Module Religion Writing

Boisson 3

Jordan Boisson

The Hebrew Prophets

Prof. Matthew Goff

Fall 2021

Haggai and Zechariah were active and worked as prophets in the Persian period during Darius's reign. According to Peterson, the Persian period was a non-semantic civilization period in which Assyria and Babylon dominated the ancient Near East (pg 205). The Davidic political leadership had faced defeat ages back, making it difficult to refer to it during the Persian period. This period is essential to the Jews since most had fled their native nation and were exiled during the defeat. Therefore, this period helps to understand why Haggai and Zechariah encouraged re-building the temple of Jerusalem. This historical context is essential in explaining the need for rebuilding the temple of Jerusalem because it illustrates the dispersion of Jews due to the defeat. The Bible says, "And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God" (Zechariah 6:15, ESV). According to the Haggai and Zechariah, it was time for Jews to return and settle back in their home nation. This would lead to the mobilization of the Jewish community for the re-building of the temple. Re-building the temple signified a glorious future for Israel in the Messianic ages. It also signified recognition of Yahweh and restoration of the older structure depicted during the Davidic leadership.

Zerubbabel is a member of the Davidic lineage who served as the governor during Darius's reign. According to Haggai, Zerubbabel had a greater role than that of the high priest in the restoration of Jerusalem. The Bible says, "On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 20:23, ESV). According to Haggai, Zerubbabel was a significant figure because he would restore the old structure in Jerusalem. The structure was oriented on the temple, the king, and the prophet.

References

Petersen, D. L. (2002). The prophetic literature: An introduction. Westminster John Knox Press.

Coogan, Michael D. (2020), ed., The New Oxford Annotated Bible: New Revised Standard Version