זכריה, פרק ה׳, פסוק י״א

The vision of the flying measuring basket reaches its end as the ultimate destination of the wickedness trapped inside is revealed. This movement represents a profound spiritual and historical shift, where sin and the curse are uprooted from the Land of Israel and transferred to a foreign land. The trapped woman embodies wickedness, arrogance, and hatred of others—traits that enter the world specifically through measuring tools, which naturally stir up disputes. The angel explains that a house will be built for this basket in Babylon. Consequently, the Land of Israel is cleared of its curse, and the evil inclination is relocated to dwell in Babylon [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This event directly reflects the historical reality of the Babylonian exile, acting as a punishment of measure for measure. Because the Israelites sinned through corrupt measurements, they are exiled inside a measuring basket and put down in a foreign land [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. The primary approach among commentators views this as a sharp criticism of those who survived the exile but chose to remain behind. The description of the basket coming to rest implies both a passive and an active state, perfectly capturing the journey of the exiles. At first, they were brought to Babylon against their will, but over time, they chose to stay of their own free will. They built homes, planted vineyards, and grew too comfortable to return to the Land of Israel, even when the building of the Second Temple began [אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. As a consequence of their refusal to return and rebuild, they are destined to remain fixed in their place permanently [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון].

In contrast, another perspective views this as a broader symbol for the nature of exile itself. The basket does not sink entirely but remains suspended between heaven and earth, offering a glimmer of hope. Furthermore, the name of the destination is understood not merely as a geographic location, but as a symbol of being shaken or tossed about. According to this view, although the exiles will attempt to build homes during their long dispersion, they will never achieve lasting peace. Instead, they will be constantly uprooted and expelled from one kingdom to another, endlessly wandering without ever truly being able to settle [אברבנאל].