Old Testament Core Seminar

Class 26“Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi”Old Testament Overview 1

Introduction

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• Today we finish the OT: Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi• There are several amazing pictures of God’s final restoration and

some pretty depressing themes as well. • We’ve seen that while the exiles have returned to the land,

nothing much seems to have changed: spiritual exile continues. • Haggai accuses the people of having tragically misdirected

priorities. • Zechariah describes significant social sins. • And Malachi points out problems in every corner of society.

“Among both priests and leity there is rampant unfaithfulness: irreverence (1:6-14), corrupt teaching (2:1-9), divorce (2:10-16), hypocrisy (2:17), widespread immorality (3:5)” on and on.

• The physical exile has finished, but the real exile continues.

Haggai

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• Recall that when the Jews in 538 BC they were returning to rebuild the temple and reestablish their religion.

• They begin in 536 BC, opposition delayed the work until 520 BC, finishing the job in 516 BC.

• Ezra 1-6 tells most of the story … but not all. • The resistance and hostility from the surrounding nations really

prevented any reconstruction anywhere in Jerusalem. • When the opposition was overcome, the reconstruction of the

temple resumed but the people slowly gravitated away from rebuilding the temple to focus on their own houses instead.

• This is where Haggai begins his preaching."Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?“ (1:4)

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• Verse 5-6 gives insight into the redemptive-historical context.Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: "Consider your ways! "You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes."

• The people have a great opportunity to rebuild the temple.• What does this mean for their religion and relationship to God.• As important as it was, their thought was to spend their time and

money on their our own homes first. • So Yahweh says “Consider your ways!” (1:7)• Consider what your attitudes and actions say about you. • The people may have returned from exile in Babylon, but their

hearts are still in exile. • The oppression of the worldly enemy may have ended but the

oppression of sin and selfishness lingers on.

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Theme:Yahweh is turning the hearts of His people to seek His glory and to please Him in rebuilding His temple, which serves as a type of the greater glory of the coming end-times temple. • Their hearts were on themselves (e.g. houses) but God is turning

their hearts toward Himself. • This turning is a ‘type’, prefiguring of the future in Christ, that we

see here is in regards to both the changed hearts and the temple.

• The changed hearts foreshadows the day when all the people of God will be given new hearts, Jeremiah prophesied (31:31).

Outline:I. Haggai 1 – Type in HistoryII. Haggai 2 – Antitype in Christ

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First Oracle:• Haggai is divided into four different oracles; the first: 7-8.

“Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified," says the LORD.

• Yahweh is telling them to think and then act. • What’s should their motivation be? That Yahweh would be

pleased and honored/glorified. • Recall last week that God’s glory should be the goal of what we

ask of Him.• They had been pleasing and glorifying themselves (us too).• Jesus tells us the same thing. Read Matthew 5:16. • The result of Haggai’s message? They repent and 23 days later

(1:15) work on the temple begins.

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Second Oracle:• 2nd oracle come less than a month later, in October of 520 BC.• The Feast of Tabernacles was when Solomon’s temple was

dedicated. • It’s clear this temple wouldn’t be anything like Solomon’s.• Enter Haggai’s second oracle, in 2:2 where God seems to really

rub it in. “Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?”

• Why does Yahweh point this out? Read 2:6-9.• “The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former.”• As the people see their pathetic excuse of a temple, God says it

will be nothing compared to His final temple!• Reality is disappointing and painful for those returning from exile.

Yet promises and a vision of the future balloon ever larger and more grand.

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Third Oracle:• The 3rd oracle is found in 2:10-19 and begins with a question

about the Torah and ends with an encouragement to the people. • The legal question - what actions consecrate and what defile

leads to the finding that holiness is not contagious.• Specifically, working on the temple doesn’t make the people holy• Un-holiness of the people would in fact contaminate the temple.• Their/Our hearts mattered even more than their actions!• Jesus reverses this! When he touches uncleanness—be it

leprosy, an evil spirit, or even a dead body—the process reverses and his touch cures, frees, and resurrects.

• The 3rd oracle ends in verse 19 with encouragement that ultimately points to Christ

• Thus far they've experience of hardship, from this moment on, now that priorities are right, God will bless.

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Forth Oracle:• The last oracle is in 2:20-23. “In that day,' says the LORD of hosts,

'I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says the LORD, 'and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,' says the LORD of hosts.”

• Zerubbabel, was the Jewish governor of Jerusalem when the Jews returned from Babylon.

• The question is, will this great new temple be built in his lifetime?• Or is he a symbol of something greater in the future?• He is a symbol of something greater because the focus in this

verse is not so much on Zerubbabel himself, but the family line.• Recall, he is a descendant of David. (Jer 22:24-25 ).• Haggai is saying this great temple, greater than all, will be built in

the time of Yahweh’s Chosen Servant ,the Lord Jesus Christ. • Haggai encourages the work on the temple and points to the

ultimate fulfillment as God builds his new temple.

