Haggai, Zechariah 1–8 (The Anchor Yale Bible | AYB)
Overview
Haggai and Zechariah were written during a critical period in Israel’s history, the momentous return of the Jews from Babylonian exile. Following the conquest of Babylon by the Persian Empire, the Israelites sought to reestablish their ethnic and religious legacy in Judah. This was a time of profound turmoil and uncertainty, and Haggai and Zechariah provided a crucial measure of support and inspiration. They rallied Israel’s energies and exhorted their fellow countrymen to heed the word of God. Under their guidance the Jews restored the Temple at Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the armies of Nebuchadnezzar. Together the two prophets guided Israel through an important transitional epoch, and reconciled the influences of Persia’s dominion with the sacred traditions of the Hebrew people.
In this illuminating new translation and commentary, Carol Meyers and Eric Meyers consider the book of Haggai and the first eight chapters of the book of Zechariah in a linguistic, social, and historical context. They underscore the literary artistry, the political acumen, and the prophetic authority of these fascinating volumes that proved so vital to the survival of Israel and the preservation of the Jewish faith.
Logos Bible Software gives you the tools you need to use this volume effectively and efficiently. With your digital library, you can search for verses, find Scripture references and citations instantly, and perform word studies. Along with your English translations, all Scripture passages are linked to Greek and Hebrew texts. What’s more, hovering over a Scripture reference will instantly display your verse! The advanced tools in your digital library free you to dig deeper into one of the most important contributions to biblical scholarship in the past century!
- Offers original translations, including alternative translations, annotations, and variants
- Provides verse-by-verse commentary on the text
- Presents the reader with historical background, including analysis of authorship and dating
- Features an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary literature
- The Book of Haggai
- Restoration of the Temple (1:1–15)
- Oracles of Encouragement (2:1–23)
- The Book of First Zechariah
- Part One: Oracular Introduction (Zech 1:1–6)
- Call for Obedience with Retrospection (Zech 1:1–6)
- Part Two: The Visions with Oracular Supplements (Zech 1:7–6:15)
- First Vision: Horses Patrolling the Earth (1:7–17)
- Second Vision: The Four Horns and the Four Smiths (2:1–4; Rsv 1:18–21)
- Third Vision: The Man with the Measuring-Cord (2:5–9; Rsv 2:1–5)
- Expansion on the Themes of the First Three Visions (2:10–17; Rsv 2:6–13)
- Joshua and the Priestly Vestments: A Prophetic Vision (3:1–10)
- Fourth Vision: The Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees (4:1–6a, 6b–10a Insert, 10b–14)
- Fifth Vision: The Flying Scroll (5:1–4)
- Sixth Vision: The Ephah (5:5–11)
- Seventh Vision: The Four Chariots (6:1–8)
- The Crowning (6:9–15)
- Part Three: Address to the Delegation from Bethel, and Concluding Oracles (Zech 7–8)
- Address to the Delegation from Bethel: Introduction (7:1–6)
- Address to the Delegation from Bethel: Further Retrospection on Divine Justice (7:7–14)
- Zion and Judah Restored: Seven Oracles (8:1–17)
- Judah and the Nations: Three Oracles (8:18–23)
- Part One: Oracular Introduction (Zech 1:1–6)
Top Highlights
“Yet individuals pass from the arena of human events and so do not appear in the visions themselves, which are meant to transcend the immediacy of the events they reflect. Zechariah, despite the uniqueness of the extended visionary mode which dominates his mission, nonetheless stands firmly within Israelite prophetic tradition.” (Page 277)
“The legitimacy of this dual or dyarchic leadership is proclaimed in two images. The trees flank Yahweh and so equally share the divine authority transmitted to those who have places in the Divine Council.” (Page 276)
“The exile and destruction, accordingly, meant a radical disruption in the perception of the enthroned God. God’s presence had been removed; God had been ‘dethroned.’” (Page 18)
“Haggai and the first eight chapters of the canonical book of Zechariah belong together as a composite work” (Page xliv)
“The fact that nowhere in either prophetic work is the rededication of the temple mentioned surely means that their combined literary work was completed prior to that event.” (Page xl)
- Title: Haggai, Zechariah 1–8
- Authors: Carol L. Meyers and Eric M. Meyers
- Series: Anchor Yale Bible (AYB)
- Publisher: Yale University Press
- Publication Date: 2008
- Pages: 552
Carol L. Meyers holds an MA and a PhD from Brandeis University, and is professor in the department of religion and is associate director of the Women’s Studies Program at Duke.
About Eric M. Meyers
Eric M. Meyers has an MA from Brandeis and a PhD from Harvard. He is also a professor in the department of religion at Duke. He is author of Jewish Ossuaries: Reburial and Rebirth, available from Logos as part of the PBI Old Testament Studies Collection (6 vols.).
