The Theology of the Books of Haggai and Zechariah

Explores the theological responses offered by The Books of Haggai and Zechariah to the people enduring struggles in post-exilic Yehud.

Robert L. Foster (Author)

9781108468589, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 October 2020

250 pages
21.6 x 13.9 x 1.6 cm, 0.36 kg

'Foster's work is a new standard for the theological analysis of Haggai and Zechariah and is highly recommended for students and scholars alike.' Brad E. Kelle, Religious Studies Review

Tucked away at the end of the Minor Prophets, the Books of Haggai and Zechariah offer messages of challenge and hope to residents of the small district of Yehud in the Persian Empire in the generations after the return from Babylonian exile. In this volume, Robert Foster focuses on the distinct theological message of each book. The Book of Haggai uses Israel's foundational event - God's salvation of Israel from Egypt - to exhort the people to finish building the Second Temple. The Book of Zechariah argues that the hopes the people had in the prophet Zechariah's days did not come true because the people failed to keep God's long-standing demand for justice, though hope still lies in the future because of God's character. Each chapter in this book closes with a substantive reflection of the ethics of the major sections of the Books of Haggai and Zechariah and their implications for contemporary readers.

1. Prophets to a remnant
2. I am with you: The Book of Haggai
3. Return to YHWH: the introduction to The Book of Zechariah
4. YHWH has returned to you: Zechariah's vision
5. Love truth and peace
6. Victory for the house of Judah, salvation for the house of Joseph
7. Woe to the worthless shepherd
8. On that day
9. The theology of the books of Haggai and Zechariah within the Old Testament.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Judaism: theology [HRJT], Old Testaments [HRCF1], Bibles [HRCF]