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• Consider this – literal vs. physical temple:• Paul says that, “We are the temple of the living God” (2

Corinthians 6:16). • Peter says that Christ is the chief cornerstone, and that, “As [we]

come to him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – [we] also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (2 Peter 2:4-5).”

• Yahweh is the builder, Jesus is the foundation, we are the stones, and we exist to bring pleasure and honor and glory to our God!

Zachariah

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• Zechariah shares the same historical context as Haggai, beginning only a few months after Haggai does, and continuing to prophesy during the time that the temple is being completed.

• The redemptive-historical niche Zechariah fills differs from Haggai’s.

• Zechariah explains what the events since the return from exile mean for the future, and for the nation’s messianic expectations.

• He uses the current situation to paint a greater future picture.

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Theme:Yahweh has restored the old ways to prefigure and prophesy new ways in the future: the grand restoration from spiritual exile by the coming Messiah. • Zechariah is full of many visions that can confuse the reader. • To understand them you must:

– Realize this is post exile.– The redemptive-historical context is of expectant rebuilding.– Look for the his messianic emphasis, – Then the visions and prophesies will make a little more sense.

• Zechariah’s serves as the vehicle for speaking about the coming King.

• The outline on the next slide will be helpful.

Outline for Zechariah: I. Zechariah 1:1-6 – Zechariah’s Call to RepentanceII. Zechariah 1:7-6:8 – Zechariah’s Vision of the Night

A. The People are Restored – 1:7-17B. Protection Restored – 1:18-21C. The Temple Restored – ch. 2D. The High Priest Restored – ch. 3E. The King Restored – ch. 4F. Honesty Restored – 5:1-4G. Sins Purged – 5:5-11H. The Day of the LORD – 6:1-8

III. Zechariah 6:9-15 – The Coronation of the High PriestIV. Zechariah 7-8 – A Question about FastingV. Zechariah 9-14 – The Coming of the King and the Day of

the LORD13

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• We’ll skip Zechariah’s “Vision of the Night” and jump to ch 6.• Looking here first will help to understand what preceded it.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Receive the gift from the captives --- from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have come from Babylon --- and go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah. Take the silver and gold, make an elaborate crown, and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Then speak to him, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, saying: " Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, And He shall build the temple of the LORD; Yes, He shall build the temple of the LORD. He shall bear the glory, And shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.“’ "Now the elaborate crown shall be for a memorial in the temple of the LORD for Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah. Even those from afar shall come and build the temple of the LORD. Then you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. And this shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.“ (6:9-15)

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• What does that mean? • In verse 11 a high priest is given a crown and in 13 seated on a

throne.• Who normally gets a crown and a throne? • A king … but this Joshua is a priest. • The meaning is that in the future the high priesthood and the

kingship over God’s people will be combined in one person!• In verse 12 this person is called the “Branch” a Messianic title. • Finally, 12-13 say this Messianic-Priest-King will be the one

building the temple Haggai spoke about. • This is the Lord Jesus Christ. Read Hebrews 5:5-6 then 7:14.• One speaks of a priest “after the order of Melchizedek” while the

other speaks of a descendant of David.• The point: Jesus’ priesthood is greater than any priesthood ever

seen in Israel and that His kingship is forever.

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• These two parallel streams in the OT (kingship and priesthood) remain separate until they converge in the Messiah.

• On the cross Christ sacrificed His own blood in priestly manner.• Then arose to sit down on an eternal throne to rule the entire

universe evermore.• And invites all to come and bow in faith and submission to this

great Priest-King. • The first eight chapters of Zechariah follow a loose chiastic

structure—as in Daniel. • Recall the main point of a chiasm is found in the middle (6).• This is the culmination of the confusing visions—the so-called

“Vision of the Night” in chapters 1-6. • They contain a series of scenes that focus on something restored

after the exile - which all point forward to this day when the priesthood and kingship are truly reestablished as one.

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• Starting in ch 9, the book changes as it focuses more intently on God’s final redemption of his people.

• The enemies of God’s people are judged and God’s people cared for—all this thru a messianic figure at the center of the text.– This figure will be humble, riding on a donkey (9:9). – He will put an end to wars and proclaim peace (9:10). – But, 13:7, he must first be rejected and oppressed. – After His oppression He will triumph and avenge on His enemies (14:3). – The LORD will be king over all the earth, verse 10. – Even his former enemies will come to worship him, verse 16. – And all of his people—even their meanest cooking pots—will be holy to

the Lord, verses 20-21. – A look forward, of course, to Christ’s second coming.

• This is where Zechariah ends, looking to a time beyond the exile when the Priest-King will come.

• And that is also how Matthew opens his book, waiting for the exile to end with the coming of the Priest-King forever.

Malachi

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• Malachi lived at the time that Nehemiah, late 5th century BC.• His main concern is he sees the people of God drifting into

secularism. • They don’t have hearts or minds for Yahweh, but for this world. • The people are back in the land, the temple is rebuilt, now there

is laziness and a movement toward spiritual lethargy. • Malachi is the last Old Testament book in your English Bible. • And the last prophet before Yahweh becomes silent for over 400

years. • There won’t be another prophet until John the Baptist. • Note, Malachi will actually prophesy about his ministry.• It seems that Malachi knows he’s the last prophet before John

the Baptist.

