זכריה, פרק ה׳, פסוק ז׳

A prophetic and symbolic vision reveals a striking scene of measuring tools and a seated female figure. This imagery serves as a profound metaphor for a nation's deceitful sins and the exact justice handed down in return. In the vision, a heavy, round lead weight is lifted high into the air above the earth [רש״י, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם], or perhaps carried directly inside a measuring basket [אבן עזרא]. Lead is chosen specifically for its immense weight [אבן עזרא]. Within this measuring basket sits a single woman.

Prophets frequently use the image of a woman to represent an entire nation rather than a private individual [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. However, her exact identity is a matter of discussion. She might symbolize a specific family within Israel [אבן עזרא]. Others view her as a representation of the Ten Tribes, referred to as a single woman because they functioned as one kingdom united on an evil path [רד״ק]. A contrasting approach argues that since the Ten Tribes were exiled centuries earlier, the figure must instead symbolize the Kingdom of Judah [אברבנאל].

The core of the vision focuses on sin and exact retribution. The measuring basket represents the crime of deceit—specifically, the shrinking of measures and the use of false weights to cheat others. By sitting inside the very tool of her crime, the woman receives a punishment that perfectly mirrors her actions [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. The scene unfolds like a public trial, openly displaying the sinner alongside her instruments of fraud so that others will see and fear the consequences [אברבנאל].

The heavy lead illustrates the severity of this justice. Its crushing weight symbolizes the heavy burden and the long, enduring exile into which the wrongdoers will plunge [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Ultimately, the lead serves as a heavy weight meant to press the woman deep into the measuring basket, ensuring she remains sunken and cannot rise again [אברבנאל].