Zechariah 5:1

1. flying roll—of papyrus, or dressed skins, used for writing on when paper was not known. It was inscribed with the words of the curse (Deuteronomy 27:15-26; Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Being written implied that its contents were beyond all escape or repeal ( :-). Its "flying" shows that its curses were ready swiftly to visit the transgressors. It was unrolled, or else its dimensions could not have been seen ( :-). Being open to all, none could say in excuse he knew not the law and the curses of disobedience. As the previous visions intimated God's favor in restoring the Jewish state, so this vision announces judgment, intimating that God, notwithstanding His favor, did not approve of their sins. Being written on both sides, "on this and on that side" (Zechariah 5:3) [VATABLUS] connects it with the two tables of the law (Zechariah 5:3- :), and implies its comprehensiveness. One side denounced "him that sweareth falsely (Zechariah 5:3- :) by God's name," according to the third commandment of the first table, duty to God; the other side denounced theft, according to the eighth commandment, which is in the second table, duty to one's neighbor.