Verse 1
Two more of the eight visions are in this chapter, that of the flying roll, and that of the lead-covered ephah. Radically different views about the meaning of these visions have been advocated; and it must be confessed that they are somewhat difficult of interpretation. Some think that the Law and the Gospel are meant, the Law by the flying roll, and the Gospel by the symbolical removal of "sin" to Babylon, the contrast being, that whereas under the Law, the violators were adjudged guilty and summary judgment executed, on the other hand, under the Gospel, the very principle of sin is taken far away. Although ingenious enough, this interpretation is not convincing. It is mentioned here because it seems to be the best of interpretations based upon the supposition that these are "a pair of visions." Perhaps it is better to take them one at a time.
Regarding the "flying roll," this certainly must be seen as a symbol of the Law of Moses, or as a figure of God's law for all mankind. The meaning of the stress laid on "cutting off" offenders is much more difficult to ascertain. Without even attempting any dogmatic determination of what these two visions mean, we shall explore the best comments by which men have attempted to enlighten us regarding them.
"Then again I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and behold, a flying roll. 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."
Taking the cubit as a measurement approximately of eighteen inches, the dimensions of the roll were 30 feet 10:15 feet. Scholars find these to be equivalent to the dimensions of Solomon's porch, or to the Holy of Holies in the ancient tabernacle; but, when it comes to making any kind of a worthwhile deduction based upon such facts, the commentators who cite them, "have not been able to furnish an interpretation that is sufficiently obvious to commend itself to anyone except the inventor!"[1]
The flying roll appears to be identified with the Law of Moses, because, "Being written on both sides (Zechariah 5:3), they connect with the two tables of the Law (Exodus 32:15)."[2] This impression seems to be confirmed by the fact that the two specific violations mentioned, swearing and stealing, are the third and eighth commandments respectively; and, "These represent the two tables of the Law, dealing with duty to one's neighbor and duty to God."[3] This is logical, for the third and seventh commandments are the middle ones in the two tables respectively. Certainly, more sins than the two mentioned must be included.
"Let no one think this threat was only against thieves and swearers for God gave sentence against all iniquity. All the law and the prophets hang on this word, Thou shalt love God ... and thy neighbor as thyself."[4]
The fact of the roll being open and visible, as indicated by its dimensions being stated, coupled with the fact of its being written on both sides, shows that no one could plead ignorance of the law of God. It was open for all to see.
The fact of the roll being seen as flying would indicate that whatever blessing or curse may be mentioned in connection with it would be swiftly and summarily executed. Feinberg thought that, "The fact that it was flying indicated that its disclosures were soon to be visited on the wicked."[5]
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