S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

One of the prophet Zechariah's visions is of a measuring basket with a lead cover. In Zechariah 5:7-8 he writes, "Then the cover of lead was raised, and there in the basket sat a woman! [The angel]...

Login or Sign Up to view the rest of this answer.

July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Danny Hickman Supporter Believer in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

The woman is introduced in the story of life as being somewhat of a seductress. Eve was deceived by the serpent in the first inning of the beginning; immediately following the kickoff to the game of life in the garden, she ate of the fruit of which they were forbidden to eat. She then, essentially, seduced Adam to eat also. He threw her under the bus when he told God, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." (Genesis 3). It's like they fell behind on the scoreboard during the singing of the national anthem! 

There's no way to ever live that error down! But God is merciful; he gave her a title that has no equal: she became the 'Mother of all living.' (Gen 3:20). (Adam aptly named her; it's what the name 'Eve' means).

Evil (immorality) seduces; but so does wisdom. 

Wisdom calls aloud outside (Proverbs 1:20).
Men are snared in an evil time (Ecclesiastes 9:12). 

Yes, evil is depicted as a woman in Zechariah 5; but I think its seductive nature is the focal point of the symbolism. The woman's history of being a seductress is being used to drive home the point of how alluring immoral practices can be. It isn't being said that the woman is basically evil. Her seductive nature is the focus of the resemblance of the two. Since there are only two genders from which to choose, it's only logical that evil would be called a 'she' instead of a he. Men don't seduce, we succumb to seduction..

Wisdom is also depicted as a woman; Solomon wrote: “When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me, ‘Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you...’” (Proverbs 4:3-6).

So which is it? Is the woman wise or evil? Neither... she's a seductress. Evil seduces and so does wisdom, so both are depicted as being a woman; both will seduce... that's the reason Zechariah penned it the way he did; the same is true for Solomon. 

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown." (Proverbs 4:7-9). 

If there ever is an election between the man and the woman, for one to be a living and breathing representation of the office of 'wickedness,' the man will win going away! It won't even be close!

January 26 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report