Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 5:6 together. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a huge amount of grain (think like a massive pile of wheat or barley) being transported – almost like a giant, overflowing sack – out of the land. The speaker (Zechariah) is observing this and commenting on its significance. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I said, What [is] it?” - This is Zechariah’s question to the divine being (likely God). He's asking for a clear explanation of what the massive amount of grain is. “He said, This [is] an ephah that goeth forth.” – This is the crucial part! An ephah was a large container used in ancient times, particularly in Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was roughly equivalent to 50 bushels (or about 22 tons) of grain. So, this is describing a huge amount of grain being moved. “He said moreover, This [is] their resemblance through all the earth.” – This is where it gets symbolic. The speaker isn’t just talking about the physical quantity of the grain; he's saying that this enormous amount of grain represents something incredibly significant. He’s highlighting how this large amount is worldwide and widespread. It’s like a powerful, undeniable sign – a demonstration of God’s presence and power. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God's favor and blessing . It suggests: God is providing a great gift. The massive amount of grain symbolizes a large reward or abundance for His people. His blessings are far-reaching and widespread. "Through all the earth" emphasizes that this blessing isn’t limited to just one place; it's impacting many areas. In essence, Zechariah is describing a monumental event – a plentiful harvest – that God is sending his blessings upon the world. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the historical context of the Ephah? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes?