Who Wrote Zechariah

Who Wrote Zechariah? Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Prophetic Book

Introduction:

The Book of Zechariah, a captivating blend of prophecy, vision, and symbolic imagery, holds a prominent place within the Old Testament. But who penned this powerful text that continues to resonate with readers centuries later? This in-depth exploration delves into the authorship question surrounding Zechariah, examining historical evidence, textual analysis, and scholarly interpretations to offer a comprehensive and nuanced understanding. We'll uncover the complexities surrounding the book's authorship, exploring the possibility of multiple authors and addressing the challenges of definitively answering "Who wrote Zechariah?" Prepare to embark on a journey through history and biblical scholarship as we dissect this enduring mystery.


I. The Traditional Attribution: Zechariah the Son of Berechiah

The book itself, in its opening verses (Zechariah 1:1), plainly states: "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, the prophet." This traditional attribution has been accepted for centuries by many, assigning authorship to a prophet named Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, grandson of Iddo, during the reign of Darius I (the Persian king). This straightforward assertion, however, doesn't fully resolve the question, prompting further investigation.

II. Textual Clues and Internal Evidence:

A closer look at the text reveals potential inconsistencies that fuel the debate around single versus multiple authorship. The book is structured into two distinct sections: chapters 1-8 and chapters 9-14. These sections differ in style, tone, and prophetic focus. Chapters 1-8 are characterized by visions and symbolic imagery, largely focusing on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's temple and the restoration of Israel. Chapters 9-14, on the other hand, appear more focused on future events, including messianic prophecies and apocalyptic imagery. This stylistic divergence has led some scholars to suggest that different authors were responsible for each section.

III. The Role of Historical Context:

Understanding the historical context surrounding the writing of Zechariah is crucial. The book's narrative takes place during a period of post-exilic restoration following the Babylonian exile. The Jews were returning to their homeland, rebuilding the temple, and attempting to re-establish their identity. This tumultuous time, marked by both hope and hardship, profoundly influenced the prophetic message of Zechariah. Examining the socio-political realities of the time can offer clues about the author's perspective and potential biases, shedding light on the overall message.

IV. Scholarly Debates and Interpretations:

Scholarly opinions on the authorship of Zechariah are diverse. Some maintain the traditional view of single authorship, emphasizing the consistency of the theological themes throughout the book despite stylistic differences. They argue that the varying literary styles reflect the evolving prophetic message and the complexity of God's revelations rather than separate authorships. Others, however, strongly support the hypothesis of dual authorship, pointing to the distinct literary styles, prophetic focuses, and even potential chronological discrepancies between the two sections. This debate remains a central point of discussion in biblical scholarship.

V. The Significance of the Discrepancies:

Even if we accept the possibility of dual authorship, it’s important to avoid reading these discrepancies as contradictions. The differing perspectives might instead reflect a nuanced understanding of God's plan, unfolding gradually through different prophetic voices. Understanding these differing perspectives enriches our interpretation of the text, allowing us to appreciate the depth and complexity of the prophetic message.


VI. Conclusion: A Continuing Mystery?

While the opening verses strongly suggest Zechariah son of Berechiah as the author, the internal evidence and scholarly debates reveal the complexity surrounding this question. The stylistic and thematic differences between the two sections of the book make a case for potential dual authorship, highlighting the enduring mystery surrounding its origins. Ultimately, definitive proof remains elusive. The exploration of authorship, however, provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the book’s rich theological and historical context, prompting a richer engagement with the text’s powerful prophecies and enduring message.


Outline of a potential Book on "Who Wrote Zechariah?"

Name: Unveiling Zechariah: Authorship, Prophecy, and the Restoration of Israel

Contents:

Introduction: Exploring the enduring mystery of Zechariah's authorship.
Chapter 1: The Traditional Attribution and its Challenges: Examining the opening verses and their implications.
Chapter 2: Textual Analysis and Internal Evidence: Analyzing stylistic differences and potential inconsistencies.
Chapter 3: The Historical Context of Post-Exilic Judah: Exploring the socio-political landscape of the time.
Chapter 4: Scholarly Debates and Interpretations: Presenting diverse viewpoints and arguments regarding single versus dual authorship.
Chapter 5: The Significance of Discrepancies: A Multifaceted Prophecy: Interpreting the varying perspectives as complementary rather than contradictory.
Chapter 6: Theological Implications of Authorship: Discussing the impact of authorship on the interpretation of the prophecies.
Chapter 7: Zechariah's Prophecy in the broader Context of the Old Testament: Comparing and contrasting with other prophetic books.
Chapter 8: Conclusion: A Continuing Quest for Understanding: Summarizing the findings and highlighting the enduring significance of Zechariah.


