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Post-Exilic Prophets

Post-Exilic Prophets

Background: POST-EXILIC : “Comforter, Consolation, or Relief.” : (TSEPHAN-YAH), “Jehovah Hides” or “Jehovah has Hidden.” : (HABAQQUQ), “One who Embraces” or “Clings.” The Recess is Over LXX has Ambakouk and the Latin title is Habacucu. Zechariah: (ZEKAR-YAH), “God Remembers” or “God has Remem- Key Text: Zep 2:3 bered.” It is a popular name in the and occurs about 29 times. His name is the theme of the whole book (see Theme). Seek the Lord, all you humble of the : (HAGGAY), the meaning is uncertain. It may be an land, you who do what he commands. abbreviation of “Festival of Jehovah,” or “Festive.” Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the Author — Each of these books bears the name of its probable day of the Lord’s anger. author. Nahum was written by Nahum of Judah (1:1). Theme: Zephaniah is stated to be the son of Cushi and the great-great- Nahum: Announces the destruction of grandson of King Hezekiah. He delivered his message in (1:4, 10-11). Nineveh and Assyria for cruelty to Israel. Habakkuk wrote the book (1:1; 3:1). He was a resident of Jerusalem and was familiar with the local and political situation in Judah (1:3-4). Zephaniah: Announces judgments upon the nations and comfort for the righ- Zechariah wrote the book. He was the son of Iddo, a leading priest in the return from captivity (Ne 12:4, 16). There is a reference in Matthew teous. 27:9-10 which appears to assign 11:12-13 to . But on closer examination, Matthew 27:9-10 is a combination of Jeremiah 32:6-9 Habakkuk: Addresses the problem of keeping and :12-13, and the older is listed as the speaker. faith in the face of difficulties. The “minor prophets” were generally referred to as “The Twelve.”

Haggai is the author (1:1, 3, 12-13; 2:1, 10, 13-14, 20). He prophesied Zechariah: Encourages the in rebuilding during the same time as Zechariah and in the same area. (Ezr 5:1; the Temple and prophesies of the 6:14). coming day of the Lord.

Date: Haggai: Admonishes the Jewish remnant to Nahum: 660 - 612 B.C. Between the Assyrian and Babylonian Captivities. Nahum refers to the fall of Thebes as a recent event (3:8- rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusa- 10) and, thus, was probably written about 664 B.C. lem.

Zephaniah: 640 - 609 B.C. (1:1) During the day of ’s reign. The destruction of Nineveh (612 B.C.) was still a future event (2:13).

Habakkuk: 612 - 598 B.C. The Babylonian invasion was a present threat (1:6; 2:1; 3:16). Habakkuk’s concern for the violence in Judah suggests a time after Josiah’s death (609), under the reign of Jehoiakim.

Zechariah: 520 - 480 B.C. The dates for Zechariah are stated: 1:1-6 November 1, 520 B.C.; 1:7-6:15 February 24, 519 B.C.; 7-8 December 4, 518 B.C.; 9-14 after 480 B.C., for Greece came to power (9:13).

Haggai: September 1 to December 24, 520 B.C. (1:1, 15; 2:1, 10, 20). One of two books of prophecy dated by the reign of Gentile kings.

