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Isaiah - Malachi (Ross) > Isaiah - Malachi (Ross) > Flashcards

Isaiah - Malachi (Ross) Flashcards

1
Q

Jonah - overview statement

A

Jonah’s heart is hardened as he struggles to understand God’s purposes in sending him into enemy territory to proclaim the coming judgment of YHWH upon Nineveh and their full access to divine salvation that comes through repentance.

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2
Q

Jonah - historical context

A
  • Mid 8th century Assyrian Slump. (The time between the 1st Neo-Assyrian phase and the 2nd Neo-Assyrian phase)
  • Geo-Political Restoration of Israel
  • Lived in NK under Jereboam.
  • Time in between Assyrian Kings. Prosperity in Israel.
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3
Q

Jonah - purpose of ministry

A

Repentance for Nineveh

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4
Q

Jonah - literary features

A

It’s fiction!

  1. Thanksgiving prayer is out of place (redaction)
  2. king issue
  3. city size
  4. Nimrod capital
  5. irony and humor (cows repenting, cows spared)
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5
Q

What are the 3 views around the 12 Minor Prophets being seen as a single corpus?

A

Yes: modern critical scholars
No: us
Tweener: Jewish scholars (3 spaces between books rather than 4).

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6
Q

Saul’s reign begins

A

1050

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7
Q

David’s reign begins

A

1011

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8
Q

Solomon reign

A

971

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9
Q

NK 1st Assyrian deportation

A

732

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10
Q

Fall of NK and 2nd deportation

A

722

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11
Q

SK 1st Babylonian deportation

A

605

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12
Q

Assyria falls to Babylon at Carchemish

A

605

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13
Q

SK 2nd Babylonian deportation

A

597

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14
Q

Shalmaneser III

A

Assyria
Battle of Qarqar (Assyria v. Damascus & Israel

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15
Q

Tiglath-Pileser III

A

neo-Assyrian ascent under him. (Hosea’s context)

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16
Q

Shalmaneser V

A

Assyria

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17
Q

Sargon II

A

Assyria

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18
Q

Sennacherib

A

Assyria

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19
Q

Nabopolassar

A

neo-Babylonian ascent under him

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20
Q

Pharaoh Neco

A

Egypt Defeats Judah at Megiddo

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21
Q

Nebuchadnezzar II

A

Babylon
defeats Babylon at Carchemish and begins to reign in Assyria.

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22
Q

Cyrus the Great

A

Persia

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23
Q

SK 3rd Babylonian deportation, destruction of Jerusalem and Temple

A

586

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24
Q

1st return from Babylon under Sheshbazzar

A

538

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25
Q

Decree of Cyrus permitting return to Judah

A

538

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26
Q

2nd Temple reconstruction begins

A

536

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27
Q

2nd Temple finished and dedicated

A

516

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28
Q

Alexander the Great conquers Persia

A

330

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29
Q

Maccabean Revolt

A

167

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30
Q

How do critical scholars understand the fish in Jonah?

A

As punishment rather than salvation (we think salvation, because he gives a thanksgiving song afterwards). They relate it to Lamentations when it says that the land of Babylon “vomited the people out.”

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31
Q

What is the irony of the book of Jonah concerning the prophet and the audience?

A

It is the prophet who ends up being hardened and the people/cattle who end up being the repentant ones.

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32
Q

Jonah (main themes) - Repentance and Conditionality

A

Jonah v King, who’s right?

BOTH: God’s true purposes are hidden. (Jer 18, Isa 38, Mic 3:12)

Immutability: God never changes, but we should never pit his mercy and judgement against one another.

So Jonah ends up missing out on understanding this truth properly. He thinks that God will still destroy the city, and he doesn’t ever quite understand how God is merciful.

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33
Q

Jonah (NT) - The “Sign of Jonah”

A

Luke: emphasizes the message of Jonah
Matt: adds X typology

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34
Q

Amos - overview statement

A

The prophet Amos denounced the indulgent immorality of those in the northern kingdom of Israel who disregarded Mosaic law and thus oppressed the poor and godly. The coming Day of the Lord would result in the fall of Israel and the surrounding nations. Yet Amos exhorted a faithful remnant to persevere in seeking YHWH even through exile, presenting them with the hope of covenant renewal through the line of David.

