In this chapter, God gives Zechariah two visions of warning. First, he sees a flying roll, which is identified as the curse. This pictures the law of God and the curse on those who disobey it. Second, he sees a woman sitting in a basket called an ephah (after the size of the basket). This vision is called wickedness and portrays false religion.

Zechariah sees the vision of the golden candlestick and the two olive trees. The olive oil is a picture of the work of the Holy Spirit. God accomplishes His work, not by might or by power, but by the working of His Spirit. The entire vision centers on this truth.