89 Sermon Outline

Faith for the Fire Introduction: Outline: Read 3:1-6—Nebuchadnezzar was not a man I. This is a Classic Faith Dilemma to be messed with. A. The Context of Faith 1. There was an obvious conflict between what was expected of He was a fierce and ruthless warrior. It was he who Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego their own beliefs. defeated the Assyrians and Egyptians in the great and 2. There was an obvious risk involved in not going along. decisive battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C. His armies 3. The obvious temptation to make the obvious less obvious. defeated Judah twice, and the third time demolished B. Faith is Trusting God no matter what. Jerusalem. When ws brought to 1. Read Daniel 3:7-15. Nebuchadnezzar (586 B.C.), he made Zedekiah watch a. The actions of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: as he killed all his sons, had his eyes gouged out, and b. The reaction of Nebuchadnezzar. then led him away into captivity in shackles. You didn’t 2. “They trusted in him...” Read Daniel 3:16-30. mess with Nebuchadnezzar. II. A Closer Look at the Meaning of Faith He was the leader of a world empire. He sat at the top A. Faith is a verb of a huge pyramid built on the backs of conquered 1. We tend to think of “faith” in the sense of “the faith.” peoples. His word was law...his whim was 2. But “faith” is used far more often in the Bible to signify reality...Daniel tells us that when Nebuchadnezzar dynamic trust and reliance. said, “Off with his head” there was no court of appeals, 3. This story is a good reminder that it is the strength of our no second opinions. He was king of the largest empire faith rather than the particulars of what we believe that is the world had ever known. He was the wealthiest, most often at stake. The $64,000 question was: would their faith powerful, most influential man in all the world. You (trust...confidence) be strong enough to allow them to act on didn’t mess with Nebuchadnezzar. their convictions no matter the consequences? B. The Extent of their Faith—Read Daniel 3:16-18. He was a proud man. He was proud even with God . . 1. God was more real to them than Nebuchadnezzar. . how much more with people. He didn’t take lightly to 2. They believed God had the ability to save them. being ignored or disobeyed. You didn’t argue with 3. They believed God was willing to save them. Nebuchadnezzar...it was “Yes, Sir” or “No,Sir.” You 4. The most incredible step of faith of all—Read Dan 3:18. If didn’t mess with Nebuchadnezzar. God chose not to save them from the furnace, he would save them in the furnace . . . if he would not save their lives, he When such a man builds an image and tells you to bow would save their souls. down, you do as he says! III. Lessons for Our Faith Hananiah, Mishael and worked for A. We Must Learn that Faith is a Verb Nebuchadnezzar—Hebrews brought to Babylon at the 1. It is all very well to define faith in terms of its contents... same time as Daniel (605 B.C.). They were taken into 2. But the more important aspect of faith—practically speak- the King’s service and renamed Shadrach, Meshach, ing—is our ability to trust, to have confidence, to act in a and Abednego. They were made administrators of the bold and daring manner as a result of faith. province of Babylon. B. We must Learn to Deal with Faith Dilemmas 1. Situations where there is an obvious conflict between what They knew about the fiery furnace that was threat- others expect of us and what our faith demands. ened to those who would not bow before the 2. Situations involving risk if we refuse to go along. image...and they knew Nebuchadnezzar would not 3. The constant temptations to make the obvious less obvious. be afraid to use it! Listen now...You can hear the C. If we are to deal successfully with faith dilemmas, We must horns, flutes, harps, and pipes calling people to Learn the Faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. worship the image. People are beginning to face 1. God must become more real to us than anything else. the idol, fall on their knees and prostrate them- 2. We must believe that God has the ability to save us. selves before the image. What are these three Jews, 3. We must believe that God is willing to save us. worshippers of the God most high, to do? Freeze 4. We must trust and obey God no matter what. frame. Push the pause button. 90 Topics

Christ in Post-Exile Prophets Major Lessons Zechariah: Nahum: 3:8 Servant Branch (See under 2 and Jeremiah) 1. God rules over foreign nations, not just Israel. 3:9 Stone (Mt 21:42; Eph 2:19-22; 1Pe 2:6-8) 6:13 King and Priest (Ps 2:6; 110:4; Heb 4:4, 8:1-2; Rev 2. God is a God of patience, but when sin becomes a prevalent 19:16) force, the overthrow of a people is not far away (4:2). 9:9-10 Entrance into Jerusalem (Mt 21:5; Jn 12:15; Lk 20:38) 3. God hates sin (2:1). 9:16, 11:11 Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11) 11:12-13 Betrayed (Mt 26:15, 27:9-10) Zephaniah: 12:10-12 Pierced (Jn 19:34, 37) 1. The book is a survey of the universal government of God. 13:1 Saves (Jn 1:29; Ro 3:24f; Eph 1:7) 13:6-7 Wounded (Mt 26:31; Mk 14:27; Jn 19:15, 20:25; 2. The purpose of physical judgment is to refine and save those Rev 1:7) who will allow Him to save them. 14:3-5 Judges (Ac 1:11-12; Mt 16:27; Jude 14; Mt 24:30- 31; Lk 21) Habakkuk: 14:9 Only One King (Heb 1:4; Ac 4:12; Rev 19:12, 16) 1. Doubt is not confined to the unbeliever. Even the prophet can question the execution of the will of God. (1:2-11).

Haggai: (Related Especially to the Messianic Kingdom) 2. There is an appointed time for the wicked to be punished and 2:6 Eternal (Heb 12:18-29) it will come (2:3). 2:7 Fill the Temple (Eph 2:12; Php 4:7) 2:9 Peace (Eph 2:12; Php 4:7) 3. ‘‘The just shall live by faith.’’ Central in Paul’s letters to the 2:23 Removal of Curse From the Line of Romans (1:17), Galatians (3:11), and the Hebrews (10:38). (cf Jer 22:24; Mt 1:12-13; Lk 3:27) Haggai: 1. Faithfulness is directly connected to material prosperity. The Day of the Lord 2. Discouragement is not a reason for neglecting our duties. The day of the Lord is a prominent theme in the prophets. In the book of Zephaniah, several differ- 3. Neglect and indifference are contagious (2:10-19). ent terms are used to describe this day. ‘‘The day of the Lord’’ (Zep 1:7,14), ‘‘day of the Lord’s sacri- Zechariah: fice’’ (1:8), ‘‘that day’’ (1:9, 10; 3:11), ‘‘great day 1. Faith can be revived with a vision of the task and power to do of the Lord’’ (1:14), ‘‘day of the Lord’s wrath’’ it. (1:15, 18), and ‘‘day of the Lord’s anger’’ (2:2,3). It is used some 28 times in the Bible (alone with the 2. Spiritual Zion will be world wide (2:11, 6:15, 8:23, 14:16). related terms). It was a day of judgment on the foes of God and His people whether they are the nations 3. God will remove all our sinful garments and clothe His around Israel or the sinful nation of Israel. But it servants with righteousness (3:4). was also a day of salvation for the faithful. In the New Testament said that the day of the Lord 4. The power for all our activity comes from the Spirit (4:6) was coming on the city of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel (Mt 24; Lk 21; Mk 13). That day did come 5. Fasts, feasts, and rituals mean nothing without true spiritual in A.D. 70. The ultimate Day of the Lord will be the obedience (7:1-14, 8:16-17). day when Jesus comes in judgment on the entire world. This will be the day of eternal separation - 6. When Christ is king, all is well! (14:9-11) some to eternal punishment and some to eternal life (1Th 4; 1Co 15; 2Pe 3; Jn 5). 7. All persons and things are holy in God’s Kingdom (14:20)