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35
Q

Amos - historical context

A

Earthquake (Amos 1:1, Zech 14:5) and Eclipse (Amos 8:9).
Security and Prosperity have led to oppression within Israel.
Realpolitik practices of pagan nations rather than Torah.
Unjust Rent Capitalism: exploitative corruption of those with power in owning land.
also…
Jereboam set up high places in Bethel and Dan for Israel’s convenience…just don’t go to Jerusalem.

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36
Q

Amos - purpose of ministry

A

To preach against the idolatry and corruption of the NK.

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37
Q

Amos (literary features) - “Three…even for Four” (n…n+1) Trope

A

usually in wisdom literature
to convey a more than an already large enough amount (like “101 reasons”)
Akkadian and Ugaritic device as well.

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38
Q

Amos (main themes) - Superscription and Judgement Proclamation (1:1-2)

A

The LORD is roaring from Jerusalem to the NK. Not Samaria, Dan or Bethel. Ergo, NK, your worship is pagan.
This judgment is going to be an earthquake that Amos predicts in 8:8 (criteria for prophets significance)

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39
Q

Amos (main themes) - Oracles Against the Nations (1:3-2:16)

A

Sets up Trojan Horse against Israel.

Crimes of the nations actually did occur (historically verified)

Purpose of the OatN’s in prophetical books:

  1. to set up Trojan Horse against Israel (Deut 4)
  2. to promote God’s justice wherever crimes occurred. Not only in the nations (12-23% of prophetical corpus). General revelation is punishable, also they knew about the Exodus! (Amos 9)
  3. to promote judgment of the nations for sins against Israel (Gen 27, and Christ ends up making it a blessing)
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40
Q

Amos (main themes) - Five Additional Oracles (3:1-6:14)

A

1st one (3:1-15) - NK abusing privileged relationship to YHWH

2nd one (4:1-13) - Women who are religiously hollow.

3rd one (5:1-17) - Lamentation of coming judgment (repentance focussed: “seek goo, and not evil, that you may live.” Sending prophets is a merciful act: 2 Kgs 17:13-14)

4th (5:18-27) - Day of the LORD. (Israel doesn’t understand that it’s them who are to be judged, not the nations. prophets v priests scandal)

5th (6:1-14) - Against the wealthy (Social justice implications: ‘covenant justice’ better. Amos himself probably upper class.)

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41
Q

Amos (main themes) - Five Visions of Judgment (7:1-9:10)

A

The Guilt of Israel
Judgement Suspended (prophets can intercede, but it only suspends judgment)
1. Locusts
2. Fire

Judgement Inevitable
3. Plumb Line
4. Fruit Basket

YHWH Abandons Israel
5. Temple

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42
Q

Amos (main themes) - Restoration through the Line of David (9:11-15)

A

Amos is depressing until these verses. There’s even going to be a remnant in Israel!

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43
Q

Amos (NT)

A

Jerusalem Council. James uses Amos 4 to say that the Gentiles are exempt from ceremonial law.

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44
Q

Hosea - historical context

A

Superscription (1:1)
Neo-Assyrian empire about to be on its second resurgence (Tiglath-Pileazer III)
Hosea tied to Jehu (1:4)

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45
Q

Hosea - overview statement

A

The prophet Hosea communicates - both verbally and in his personal life - YHWH’s affection towards those whom he must nevertheless punish for sin. Using the concepts of marriage and family, God proclaims his past loving redemption of Israel, their utter unfaithfulness to him, and the subsequent cancellation of covenant for Israel. Still, restoration to the covenant family is possible after the judgment of exile through the coming Davidic king.

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46
Q

Hosea (main themes) - Gomer

A

Gomer’s mention creates chiasm (ABCDCBA): center is 2:5-8 Israel not knowing YHWH.

A: 1:2-9 (opposite of Exod 3. “I am [not] your God.”)
B: 1:10-2:1 (Ab Covenant)
C,D,C’: 2:2-13 (fidelity in worship and sexuality are tied together here)
B’: 2:14-23 (eschatological reunion)
A’: 3:1-5 (yet destruction is immanent)

This is the covenant lawsuit against Israel making the claim that they don’t know YHWH at ALL. The rest of the book will tease this out.

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47
Q

Hosea (main themes) - The Baal Cult, Sex, and Redemption of the Human Heart

A

Deut 4 - God’s redemption precedes Israel’s obedience.
YET
Deut 29 - They can’t obey!
SO???
These two paradoxical commands constantly drives them towards faith in a God who would give them a renewed heart.

