Despite the return of the Hebrews from the Babylonian exile, selfishness, apathy and despair crippled their community spirit. In response to this distress, God raised up three prophetic voices in Jerusalem. Haggai rallied the people to rebuild the Second Temple. Zechariah was given visions of the return of the glory of the Lord to Zion. Malachi preached repentance, covenant justice and restoration of proper temple worship. Andrew Hill's excellent commentary on these oracles shows how they remain timely for the Christian church's worship and mission in the world.

Denmark Hill

Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries

Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi

HAGGAI

ZECHARIAH

MALACHI

GENERAL PREFACE

AUTHOR’S PREFACE

CHIEF ABBREVIATIONS

Bible Versions

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHIES

General introduction to Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1. Historical background

2. The Book of the Twelve

3. The theology of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi

INTRODUCTION

1. Title and text

2. The prophet Haggai

3. Historical background

4. Author

5. Date and occasion of writing

6. Audience

7. Form and structure

8. Literary style

9. Intertextuality

10. Message

11. Theological concerns

ANALYSIS

1. FIRST MESSAGE: HAGGAI'S CHALLENGE TO COVENANT RENEWAL (1:1–15)

2. SECOND MESSAGE: THE PROMISE OF RESTORATION (2:1–9)

3. THIRD MESSAGE: THE CALL TO HOLINESS (2:10–19)

4. FOURTH MESSAGE: ZERUBBABEL, DAVIDIC SERVANT AND SIGNET RING (2:20–23)

COMMENTARY

1. FIRST MESSAGE: HAGGAI’S CHALLENGE TO COVENANT RENEWAL (1:1–15)

A. Superscription (1:1)

B. The call to reconsider priorities (1:2–6)

2. The messenger formula, This is what the LORD Almighty says, is another common prophetic speech form (e.g. vv. 5, 7; 2:6). The construction signifies the oral transmission of a message by a third party. The expression suggests the divine assembly or council of the gods in Ancient Near Eastern thought. The messenger stands as an observer in the divine sessions and then reports what he has heard as an envoy of the council to others.6 Since the verb form technically represents past action, the formula is more precisely translated, 'This is what the LORD Almighty said', indicating the prophet only conveys the message he has already heard from God.

C. The call to rebuild the temple (1:7–11)

D. The response of the people (1:12–15)

Context

A. Introduction (2:1–2)

B. Present condition of the temple (2:3–5)

C. Promise of future glory for the temple (2:6–9)

A. Introduction: Date and prophetic word formulas (2:10)

B. Haggai requests Torah instructions from the priests (2:11–14)

C. The call to reflect upon current conditions (2:15–19)

A. Introduction: Date and prophetic word formulas (2:20)

B. Warning of divine judgment against the nations (2:21–22)

C. God's appointment of Zerubbabel as leader (2:23)

2. The prophet Zechariah

7. Literary style and structure

8. Understanding visionary literature

9. Zechariah and typology

1. PRELUDE: A CALL TO RETURN TO THE LORD (1:1–6)

B. Prologue: The call to return to God … for a change (1:2–6)

2. ZECHARIAH’S VISIONS (1:7 – 6:15)

A. A man among the myrtle trees (1:7–17)

B. Four horns and four blacksmiths (1:18–21 [MT 2:1–4])

C. A man with a measuring line (2:1–5 [MT 2:5–9])

D. The exiles are called home (2:6–13 [MT 2:10–17])

E. Cleansing for the high priest (3:1–10)

F. A gold lampstand and two olive trees (4:1–14)

G. A flying scroll (5:1–4)

H. A woman in a basket (5:5–11)

I. Four chariots (6:1–8)

J. The crowning of high priest Joshua (6:9–15)

3. ZECHARIAH’S MESSAGES (7 – 8)

Comment

A. Zechariah receives a delegation from Bethel (7:1–7)

B. The call to covenant justice (7:8–14)

C. God's promise of restoration for Jerusalem (8:1–8)

D. God's promises to deliver and restore the remnant of Israel (8:9–23)

4. ZECHARIAH’S ORACLES (9 – 14)

A. First oracle (9 – 11)

B. Second oracle (12 – 14)

\["For individuals seeking inspiration and guidance in revitalizing faith communities.","Addresses spiritual stagnation and fosters a sense of purpose in religious congregations.","Empowers readers to apply ancient wisdom for vibrant worship and impactful mission today."\]

Andrew Hill's insightful commentary renews ancient prophetic voices, offering timeless lessons for a thriving Christian church.

The Good Book Stall

These commentaries (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The Introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting and purpose. Following a structural analysis, the commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. This, number 28 in the series, is a commentary on the last 3 books of the Old Testament. Despite the return of the Hebrews from the Babylonian exile, selfishness, apathy and despair crippled their community spirit. In response to this distress, God raised up three prophetic voices in Jerusalem. Haggai rallied the people to rebuild the Second Temple, Zechariah was given visions of the return of the glory of God to Zion and Malachi preached repentance, covenant justice and restoration of proper temple worship. This is a scholarly work as attested by the 12 pages of Select Bibliographies. It isn't a commentary, I would suggest, for a general readership, but will prove useful, I’m sure, for ministers, pastors and academics. It is bang up to date, with reference being made to the NIV 2011. It is probably more of a reference work than a book to read from cover to cover as I did.

TOTC Haggai, Zechariah & Malachi

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