Haggai and Zechariah 1-8

by Petersen, David L

Covers two prophets who were active circa 520 B.C.E. during the early Perisan period, the time of the restoration of the Israelite community after the return from exile in Babylonia. Through a careful analysis of the two Biblical books, the author shows that, although they were contemporaries, Haggai and Zechariah were active in significantly divergent ways. Haggain was an activist, instrumental not only in facilitating the rebuilding of the Temple but also in addressing the concerns and needs of the people while the rebuilding program was under way. In contrast, the visions of Zechariah present someone "doing the theology" of restoration. A reflective thinker more than a social activist, Zechariah reports that God is acting to correct earlier wrongs and to rectify current inequities. Oracles and editorial comment included in the Book of Zechariah extend the prophet's visionary experience from reflection to action. As the author demonstrates, the contrasting approaches of Zechariah and