Hos 2:8 - They weren’t intentionally worshipping another God…like the golden calf incident.

Baal worship started with Ahab and Jezebel in 1 Kgs 16
Baal: weather god. Really tempting!

Judah also! (Hos 6:4-11)

What hope is there? Deut 4:32 and Deut 30:1-6.
You cannot circumcize your own heart, this is the hope that the old covenant saints were looking to. They looked forward, we look backward.

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48
Q

Micah - overview statement

A

The prophet Micah brings the legal case of YHWH, who will scatter his people among the nations in covenant judgment, yet will - like a shepherd king - also gather, protect, and forgive them in covenant faithfulness, ushering a kingdom of peace through the line of David that will reach to the ends of the earth.

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49
Q

Micah - historical context

A

From near border of NK and SK. Ministers in BOTH. During NK instability. Contemporary of Isaiah.
Political and economic prosperity.
He lived to see the NK take-over (both Isa and Mic)
He lived through the siege of Sennacherib

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50
Q

Micah - purpose of ministry

A

golden rule: Mic 6:8

focus on the leadership

  • supports Hezekiah’s reforms

covenant based lawsuit against Judah

Micah=theological microcosm of Isaiah

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51
Q

Micah - literary features

A

compact, abrupt poetry. Rough and rugged. Redaction? No, rhetorical feature. (Gentry’s stereo speaker analogy…repetition increases thematic nature of the book)

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52
Q

Micah’s name

A

means “Who is like YHWH?” encapsulates the meaning of the book.

Jerusalem emphasis.

Coming Judgement

YHWH will preserve remnant

leadership-sinful (points to the future city ruled by God himself)

suffering is immanent but God wont forget his mercy.

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53
Q

Micah (main themes) - Judgment and Covenant Responsibility

A

from exodus covenant

various verses in Micah about covenant responsibilities…

Mic 3:9-12. the “cheap grace” guys.

Mic 7:7-9. Micah’s right response.

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54
Q

Micah (main themes) - Purification and Hope of Restoration

A

Mic 4:10 - Babylonian exile predicted 100 years in advance!
Mic 7:15 - I will show you miracle like when I first brought you out of Egypt.
Mic 5:5 - restoration only of those who are truly obedient.

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55
Q

Micah (main themes) - the Kingdom of God and the Messiah

A

Mic 2:12-13. Shepherd-king? Davidic imagery (2 Sam 5:2).
Mic 4:1-2. Micah saw the coming kingdom as a new era of redemption.
Messiah ref

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56
Q

Micah (NT)

A

Micah 5:2-3. Magi used this to discern if this was the “shepherd who will rule my people Israel.”

Damascus Document: perhaps the magi read that? Sig?

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57
Q

Isaiah - textual criticism

A

reliable.
Great Isaiah Scroll (Dead Sea): agrees with MT
150 BCE. Could’ve possibly been a 1st temple text!
All evidence points towards reliability of Isaiah

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58
Q

Isaiah overview statement

A

Isaiah proclaims the message of the Holy One of Israel to Judah, who have despised him despite receiving privileges and blessings through the covenant. YHWH will pour out judgment as punishment to harden his people and yet preserve a remnant through repentance and faith. After exile, the royal city of David will be purified and made a beacon of YHWH’s glory to the whole world, filled with all those whose sin is covered by the suffering of a coming Servant - “God with us” - who shall be enthroned as the anointed King of a new creation.

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59
Q

Vitringa

A

1659-1722
Dutch Protestant Hebraist
sensus historicus
“near historical horizon” view

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60
Q

Doderlein

A

1745-1792
1st to suggest different author of DI

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61
Q

Lowth and Koppe

A

Anglican scholar of Hebrew poetry/prose.
Isaiah’s poetry is beautiful, not divine
Koppe translated into German
vaticinium ex eventu

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62
Q

Eichhorn

A

1-39 original, but there was more room on scroll.
distinguished between early and late parts of book based on language.
admitted he didn’t really know

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63
Q

Gesenius

A

DI is “Pseudojesia”.
future prophecy is hopeful but overall inaccurate.

64
Q

Duhm

A

Trito-Isaiah
Servant Songs: by another author altogether.
Isaiah written over span of 600 years

65
Q

Progressive evangelicalism’s blunders on Isaiah

A

First: affirm multi-author view/later redactors.