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Theme: Yahweh’s people are beginning to drift away again, so Yahweh will need to come visit them soon. • But before he comes, he will send His messenger to prepare his

people for the day of his coming.. • Malachi is a fascinating because it’s structured in a unique style

that we haven’t seen before. • The book takes the form of six disputes between Yahweh and His

people—almost court room style.• The people first drag God into court to accuse him of breach of

contract (1:2, “How have you loved us?”).• Then the tables turn and they find themselves facing down a

withering stream of accusations from Almighty God. • To outline on the next slide helps see where each dispute begins

and ends.

Outline for Malachi: I. Malachi 1:1-4:3 – Disputes between Yahweh and His

PeopleA. Yahweh has loved His people – 1:1-5B. Yahweh’s people have despised Him – 1:6-2:9C. Yahweh’s people have broken covenants – 2:10-16D. Yahweh’s people have wearied Him – 2:17-3:7E. Yahweh’s people have robbed Him – 3:8-12F. Yahweh’s people have spoken against Him – 3:13-4:3

II. Malachi 4:4-6 – A Sign before the Day of the LORD – 4:4-6

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• Look at 1:10-14. “Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, So that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you,” Says the LORD of hosts, “Nor will I accept an offering from your hands. For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering; For My name shall be great among the nations,” Says the LORD of hosts. “But you profane it, In that you say, 'The table of the LORD is defiled; And its fruit, its food, is contemptible.’ You also say, ‘Oh, what a weariness!’ And you sneer at it, “Says the LORD of hosts.” And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?” Says the LORD. “But cursed be the deceiver Who has in his flock a male, And takes a vow, But sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished --- For I am a great King,” Says the LORD of hosts, “And My name is to be feared among the nations.”

• Powerful words of warning. • They thought they could bring the lame flocks for their offerings. • They thought all that mattered was going through the motions of

religious duty.

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• But God says, “Don’t you know that I am a great king? Don’t you understand that my name is feared among the nations?”

• God’s people have no mind for the Holy One of Israel, just unenthusiastic and apathetic religious drudgery.

• How about us when we are challenged by God’s word?• The people failed God through empty religiosity … and broken

covenant both – with Him—2:11, by worshipping other Gods– with each other, through broken marriages. “I HATE DIVORCE,” verse 16,

is a powerful statement characteristic of this book.• The people accuse God of injustice, 2:17 (“where is the God of

justice”).• God replies that justice will come, 3:2, “But who can endure the

day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears?” • Be careful of calls for justice, for our lives all cry out for judgment.

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• God’s people have robbed him—3:9—by not bringing the whole tithe to him.

• Read their reply in 3:13.• Now … god’s reply.

"For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up," Says the LORD of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this," Says the LORD of hosts.

• We are at the end of the Old Testament, God’s wrath burns brightly while his promise to his own people stand firm.

• So how can these two be reconciled. • God says that his people that they will “go out and frolic like well-

fed calves” (NIV) yet all they seem capable of doing is spitting in His face.

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• We’ve seen plenty of hints as to where the solution will lie. – The new hearts or Jeremiah.– The pure lips of Zephaniah. – And with the suffering servant of Isaiah, – the priest-king of Zechariah, – the son of man coming with the clouds of heaven in Daniel.

• Lots of hints but no progress.• We’ve seen the sinfulness of man traced from the fall in Genesis

filled with revolting and disgusting detail. • We’ve seen God’s promises

– begin small—of one to crush the serpent's head in Genesis.– to the prophesy of a new heaven and new earth in Isaiah.– A heavenly temple in Ezekiel and world peace and perfect fellowship

between God and his people.• As the exile draws to an end—as God’s people sink into

immorality, idolatry, and political obscurity they essentially disappear off the spiritual and world maps.

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• Through it all, we have seen God’s patience as he continues to hold out his perfect plan in the face of a people who deserve anything but.

• The physical exile is completed—the seventy years are done. • The spiritual exile continues, and Daniel’s seventy weeks have

only just begun. • So where does Malachi, this last prophet, leave us? 4:4-6

"Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

• “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel.”

• A command of continued faithfulness.

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• Recall the principle of immediate retribution from Chronicles. • God continues holding each generation accountable for their

actions.• Then verses 5-6:

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.

• Where did we begin in Genesis 3? • With a CURSE. After all that we have seen through the Old

Testament, where do we end? With a CURSE. • Where are we without God’s mercy? Cursed!• See the sign hope? A new Elijah—coming to turn our hearts. • So where does Mark begin his story? Right where Malachi leaves

off. Read Mark 1:1-3.• The Old Testament finishes exactly where it begins—and a new

Elijah, John, begins to preach and baptize - salvation is at hand.