Explanation of Outline Points:

Each chapter of the proposed book would delve deeper into the aspects outlined above. Chapter 1 would lay the groundwork, introducing the traditional view and immediately presenting its limitations. Chapter 2 would engage in detailed textual analysis, comparing linguistic patterns, narrative structures, and the overall tone of the two main sections of the book. Chapter 3 would provide a comprehensive look at the historical context, providing relevant background information and detailing the political and social situation in Judah during the post-exilic period. Chapter 4 would present a fair and balanced overview of the various scholarly perspectives on the authorship debate, offering a critical analysis of the arguments for and against single and dual authorship. Chapter 5 would focus on interpreting the seemingly contradictory elements as multifaceted components of a larger, unified message. Chapters 6 and 7 would explore the wider theological and biblical context, linking Zechariah's prophecies to broader themes within the Old Testament and addressing its continuing relevance. Finally, Chapter 8 would offer a reasoned conclusion, acknowledging the enduring mystery while emphasizing the gains in understanding achieved through the investigation.


FAQs:

1. Is there definitive proof of who wrote Zechariah? No, there is no definitive proof. The debate continues among scholars.
2. What is the main argument for dual authorship? The primary argument is the significant stylistic and thematic differences between chapters 1-8 and 9-14.
3. What historical context is crucial to understanding Zechariah? The post-exilic period in Judah, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the socio-political climate of the time are crucial.
4. How do the prophecies of Zechariah relate to the Messiah? Chapters 9-14 contain significant messianic prophecies that have been interpreted in various ways throughout history.
5. What are the key themes in the Book of Zechariah? Key themes include the restoration of Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple, the coming of the Messiah, and future judgment.
6. What are the different literary genres present in Zechariah? The book includes prophetic visions, symbolic imagery, and apocalyptic pronouncements.
7. How does the understanding of Zechariah's authorship affect its interpretation? The authorship question impacts the interpretation of the text's consistency, prophetic authority, and theological message.
8. Are there any other books in the Bible with similar authorship debates? Yes, several other Old Testament books have faced similar discussions regarding authorship and multiple authors.
9. What is the significance of Zechariah today? Zechariah’s prophecies regarding restoration and future hope continue to resonate with believers and offer encouragement and guidance in times of uncertainty.


Related Articles:

1. The Prophetic Books of the Old Testament: A Comparative Study: Explores the similarities and differences between the various prophetic books.
2. Understanding the Post-Exilic Period in Judah: Provides a detailed historical overview of the time period in which Zechariah was written.
3. Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament: Examines various passages in the Old Testament that are interpreted as referring to the Messiah.
4. The Book of Haggai: A Companion to Zechariah: Compares and contrasts the prophetic messages of Haggai and Zechariah.
5. The Symbolism of Visions in Zechariah: A close reading of the symbolic imagery used in Zechariah’s visions.
6. The Apocalyptic Elements in Zechariah: Focuses on the apocalyptic sections of the book and their interpretation.
7. Interpreting the Prophecies of Zechariah: A Historical and Theological Approach: Offers a multi-faceted interpretation of Zechariah's prophetic message.
8. The Influence of Zechariah on Early Christianity: Explores how the book of Zechariah was understood and utilized by the early Christian church.
9. Dual Authorship in the Bible: A Survey of Scholarly Debate: Explores broader discussions around multiple authorship in biblical texts.