Second: yet, there’s coherence by influence of Spirit

Third: later editors consciously viewed themselves as “Isaiah” as his school

Fourth: deny predictive prophecy

Remember…

Isa 1:1

Isa 8:16

vaticinium ex eventu (Isa 44:24-26 and Deut 18:22)

66
Q

Isaiah - historical context

A

born and educated in Jerusalem
father Amoz, uncle Hezekiah

Ahaz in Israel
Hezekiah in Judah
- Seige of Sennacherib
- Sennacherib’s Prism

67
Q

What are the four periods mentioned in the the first section of Isaiah? (Chronology of Isaiah’s ministry…we don’t know when he wrote 40-66)

A

4 Periods:
part 1 (740-34; chs 2-5): Social Criticism
part 2 (734-32; chs 7-9): Syro-Ephraimite War
part 3 (713-711; chs 10-23): Anti-Assyrian Rebellion under Sargon II
part 4 (705-701; chs 28-32; 36-39): Anti-Assyrian Rebellion and Seige of Jerusalem under Sennacherib

68
Q

Isaiah - purpose of ministry

A

For Jerusalem and future generations of Israelites (including us)
2 Part Reminder:
1. Israel is the LORD’s
2. The LORD is the Holy and True God
Why would Isaiah write about Babylon and a Messiah so far away? Irrelevant to his audience, so he didn’t write it. No…sig.

69
Q

The three Isaiah books (Ross)

A

Book 1 (1-37) - addresses immediate historical situation
Book 2 (38-55) - comfort concerning coming Babylon attack on Jerusalem, and promise of salvation
Book 3 (56-66) - restoration community

70
Q

Shared characteristics of each book of Isaiah

A

Messiah Portraits:

  • endowed with Spirit and Word
  • righteous
  • Davidic covenant
  • human and divine
  • God’s people: both Israel and Gentile
71
Q

What are some phrases that are used throughout the book of Isaiah?

A

“mouth of the LORD has spoken” (1,2,3)

“lion eat straw like ox” (1,3)

“in all my holy mountain” (1,3)

72
Q

What is the historical context of Isaiah?

A

Cyrus…
Berlin wall
Doctrine of Scripture implications

73
Q

What was the Syro-Ephraimite conflict?

A

Aram and Israel against Judah.
They wanted Judah to join them against Assyria. Ahaz says no, and looks to Assyria themselves (Tiglath-Pilezar III) to keep him safe. Time when Ahaz gets his sign: Immanuel: God is with us Ahaz!

74
Q

The Book of Immanuel (the second half of the bookend)

A

Isa 7-12
Syro-Eph conflict
sign for Ahaz
Immanuel described:
possessor, protector, David’s heir and successor, God, empowered by the Spirit, righteous judge, ruler

75
Q

What are the similarities between Isa 1-5 and 25-27?

A

Foolish children/beloved children
rebellious city/glorious city
unproductive vineyard/fruitful vine

76
Q

Isa 56-66: The Book of the Anointed Conqueror

A

restoration era

Yet there are still some in post-exilic Jerusalem who are not part of the remnant…see Ezra and Nehemiah.

GAP between promise and reality

Chiasm:

A Foreign Worshippers

B Ethical Righteousness

C Divine Warrior

D Eschatological Hope

C’ Divine Warrior

B’ Ethical Righteousness

A’ Foreign Worshippers

77
Q

Nahum overview statement

A

The prophet Nahum emphasizes the identity of YHWH as the divine warrior, whose wrath is to fall upon the wickedness of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and – by extension – all unrighteous kingdoms of the world. Yet the Lord will not forsake those who take refuge in Him during times of trouble.

78
Q

Nahum historical context?

A

Entering a New Historical Period: The Babylonian Era
o Babylonian empire rising.
o Nahum has at its center the destruction of Nineveh.
o It’s the main point of this book.

79
Q

Nahum main themes

A

1) God is sovereign
2) Among national prophets:
-  should’ve been comforting to Judah. cos it’s the prophet taking others to task, not you.
 the national prophets would not have seen this as good news.

 Nahum as a “Shallow” Prophet?
* national prophets, like Hananiah, would say we are invincible and only foreign countries will be destroyed.
* Prophets like Nahum declare ethical standards of the law reflect YHWH’s character.
* national prophets said that YHWH paid not attention to ethical matters. they’re antinominan. they’re concered with upholding national moral.
* in short, he was not a national prophet.

o Jonah and Nahum
 Jonah between 1st and 2nd neo-assyrian period.
 Jonah’s prophecy is that Nineveh will be overthrown.
 And now with Nahum, we can see the proper time of judgment.
 Jonah’s message brought about a time for repentance. Nahum, judgment has come.

