Lifting Our Eyes to Divine Revelation
"¶ 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." - Zechariah 5:5
In the book of Zechariah, we encounter a profound moment where the angel speaks directly to the prophet, urging him to lift his eyes and observe what is unfolding. Zechariah 5:5 (KJV) reads: "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." This verse serves not only as a historical account but as a guide for our spiritual journey today.
When we consider the act of lifting our eyes, we are immediately drawn to the symbolic meaning behind this phrase. Lifting our eyes implies a change in perspective; it invites us to shift our focus from our immediate surroundings and challenges, to a broader vision of what God is doing in our lives and in the world around us. In essence, it is a call to eyes of faith that can discern the workings of God that often go unnoticed.
Zechariah’s moment is significant. He was living in a time of rebuilding—both physically, as the temple was being restored, and spiritually, as the people sought to reconnect with their God after a long period of exile and disobedience. The angel’s command to lift his eyes signifies that divine revelations are coming forth that will shed light on the people’s current status and future. This encourages us today that even in situations that seem bleak, God is actively at work, and His plans are unfolding regardless of the circumstances we may face.
Much like Zechariah, we often find ourselves in periods where we are too close to our struggles to see a way forward. It reminds us of the distractions and challenges we encounter that can cloud our vision—the burdens of life, the chaos of daily existence, and the trials we face. At times, our head hangs low, focusing solely on the earthly concerns that wear us down. However, God's message through the angel reassures us that we need to lift our gaze.
Moreover, to lift our eyes is to invite hope into our hearts. We must remember that our God is the God of hope. Romans 15:13 tells us, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Just as Zechariah was called to see, we too are invited to see beyond our current reality into the expansive possibilities that faith holds. When our focus shifts to God’s promises and plans, we discover peace amid storms, and clarity in confusion.
The question then arises, what is it that we see when we lift our eyes? In Zechariah’s case, he saw a vision that revealed the sins of the people and the measures God would take to address them. The outcome was secured through divine judgment and ultimate restoration. Today, lifting our eyes might mean viewing our challenges through the lens of faith, acknowledging where we have fallen short, and recognizing that God offers forgiveness and renewal. It may lead us to see the opportunities to serve, to grow in character, or to extend grace in a world that is desperate for it.
In conclusion, as we meditate on Zechariah 5:5, let us incorporate the practice of lifting our eyes into our daily lives. Let each morning be an invitation to look upwards—to anticipate what God will show us that day, to seek divine guidance, and to acknowledge His presence. May we not be burdened by what weighs us down but instead, look for what God is lifting us towards. In all areas, let faith lead us, and let us share the revelations we receive as we steep ourselves in His truth.
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Zechariah 5:5 - "¶ 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."
"¶ 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." - Zechariah 5:5
Zechariah 5:5-11 - "Then the angel who was speaking to me came forward and said to me, "Look up and see what is appearing." I asked, "What is it?" He replied, "It is a 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 its lead cover down on it. 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 asked the angel who was speaking to me. He replied, "To the country of Babylonia to build a house for it. When the house is ready, the basket will be set there in its place.""
"Then the angel who was speaking to me came forward and said to me, "Look up and see what is appearing." I asked, "What is it?" He replied, "It is a 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 its lead cover down on it. 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 asked the angel who was speaking to me. He replied, "To the country of Babylonia to build a house for it. When the house is ready, the basket will be set there in its place."" - Zechariah 5:5-11
Zechariah 1:5 - "Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?"
Zechariah 8:5 - "And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof."
Zechariah 5:7 - "And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah."
Zechariah 5:10 - "Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?"
Zechariah 5:1 - "Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll."
1 Chronicles 5:7 - "And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,"
Zechariah 2:5 - "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her."
Zechariah 12:5 - "And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God."
Zechariah 5:8 - "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."
Zechariah 4:5 - "Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord."
Zechariah 5:6 - "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."
Zechariah 5:11 - "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."
Nehemiah 11:5 - "And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni."
"Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?" - Zechariah 1:5
Zechariah 13:5 - "But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth."
Zechariah 6:5 - "And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth."
Ezra 5:1 - "Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them."
2 Chronicles 26:5 - "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper."
Zechariah 11:5 - "Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not."
Zechariah 10:5 - "¶ And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded."
"For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." - Zechariah 2:5
"And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah." - Zechariah 5:7
"Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?" - Zechariah 5:10
"And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof." - Zechariah 8:5
Zechariah 5:7 (Brenton) 7 And behold a talent of lead lifted up: and behold a woman sat in the midst of the measure.
Zechariah 5:2 - "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."