  who wrote zechariah: The Book of Zechariah Mark J. Boda, 2016-01-25 Over the centuries, the prophetic book of Zechariah has suffered from accusations of obscurity and has frustrated readers seeking to unlock its treasures. This work by Mark Boda provides insightful commentary on Zechariah, with great sensitivity to its historical, literary, and theological dimensions. Including a fresh translation of Zechariah from the original Hebrew, Boda delivers deep and thorough reflection on a too-often-neglected book of the Old Testament.
  who wrote zechariah: The Lost Apocrypha of the Old Testament Montague Rhodes James, 2007-03-01 Collected and Translated by Montague Rhodes James. There are many ancient, lost books relating to the Bible and this work covers the ones that are most hard to find, dating between 100 BCE and 100 CE. In many cases we do not have the full works, but have various sections and fragments. The author, Montague James, used quotations found mostly in the works of the Greek Ante-Nicene Fathers like Origen, Hippolytus and Clement of Alexandria to piece together what we are missing. He also uses important lists compiled from Greek, Latin and other languages in order to reveal what we know of other missing books that would, in some cases, otherwise be unheard of. This important piece of scholarship should be part of anyone's library who is seriously researching lost and ancient texts.
  who wrote zechariah: Myths and Legends of China E. T. C. Werner, 2009-01-01 The West's first encounters with the folk tales and myths of the East proved to be a heady experience, as they were based on an entirely different value system and worldview than those that are reflected in the Greek myths and most subsequent Western folk tales. In Myths and Legends of China, author E.T.C. Werner offers up a rich tapestry of Chinese folk narratives. A must-read for fans of world myths, fairy tales, and legends.
  who wrote zechariah: God's Masterwork Study Series Charles R. Swindoll, 1997-02-18 A life-changing journey through all sixty-six books in the Bible. Each volume in these study guides combine the classic insights from Swindoll with the timeless truths from the Bible.
  who wrote zechariah: Zemah and Zerubbabel Wolter H. Rose, 2000-04-01 It has often been argued that Zerubbabel, the Jewish governor of Yehud at the time of the rebuilding of the temple (late 6th century BCE), was viewed by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah as the new king in the line of David. In this new study, Rose offers a contrary proposal for the interpretation of the oracles in Haggai 2 and Zechariah 3 and 6. He traces their background in the pre-exilic prophets, pays special attention to often neglected details of semantics and metaphor, and concludes that neither Haggai nor Zechariah designated Zerubbabel as the new king in Jerusalem. Instead, the oracles in Zechariah 3 and 6 should be seen as fully messianic.
  who wrote zechariah: Evidence Unseen James Rochford, 2013-05-20 Evidence Unseen is the most accessible and careful though through response to most current attacks against the Christian worldview.
  who wrote zechariah: The Visions and Prophecies of Zechariah: "The Prophet of Hope and of Glory" David Baron, 2002-03-14 This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.
  who wrote zechariah: Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament G. K. Beale, D. A. Carson, 2007-11-01 Readers of the New Testament often encounter quotes or allusions to Old Testament stories and prophecies that are unfamiliar or obscure. In order to fully understand the teachings of Jesus and his followers, it is important to understand the large body of Scripture that preceded and informed their thinking. Leading evangelical scholars G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson have brought together a distinguished team to provide readers with a comprehensive commentary on Old Testament quotations, allusions, and echoes that appear from Matthew through Revelation. College and seminary students, pastors, scholars, and interested lay readers will want to add this unique commentary to their reference libraries. Contributors Craig L. Blomberg (Denver Seminary) on Matthew Rikk E. Watts (Regent College) on Mark David W. Pao (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) and Eckhard J. Schnabel (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) on Luke Andreas J. Köstenberger (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) on John I. Howard Marshall (University of Aberdeen) on Acts Mark A. Seifrid (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) on Romans Roy E. Ciampa (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) and Brian S. Rosner (Moore Theological College) on 1 Corinthians Peter Balla (Károli Gáspár Reformed University, Budapest) on 2 Corinthians Moisés Silva (author of Philippians in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) on Galatians and Philippians Frank S. Thielman (Beeson Divinity School) on Ephesians G. K. Beale (Wheaton College Graduate School) on Colossians Jeffrey A. D. Weima (Calvin Theological Seminary) on 1 and 2 Thessalonians Philip H. Towner (United Bible Societies) on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus George H. Guthrie (Union University) on Hebrews D. A. Carson (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) on the General Epistles G. K. Beale (Wheaton College Graduate School) and Sean M. McDonough (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) on Revelation