80
Q

Nahum in NT

A

Parallel with Is 52:7 in Romans 10:15

81
Q

Zephaniah overview

A

The prophet Zephaniah proclaims the Day of the Lord in both judgment and salvation, commanding his audience to seek YHWH and look towards a time of restoration and blessing for the faithful remnant.

82
Q

Zephaniah historical context

A

o could’ve been he was part of the royal court and part of the royal family.
o there are some problems, however. Chronology is out.
o Same period as Nahum.

o Before or After Josiah’s Reform?
 The reign of Josiah (640–609 BCE)
* must’ve been born during Manasseh’s reign.
* Manasseh and Amon both pro-Assyria.
* Is it okay to be pro-Assyria? That’s the political question

 Critiques of Judah
* Zeph. 1:8-9; 4-6– he focusses on moral and spiritual problems.
* Most scholars want to put it before Josiah’s reforms in 621.

 Similarities with Deuteronomy
* Josiah rediscovers the book of the law
* links are difficult to explain unless Zeph knew the book of Deut.
* Zeph. as a religious supporters of Josiah’s reforms.
* Thinks Zeph. ministry is during Josiah’s reforms.

83
Q

Zeph overview

A

o Zeph says God is going to destroy all life on earth, and it will illuminate idolatry.
o consequences of false worship are severe.
o so YHWH calls for repentance.

84
Q

Zeph main themes:

A

1) The Day of the Lord
- Zeph expands the scope of the Day of the LORD theme.
- Amos’ audience thought the day of the lord was happy but it was also a day of judgment.
- Israel’s issues had finally arrived in Judah in the day of Zeph.
- there was doubt that YHWH would come.
2) The Faithful Remnant

85
Q

Habakkuk overview

A

The prophet Habakkuk highlights the righteousness of God and the triumph of faith among his covenant people, whom God preserves and purifies even as he calls them to endure in hope through times of suffering and injustice.

86
Q

Habakkuk textual matter

A

o Naḥal Ḥever and the “Cave of Horror”
o This manuscript dates to 2nd C and preserves the Greek text of Hab. that had been revised to get nearer the Hebrew text.
o But the Greek minor prophet scroll is missing Hab. 2:12-17.
o The status of the Masoretic text is stable.
o Lacks Hab. 2:12–17

87
Q

Habakkuk Historical Context

A

continuity with Nahum

88
Q

Hab overview

A

o Who Are the Wicked?
 2 general answers:
* 1) some would say it’s unjust Israelites. Who are doing evil against their own people. If that’s true, then the problem he sees is social unrest in Judah. So the purpose of the Babylonians is to punish evil doers in Judah. The Babylonians are the instrument of judgment.
* 2) Other view: the oppressor is the Babylonians and foreign enemies. Some say, it’s Assyrian and Egyptions. But to do that you have to rearrange the text.
* Ross: the wicked are view 1. Wicked Judahites. Primarily a local issue.

89
Q

Hab main themes

A

1) The Polemic Against Idolatry
 Mostly focusses on the sins of Israel and Judah.
 No idolatry between foreign nations spoken of (2:18-20)
 Babylon is catching men and women as captives as fish in a net (1:16-17)

2) The Justice of God
 Hab charges God with being unfair for he uses a wicked thing to punish a wicked thing.
 God says he’s too holy to countenance evil.
 This is a temporary situation. we live by faith until his justice is fully seen

3) Living by Faith until the Triumph of Righteousness
 God reveals that his kingdom will be established, and righteousness will prevail.
 and all those answers are revelation.
 and this brings comfort even if justice doesn’t arrive in their own day.

90
Q

Hab 2:4 whose faithfulness?

