Universal Condemnation
1. Romans 3:19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
   See All... – “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”
2. Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
   See All... – “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”
3. The commandment becomes a means of death. (Romans 7:10-14 [10] And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. [11] For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. [12] Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. [13] Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. [14] For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
   See All...)
3. Complete Destruction
1. With the timbers and stones (Zechariah 5:4I 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.
   See All...)
2. Punished with everlasting destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 [7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
   See All...)
3. DELIVERANCE FROM THE CURSE
1. The Curse of Christ on the Cross
1. The curse of one hanged on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:22-23 [22] And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: [23] His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
   See All...)
2. The curse Christ became on the cross. Galatians 3:13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
   See All... – “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
2. The Deliverance From the Curse Through Him
1. He became sin for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
   See All... – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
2. He was made our righteousness through faith in Him. Galatians 3:14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
   See All... – “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

CONCLUSION: The mark of Cain a type of the curse of sin (Genesis 4:8-13 [8] And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. [9] And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? [10] And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. [11] And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; [12] When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. [13] And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
See All...). What Christ did is akin to someone offering to take the curse of Cain on themselves so that Cain might be spared. That is what Christ did for you.