  who wrote zechariah: The Death of Jesus in Matthew Catherine Sider Hamilton, 2017-06-16 This book explores 'innocent blood' and its traditions as keys to the death of Jesus in Matthew, against background of exile and return.
  who wrote zechariah: Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible G. Campbell Morgan, 1994-07-01
  who wrote zechariah: Dominion and Dynasty Stephen G. Dempster, 2013-12-10 Taking a literary approach to the Old Testament in this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Stephen G. Dempster traces the story of Israel through its family lines and locales—and reflects on its meaning for New Testament revelation.
  who wrote zechariah: The Bible Knowledge Commentary John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, 2002 Written by Dallas Seminary faculty members, The Bible Knowledge Commentary 2-Volume Setoffers a straightforward, verse-by-verse exploration of the Old and New Testaments.
  who wrote zechariah: Easton's Bible Dictionary M. G. Easton, 2017-08-19 Easton's Bible Dictionary is a classic book of definitions which serves to explain and clarify the meaning of the names, places, and words found in the Bible. Many Christians and scholars who read the Bible often remain unawares of the meanings or significance of the Holy Book's vocabulary. Such words are often derived from Ancient Hebrew or other old scripts, which makes it even more difficult for readers who only speak English to understand. Location names, in the context of ancient geography, are likewise hard to scrutinize - yet Easton's Dictionary not only explains what these places are, but their size and overall impact across the entire Bible. First published in 1893, this dictionary uses the authoritative King James Bible as its source. As well as containing definitions and accounts of the many terms found throughout the Old and New Testaments, Easton's Bible Dictionary points out the significance of certain things and exactly where mentions of such phenomena appear in the Bible. The presence and significance of iron, for example, is noted in the Books of Genesis, Chronicles, Ezekiel, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Job, Joshua, Kings and in the Psalms. Individuals in the Bible are also given biographical definitions. Through Easton's referencing of the names, we can discover the exact Bible passages where such figures are mentioned. Likewise we hear of terms relevant to the life of the ancient peoples; the term 'Levy' for instance is shown to equate to a form of involuntary recruitment which kings ordered. Words in frequent use today, such as 'Schism', are also shown to originate from the Bible. Other words we use today - such as 'Teeth', are shown to have been informal terms: 'cleanness of teeth' in Amos 4:6 denotes an outbreak of famine, for example. Many of the parables and tales of the Bible are retold in abbreviated form in Easton's Bible Dictionary. These retold anecdotes reference other relevant passages, further evidencing how the various portions of the Bible are interconnected and related to one another. Such a style also gives this unconventional dictionary a flowing quality, making it easier for the reader to enjoy large tracts of this text without pause. The ancient world of the Biblical canon is given life and color by Easton's descriptions. Primarily however, Easton's masterwork is designed for reference. Yet it not only defines the individual entries, but places these entries in their proper context throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Owing to this wealth of information, the reader may perceive that Easton's Dictionary is not merely a book of definitions, but an authoritative and significant work of classic Christian literature.
  who wrote zechariah: Zechariah Richard D. Phillips, 2007 The Book of Zechariah records the prophetic message of Zechariah to the community that had returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile and was charged with rebuilding the temple and city. The physical return was meant to prompt a spiritual and theological return to faith in the Lord. Zechariah called the people to such a true return and reassured them of the Lords willingness to receive them and restore to them the promised blessings. It is a book whose eschatological perspective is of special value to Christians today who labor for reformation and long for revival. - Publisher.