A

MT – his faithfulness
OG – my faith
Paul – just “faith”
Hebrews – moves the pronoun
* What pronoun should be in the text
o 3rd person – Hebrew
o 1st person – Greek

  • Where the pronoun should be (if anywhere)
    o Modifying ‘faith(fullness)’
    o Modifying ‘righteous (one)’
  • Luther says all right
  • Hab: should be seen in context of complaint.
    o covenant faith
  • 2 sides of 1 coin
    o 1) there’s faithfulness on us – I.e., living in obedience to the law. faithful living
    o 2) there’s faith in God as author and sustainer of faith. Faith that God will provide an answer.
  • NT authors are citing it to sustain the broader theological point.
  • Author of Hebrews is making the point that God’s will be fulfilled and living faithfully in the meantime is important.
91
Q

Jeremiah overview

A

Reinforcing the prophecies of Isaiah and others over the preceding century, the prophet Jeremiah announces that God’s judgment upon the covenant violation of his people will come in the form of military defeat and exile to Babylon. Presuming upon their covenant relationship with YHWH, Judah holds fast to idolatry, rejects their chance to seek YHWH in repentance, and so Jerusalem falls and the Temple is destroyed. Yet YHWH preserves the line of David through which he will establish a new and better covenant to bring salvation through a coming King for his people and all the nations of the world.

92
Q

Jeremiah historical context

A

1) The Life of Jeremiah
 Lived mostly in Jerusalem.
 Born in Anathoth – just a few miles northeast of city.
 he’s a Benjaminite.
 Jeremiah is called the prophet to the nations in a few passages. He sees no geographical limits to his ministry.
2) Jer. 16:1-4
o lived through tumultuous period of history, and that’s why he never married.
o Jeremiah’s message is that God is bringing on these circumstances.

93
Q

Jer history - part 2

A

 Jehoiakim rebelled against Babylon between 601 and 598 (Jer. 22:22–30; 27:2–11).

 Jehoiachin exiled, Nebuchadnezzar installs Mattaniah as a puppet king in 597, changing his name to Zedekiah (2 Kgs. 24:17–18).
* only king for 3 months and it’s very eventful.
* Ezekiel taken with Jehoiachin into exile in this second wave.
* the city is still intact, but they have no king.
* the people who are left after this misinterpret what happened. They don’t see that it’s a fulfillment of Jer, they think it’s a deportation of the wicked, and they’re the righteous remnant (Jer. 24).

94
Q

Jer history part 3

A

 Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Jerusalem
* After Zed rebels, then Neb comes and lays siege to Jer. But the Egyptians comes to their aid.
* And this gives Jer time to go and buy some land, to show God will come and give the land back to his people.
* Babylon come again, and this time they sack the city. And this is the 3rd deportation – but it’s “the exile”. The big one. Zed goes into deportation too and his eyes are taken out.

 Jeremiah remains in Judah under Gedaliah (Jer. 40:1–6).
* Gedaliah appointed by Babylon, but he’s murdered by Judahites.
* Then the rebels ask Jeremiah what to do, knowing Neb won’t be pleased. Jer tells them to stay and not worry, but they ignore him!
* So they run away to Egypt, taking Jer with him.

95
Q

Jer purpose of ministry

A

o Prophet of transition; old and new; deconstruction and construction.
o you can see why news of a new covenant would be welcome because everything get destroyed.

96
Q

Jer chronology

A

Period 1: 627-622 / Calling
Period 2: 608-605 / First dep and invasion
Period 3: 593-586 / second deport
Period 4: 586-585 / fall of Jerusalem and exile

97
Q

Jer textual matters

A

very complex
length: LXX is 1/6 shorter than Hebrew
Arrangment is different.
Not problematic:
- Not necessarily problematic.
o LXX felt free not to follow Hebrew source text exactly.
o some things are changed or omitted. Might be theological or social.
o Is Greek version wanting to be close to Hebrew source.
- Question?
o where do these comes from?
o 6 scrolls in Qumran found. And of the 6 that were found 2 have a Hebrew text that’s like the LXX
o this shows us that just before X there were 2 versions of Jeremiah, a longer and a shorter one. So that shows us at the time of the LXX there was a shorter, older one than the one we use today.
o by that logic, the one we have may be a later version of the book.

