Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi (Jan17)
As the Bible is arranged by genre,
to enhance understanding context
we’re meditating by time sequence.
OT1A: Genesis
OT1B: Poetry Book of Job
OT1C: Life of Moses (Exo to Deut)
OT2A: History to David (Josh-1Chr)
OT2B: Five Books of Psalms
OT2C: 1 Kings & Wisdom Poetry
OT3A: 2 Kings & Prophets
OT3B: 2 Chronicles & Prophets
OT3C: Post Exilic Period & Prophets
In the final part of Phase Three,
we had earlier covered the history
of the post-exilic period under
Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah.
Continuing into the prophets, we
start with Haggai, written 520 BC
with purpose to call the people to
complete the rebuilding the temple.
Zechariah; written around 519 BC
for chap 1-8 & 480BC for chap 9-14,
with purpose to give hope to God’s
people by revealing God’s future
deliverance through the Messiah.
Malachi, written 430BC, to confront
the people with their sins and to
restore their relationship with God.
Haggai: “Consider your ways and
finish what you have begun” are
the resounding calls of the prophet
Haggai as he tries to awaken the
people spiritually. They have just
returned from exile in Babylonia
and are discouraged by the
destruction in the city. But Haggai’s
message brings encouragement,
particularly to the governor,
Zerubbabel who must inspire the
people. “I am with you,” declares
the Lord as the people are called
to rebuild and fight against future
oppression. There is hope and
future blessing for their obedience!
Zechariah: Using colourful visions
and consoling sermons to portray
God’s glorious future plans for
His covenant people, Zechariah
encourages the workers engaged
in rebuilding the temple. Although
earlier enthusiasm has waned,
the task is an important one, for
the temple will be the focal point
of the ministry of Israel’s coming
Messiah. God will keep His promises
to His people, and fasting will turn
to feasting when Messiah arrives.
So put away sin, finish the temple &
await the Messiah with encitement.
Malachi: Years after the restoration
from exile, the spiritual condition
of God’s people has deteriorated.
Again they have lapsed into the
same sins that brought about
captivity. They tithe sporadically,
ignore the Sabbath and intermarry
with unbelievers.Their hearts have
grown hard and their love for God
has grown cold, yet Malachi comes
to remind the people of God’s love
for them. Malachi’s final warning
about the purifying Day of the Lord
marks the close of Old Testament
period which is followed by 400
years of silence in biblical record.