  who wrote zechariah: The Homeric Epics and the Gospel of Mark Dennis Ronald MacDonald, Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins Dennis R MacDonald, 2000-01-01 In this groundbreaking book, Dennis R. MacDonald offers an entirely new view of the New Testament gospel of Mark. The author of the earliest gospel was not writing history, nor was he merely recording tradition, MacDonald argues. Close reading and careful analysis show that Mark borrowed extensively from the Odyssey and the Iliad and that he wanted his readers to recognise the Homeric antecedents in Mark's story of Jesus. Mark was composing a prose anti-epic, MacDonald says, presenting Jesus as a suffering hero modeled after but far superior to traditional Greek heroes. Much like Odysseus, Mark's Jesus sails the seas with uncomprehending companions, encounters preternatural opponents, and suffers many things before confronting rivals who have made his house a den of thieves. In his death and burial, Jesus emulates Hector, although unlike Hector Jesus leaves his tomb empty. Mark's minor characters, too, recall Homeric predecessors: Bartimaeus emulates Tiresias; Joseph of Arimathea, Priam; and the women at the tomb, Helen, Hecuba, and Andromache. And, entire episodes in Mark mirror Homeric episodes, including stilling the sea, walking on water, feeding the multitudes, the Triumphal E
  who wrote zechariah: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Joyce G. Baldwin, 1981-07-13 Three neglected but important prophets receive a fresh and penetrating analysis in this introduction and commentary. For each prophet's work, Joyce Baldwin first considers the general issues of author, text and message, then offers a passage-by-passage commentary. Considerable attention has been given in the book to background material, and proper consideration is accorded to the views of those from whom the author differs, writes reviewer R. K. Harrison. In expounding the text, Baldwin produces evidence of balanced scholarship and a high degree of spiritual insight.
  who wrote zechariah: Rebuilding Zion Frank Binford Hole, 2021-06-30 Examining the Old Testament prophecies of Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi concerning Jesus Christ and God's past and future plans for Israel, the author expounds the message they have for Christians today.
  who wrote zechariah: Zechariah George Klein, 2008-04-15 THE NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY is for the minister or Bible student who wants to understand and expound the Scriptures. Notable features include: * commentary based on THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION; * the NIV text printed in the body of the commentary; * sound scholarly methodology that reflects capable research in the original languages; * interpretation that emphasizes the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole; * readable and applicable exposition.
  who wrote zechariah: Scribes, Visionaries, and the Politics of Second Temple Judea Richard A. Horsley, 2007-01-01 Judaism and Christianity both arose in times of empire, with roots in Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. In order to understand these religious movements, we must first understand the history and society of these imperial cultures. In these formative years, wisdom and apocalyptic traditions flourished as two significant religious forms. In Scribes, Visionaries, and the Politics of Second Temple Judea, distinguished New Testament scholar Richard A. Horsley analyzes the function and meaning of these religious movements within their social context, providing essential background for the development of early Judaism and early Christianity. It is an ideal textbook for classes on the rise of Judaism or the Second Temple period, as well as the Dead Sea Scrolls and Apocrypha.
  who wrote zechariah: Haggai, Zechariah Mark J. Boda, 2009-05-26 The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.
  who wrote zechariah: Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 2 Tim Chaffey, Ken Ham, Bodie Hodge, 2012-03-01 The Bible is accurate and without error! Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 2 offers 40 powerful explanations to prove it. There is an increasing focus in our culture on dismissing the Bible and its authority. Generations of skeptics and the religion of evolution have influenced even some Christian leaders. By highlighting supposed errors or inconsistencies in the Bible, doubt is created in the minds of believers and stumbling blocks are put up for those trying to present the Gospel. But Biblical evidence disproves the toughest of critics while bringing to light the indestructible power of God’s Word. Tim Chaffey, Ken Ham, and Bodie Hodge of Answers in Genesis highlight the answers to these debates and more: Is all Scripture inspired by God, or is some of it the opinion of the writers of Scripture? After His resurrection, did Jesus first appear to the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee or in Jerusalem behind closed doors? Can God be tempted? Why don’t Christians follow all the Old Testament laws? Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volumes 1 and 2 are must-have references for every believer who wants to have an answer to give to those who ask a reason for their hope (1 Peter 3:15). Join the battle armed with the sword of Spirit, the truth that will defeat the lies aimed for this generation and those to follow.