  • Jeremiah and the Composition of Jeremiah
    o it’s unique in that it gives us insight to the composition process directly.
    o God told him to right it down, and Jeremiah got a TA. He hired a scrib and he wrote it down. (see Jer. 36:1-4). This could be one of the reasons why Jer reads like an anthology.
    o Baruch is called to read it (Jer 36:5-10).
    o Miciah hears this and tells the royal officals about what Jer has said. Baruch is summoned and called to read it. And they ask Baruch how he wrote them. (Jer. 36:17-18)
    o Baruch needs to find Jer and hide. Then Jehoikim has the scroll read to him and he’s not pleased (Jer. 36:23). The king cut the scroll to pieces and burned it. The king is judged for this.
    o Baruch wrote it again then after it was burned! “And many similar words were added to them.” (see Jer 36:27-38; 36:30). Ross thinks the material that was added was gradual.
    o So how do we account the shorter and longer versions? The version we have, the longer text, is the right version. It’s the final and authoritative version. This is because the scriptures are being written and copied by real people in a real place. And the priesthood are the ones overseeing this.
    o God’s leaders continued to write things down – not all scripture- and much of it was kept in the ark of the covenant. Whatever was scripture was stored and passed on meticulously.
    o Now, remember by Josiah’s time, they’d lost the law. So the scrolls were kept elsewhere.
    o so when the exile occurred they recon the best copies went with them.
    o Also we know we can mail stuff at this point, Jer sends a letter!
98
Q

Jer text summary

A

 The longer text is the full version and was complied and finalized by the priest who had the rest of the scripture in Babylon, suggesting final book was fulfilled in Exile. Things were written by Jeremiah but he wasn’t the editor.
 The shorter text is an earlier form of Jeremiah’s writing, but it was unfinished, and used in Egypt for centuries it was eventually translated in the Greek by the LXX translators in Egypt.

99
Q

Jer overview:

A
  • Jeremiah the Suffering Prophet as a New Moses
  • he announces end of an old era – OT; and the coming of a new era- New Cov.
    o Trying Circumstances

1) Similarities between Moses and Jeremiah.
 both are hesitant to serve as messenger.
2) Important Differences
 Moses about mediation
 Jer about condemnation. that’s cos he’s telling about the end of the Mosaic era.
 in Jer’s day they’d get the curses laid out in the law. Almost 1000 years earlier Moses gave the curses (Deut 28:15)

100
Q

Jer overview - part 2)

A

o How is it possible that a nation that had so clearly seen YHWH’s miraculous works on their behalf completely miss the responsibilities that came along with the privileges? Why were so many people hostile to Jer’s message?
 people were hostile cos they wanted to hear a message of peace, and the leaders told them what they wanted to hear.
- Theological chaos means no one knew who to believe or where to find it out! Scriptures not being read nor enforced. So whose got the power to say what God wants? Well, the pseudo-prophets then step in! And they claim authority. - they have no temple, land, sacrifice, and are perpetually unclean cos they live among gentiles. All they can have is falling short! How do they seek him?
o 1) Pray to him from the heart of the blessing of the nations.
o 2) Test the message of those claiming to deliver God’s word.
o 3) Wait in the sure hope that God will bring peace and know that has a future and a hope for you. There is a future orientation to the restoration of the land.
o How will bring about this future?
 Those the righteous branch of David. (see Jer. 23:5-6)

101
Q

Jer overview - part 3

A
  • The New Covenant and the New Era in Redemptive History
    o maximal covenant punishment is not the end of the story.
    o Moses does not stop at Deut. 28… he goes on to write:
  • see Deut 30 and Jer 30 and 31
  • Notice how clearly Old C and New C are contrasted. OC is associated with Moses; NC is associated with new hearts. The OC isn’t bad. That’s not why it’s being replaced. It was never the goal.
  • the NC comes next but it doesn’t differ in content but in method. It advances the redemptive purposes of God in a new and personal way.
  • OC was temporary and delivered to a stone hearted people. But it was successful cos it did what it was meant to do: brought about knowledge of sin and prompt God’s people to seek him in faith for salvation knowing they can’t keep the law.
  • Now God will work that inner transformation in them.
  • So the law’s successful in that sense.
  • There’s a way to how God’s people know him and the extent to which God’s people know him
102
Q

Jer and redemptive history

A

 when NC announced Israel in exile for over 100 years.
 Judah is in a mess.
 but it is announced that Judah will return and rebuild Jer.
 And that period after exile God’s people will live under a king who will be associated with David, our righteousness, and will offer sacrifices forever.
 not all promises Jer proclaims come about under Persian return. Beginning and fulfillment of NC era are 2 different stages of process of redemption.
 this vital formal distinction is still yet to be fulfilled. It’s not until the true day of the Lord that the NC will be finally and fully fulfilled.

103
Q

Jer and NT

A

see hebrews 8 mainly.

104
Q

Ezekiel overview

A

The prophet Ezekiel addressed the community of exiles living in Babylon under the judgment of God in dark, oppressive circumstances. Yet despite being removed from the land, YHWH still speaks to his people through the prophets, still calling them to repentance and announcing his intention to vindicate his own holy name before the nations. The power and glory of God are not limited to a geographical domain or a physical temple, but will be manifested by refashioning a holy people as a living temple of his presence within his eternal kingdom.

