Toe slaan ek my oë op en kyk -- daar kom twee vroue te voorskyn met die wind in hulle vlerke; en hulle het vlerke gehad soos die vlerke van 'n groot sprinkaanvoël, en hulle het die efa weggevoer tussen die aarde en die hemel.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from Zechariah, the prophet sees a vision where two women with wings like storks carry an ephah (a container) between earth and heaven. The wind is in their wings, showing they are swift.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're looking at a big storybook, and suddenly, you see two ladies flying by really fast! They have wings that look like the long legs of a stork bird. These ladies pick up a special box and fly it way up high, between where we live and the sky above us.
Historical Background
Zechariah wrote this around 520-518 BCE during the period of Jewish return from Babylonian exile. The prophecy was given to encourage those rebuilding Jerusalem, using symbolic visions relevant in their cultural context.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can see this as a reminder that God's work often involves unseen forces moving swiftly and decisively between heaven and earth. For example, when you pray for someone, it's like these swift women carrying your prayer to God quickly and effectively.