  who wrote zechariah: The Message of Zechariah Barry G. Webb, 2024-07-02 Zechariah is imbued with the same heart cry that Jesus turned into a prayer for the world: Your kingdom come. This BSTP volumes explores the kingdom of God through the oracles and visions of Zechariah, bringing to light the promises that are meant to fuel the faithfulness of God's people and prepare the way for the promised Messiah.
  who wrote zechariah: A Layman's Guide to Who Wrote the Books of the Bible? C. Trickler, 2007 Pursued by menacing strangers through her small Midwest city, twelve-year-old Alyssha Dodson takes refuge in a mysterious room under a bridge, a place that turns out to be a doorway into another universe. In the country where she then finds herself, Alyssha learns that the pursuit has not ended. A powerful and sinister man, Lord Raf Var Ne, seeks to gain possession of an object she was given years ago by her older brother a few days before he went missing. Told she can't return to her own world, she begins a search for that brother, aided by Lord Raf's charming but impetuous stepson. In the process, the two become involved in a revolutionary conflict. Underland is the story of a girl's coming of age in the midst of an adventure like no other.
  who wrote zechariah: The Books of Haggai and Malachi Pieter A. Verhoef, 1987-03-10 Verhoef's study on the Books of Haggai and Malachi is part of The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, a series which devotes considerable care to achieving a balance between technical information and homiletic-devotional interpretation. The commentary itself is based on the author's own translation of the Hebrew text.
  who wrote zechariah: The David Story: A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel Robert Alter, 2009-10-21 A masterpiece of contemporary Bible translation and commentary.—Los Angeles Times Book Review, Best Books of 1999 Acclaimed for its masterful new translation and insightful commentary, The David Story is a fresh, vivid rendition of one of the great works in Western literature. Robert Alter's brilliant translation gives us David, the beautiful, musical hero who slays Goliath and, through his struggles with Saul, advances to the kingship of Israel. But this David is also fully human: an ambitious, calculating man who navigates his life's course with a flawed moral vision. The consequences for him, his family, and his nation are tragic and bloody. Historical personage and full-blooded imagining, David is the creation of a literary artist comparable to the Shakespeare of the history plays.
  who wrote zechariah: The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah O. Palmer Robertson, 1990-05-11 Robertson's study of the Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah is a contribution to The New International Commentalry on the Old Testament, a commentary which strives to achieve a balance between technical information and homiletic-devotional interpretation. The commentary proper is based on the author's own translation of the Hebrew text.
  who wrote zechariah: Kingdom of Priests Eugene H. Merrill, 2008-03-01 From the origins and exodus to the restoration and new hope, Kingdom of Priests offers a comprehensive introduction to the history of Old Testament Israel. Merrill explores the history of ancient Israel not only from Old Testament texts but also from the literary and archeological sources of the ancient Near East. After selling more than 30,000 copies, the book has now been updated and revised. The second edition addresses and interacts with current debates in the history of ancient Israel, offering an up-to-date articulation of a conservative evangelical position on historical matters. The text is accented with nearly twenty maps and charts.
  who wrote zechariah: Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi Hayyim Angel, 2017-01-10 Babylonia fell and the Temple was rebuilt, miracles were at once present and hidden but Judea remained subject to the Persian Empire. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah spoke of imminent redemption yet most Jews remained in exile. Prophecy ceased with Malachi, and a chapter in Jewish history came to an end, paving the way for a new era with the Oral Law at its heart: the era of the rabbis. At the end of the age of the prophets, hope mixed with disappointment as the people of Israel tried to come to terms with this partial salvation, wondering what it meant for the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Often overlooked, the books of the final prophets hold the key to understanding the monumental transition that overtook the Jewish world at the beginning of the Second Temple Era and that ushered in the postbiblical age. In Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi: Prophecy in an Age of Uncertainty, Rabbi Hayyim Angel brings to life one of the least understood eras of Jewish history.
  who wrote zechariah: Bible Handbook Merrill Frederick Unger, 1966