91 Outlines Small Group Study

Nahum: Warm-up: I. Doom of Nineveh (1) Share a time in your life when you were as physically dirty as you II. Prophecy of the Siege and Fall (2) thought you could get. How did you get that way? Did you want III. Sins Which Caused Nineveh’s Fall (3) to see anyone?

Zephaniah: Look at the Book :1-10 I. The Day of the Lord — Judah and Jerusalem (1:1-2:3) 1. Why do you think and were standing before II. The Day of the Lord — Surrounding Nations (2:4-15) the angel of the Lord together? III. The Day of the Lord — Sin (3:1-7) a. they were friends IV. The Day of the Lord — Salvation to the Remnant b. both were to be judged (3:8-20) c. Satan needed a friend d. Joshua needed a friend Habakkuk: e. Joshua wanted Satan to explain how he got dirty I. Problem: Faith and the Growth of Sin (1:1-12) f. Satan wanted God to know how Joshua got dirty II. Problem: Faith and the Prospering of Wicked (1:13-17) g. God needed Satan to explain how this happened III. Faith and Punishment of the Wicked (2) IV. Prayer of Faith and Trust (3:1-19) 2. How do you think Satan got into the presence of the Lord?

Zechariah: 3. What are the filthy garments that Joshua wore? I. Messages of Encouragement to Build the Temple (1-8) a. his work clothes from building the temple A. Repent and Build! (1:1-6) b. his old clothes from captivity B. Eight Night Visions (1:7-6:8) c. his own sinfulness C. Crowning of Joshua as High Priest (6:9-15) d. sins of the people D. Fasts - and Righteousness (7:1-8:23) II. Messages About the Messiah (9:1-14:21) 4. What do you think is the significance of Joshua being given A. The King’s Advent and Rejection (9:1-11:17) “festal robes” or “rich garments?” B. The Protection of God’s People (12-13:9) C. The Victories of the King (13:10-14:21) 5. Who are the associates seated before Joshua the high priest? a. workers in the temple c. people of Israel Haggai: b. the angels d. other priests I. A Message to the People (1:1-14) II. A Message to and Joshua (2:1-9) Looking Closer: III. A Message to the Priests (2:10-19) 1. If you were Satan, what accusations could you make against IV. A Message of Hope Through Zerubbabel (2:20-23) the people of this world? Against the church?

Summary of the Post-Exilic Period: 2. What would be some of the garments you would need to It was the year 520 B.C. The prediction of Jeremiah regarding remove before putting on garments of righteousness? Babylonian captivity had now been fulfilled (Jer 24:11, 29:10), and 42,360 Hebrews had returned to Jerusalem (536 B.C.). 3. As a group, list at least five blessings that are yours when you Work on the temple had begun, but opposition had caused them have your sins removed. to postpone its completion. The people grew disheartened, 1. depressed and apathetic. They needed to be reminded of their 2. obligation to complete the sanctuary. Haggai exhorted them 3. and they began again. But three months later he rebuked them 4. for their continued inertia, declaring that their neglect of the 5. temple had damaged their whole spiritual life. Exactly two months after the corner stone of the temple had been laid (Hag 4. Explain how sins could be removed in one day. Why do you 2:18; Zec 1:7), a series of night visions were given by Zechariah think this was necessary? Can all our sins still be removed to encourage the colony to complete their work. Later he in one day? How? promised that their fasts would become feasts, and gave two oracles of promise and victory in the coming days. These men Looking Around: successfully accomplished their task, for the temple was com- Tell how you can be the fulfillment of 3:10. pleted in 516 B.C. and the city by 457 B.C. 92 © 1994 Glen Gray and Tim Woodroof, Look Press, P.O. Box 219156, Portland, OR 97225.

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