  who wrote zechariah: Growing a Mother's Heart Karen Whiting, 2021-03 From new to seasoned moms we share the desire to meet our children's needs and become more loving and understanding moms. We live with struggles, busyness, and constant choices, yet treasure the wonderful moments of our children's kisses, cuddles, and surprising words. Moms from the past, present, and future offer stories to renew and grow your mother's heart. Each week contains a prayer, a devotion focused on a biblical mom, a devotion of a mom from history, and three contemporary devotions. Stories from moms will make you laugh and touch your heart as they bring encouragement, joy, and draw you closer to God. You will walk away with the blessed assurance--through Christ, you are good enough.
  who wrote zechariah: The Prophet of Hope F. B. Meyer, 2015 Originally published: Chicago: Revell, 1900.
  who wrote zechariah: Seeing Christ in All of Scripture Vern S. Poythress, Iain M. Duguid, Beale, Richard B. Gaffin, 2016-03-18
  who wrote zechariah: The Grace Awakening Charles R. Swindoll, 생명의말씀사편집부, 1997-09
  who wrote zechariah: Devotions for Growing Christians David R. Reid, 1986
  who wrote zechariah: Legends of Palestine Zev Vilnay, 1932
  who wrote zechariah: Haggai, Zechariah 1-8 Carol Meyers, Mary Grace Wilson Professor of Religion Carol Meyers, Eric Meyers, 1995-03 Haggai, Zechariah 1–8, Volume 25B in the acclaimed Anchor Bible part of the Scripture known as the Minor Prophets, 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 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.
  who wrote zechariah: Commentary on the Whole Bible Matthew Henry, 1961 Each chapter is summed up in its contents, each paragraph reduced to its proper heads, the sense given, and largely illustrated with practical remarks and observations.
  who wrote zechariah: Zechariah and the Creator Lord Jesus Christ Dale M. Presley, 2001-04 Zechariah & the Creator LORD Jesus Christ is the third verse-by-verse commentary that the author has published on a Bible book. The first book, Way Truth:Life, is a complete commentary on the book of Revelation. Way Truth:Life contains an introduction and four chapters that very simply explain the most complex theological issues and has a scripture-indexed Chronology Chart of the 7-year Tribulation. The second book, Daniel & the Creator LORD Jesus Christ, is a complete commentary on the book of Daniel. All of the author's interpretations of scripture are based upon the most literal meaning of all passages of scripture that can be made without violating the true meaning of other scriptures contained elsewhere in the sixty-six books of God's Holy Word. All of the author's books are liberally-supplied with scripture references so that the reader can verify the truthfulness of the commentary as he or she proceeds. The book of Zechariah deals with what is happening in our own day perhaps more than any other Old Testament book. However, because the book of Zechariah is written in highly apocalyptic language, much like the book of Revelation, it is little understood by most Bible students. The author has therefore taken great care to include commentary on related passages of scripture in order to explain the meaning of every verse of this magnificent book in the simplest, most-understandable terms possible. In addition, a table is included that shows the time being referred to by every verse of the book of Zechariah. Since so much of Israel's history was accurately predicted by this sixth-century BC prophet, the actual history of Israel that has come to pass during their first-century Roman wars and during the period since the nation was reestablished in the promised land in 1948, is particularly described in detail. No study of eschatological (end-time) events is complete without a clear understanding of what God is doing through Israel today as explained in this book.
  who wrote zechariah: Hope for Hurting Singles Jack Zavada, 2017-09-11 Hope for Hurting Singles gives you real weapons in your fight against depression, fear, and bitterness. Author Jack Zavada has been a single adult Christian for more than 40 years. He knows what it's like to deal with loneliness. He's gone through the anger and frustration of unanswered prayer. Through trial and error, Jack has learned what works and what doesn't, and now he shares it all with you. Since 2005, Jack's popular web site, www.inspiration-for-singles.com, has helped singles in over 150 countries. His advice is down-to-earth and solidly biblical. Hope for Hurting Singles is not like the typical pep talk from a married pastor or counselor who has forgotten how hard it is to live alone. You'll find fresh insights into the problems every unmarried person goes through behind closed doors. Hope for Hurting Singles will make you eager to get up in the morning, renewing your spirit for a joy-filled life. If you're bone-tired of the struggle with singleness, this is the book for you.
  who wrote zechariah: Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi Anthony R. Petterson, 2015-04-27 In this Apollos Old Testament Commentary, Anthony Petterson offers detailed commentary on the prophetic books of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, setting them in their wider biblical-theological context. He shows the connections between the post-exilic world and our own, and explains how these books contain a vital message for the church today, living in the gap between promise and reality.