105
Q

Ezekiel historical context

A

o What Was Going On in the World?
 Same context as Jeremiah
 born 623BC
 Years of Assyrian decline
 Josiah’s reforms in Judah (d.609)
 Assyria defeated at Cardemish (605)
 First Babylonian deportation
 Jehoiakim’s revolt and the siege of Jerusalem (597)
 Second Babylonian deportation
* about 10,000 exiles and Ez himself.
 Zed made puppet king
 Many scholars think the WHOLE of the OT written in exile! Crazy. 70 years is not all that much time to write this.
 See Robertson.
 they retain their identiy cos they take the scriptures with them to consult, AND God sends prophets to be with them in exile.
 The retain being a distinct people of God as a result of the Written and Preached word of God.

106
Q

Who was Ezekiel?

A

 Married. Wife died suddenly in 587 (Ez. 24:16, 18)
 Priest by lineage. (Ez. 1:1-3)
* explains by he’s exiled in second wave.
* Neb takes the upper social classes.
 He’s also known as a prophet and consulted as a prophet (Ez. 20:1)
 Possible that opening statement of Ez 1:1-3, reveals he’s 30 years old.
 By the time he gets a final vision, he was 50 years old.
 He works 30-50, which fits with Mosaic law.
* Ex. 40:1
* See Numbers 4:3
* Priestly training starts earlier – 1 Chron. 23:24
 Jeremiah likely 20 years old than Ez.
 He’s working in the temple as Ez is training, awaiting call.

107
Q

Purpose of Ezek’s ministry

A

many saying exile is short and not that bad. He is to correct them.

108
Q

What are the 2 halves of Ezek’s ministry?

A

1) To Judah. Focusing on destruction of the temple and religious syncretism.
2) When he speaks to exiles in Bab. he focusses on obedience that’s needs, and that a new temple needs built.
- he preached to provide an explanation of what had happened to Judah and gives them a case for hope
- for 100 years prophets saying do what the law says! Everything revolves around Mosaic law. So the imperatives of the prophets had one of two effects. 1) Drew people towards God; or 2) it led to the hardening of the heart.

109
Q

Ezek outline

A

o The destruction of Jerusalem in 586 – this is the theological and literary middle of the book.
 Chapters 1–25 precede its destruction
 Chapters 33–48 follow its destruction
 Chapters 26–35 in the center of the book have their own chronological organization

110
Q

Ezek main themes and passages

A

1) The Calling of the Watchman (Ezek. 1–3)
o God appears when he’s in exile, in an unclean land, they did God will be in Jer; he’s in exile too. He’s with the exiles and his people there.
o what matters is the presence of God! This is one of the most well described theophany’s in the bible.

2) The Vision of the Jerusalem Temple (Ezek. 8–11)
o a lot of important content here.
o curtain closes of old era to set up opening of the new
o new reality is brought about through judgment.
o lays groundwork for Christ, people it shows the new covenant community is the spirit living in people, not a building.
God is himself their temple. The true righteous remanent has borne the punishment of the wider community, but God will be with them
- God puts new spirit in people, not just a building.
- God will resolve the problem of the heart.

3) Restoration and Transformation Beyond Exile (Ezek. 34–48)
o In order to do so, YHWH will administrate those Abrahamic blessings through his fulfillment of the promises of the Davidic covenant:

 After the judgment of exile, God’s people:
* Shall be gathered by YHWH and reunited as one people
* A Davidic king shall rule over them as a righteous leader
* Everyone among them shall have their hearts renewed, enjoy the presence of the Spirit, and therefore shall know YHWH as their covenant God and keep his commandments
* They shall again possess the land (therefore) with no possibility of being expelled again
* No enemies shall be able to overcome them or put them to shame
* Creation shall be renewed – it shall pose no natural threats and yield abundant harvests
* YHWH himself shall dwell among them once more.

  • so the vision and the hopes for after exile are broad and rich. They’ll ring in the ears of those who do return to the land.
  • So the post-exilic prophets have to answer why some of these things don’t happen.
  • There is a gap of promise and realtiy between returning exiles and reality lasts for 100s of years…. and some of those promises last today.
  • the restoration of the land and the rebuilding of the temple appear to be promised alongside the other promises.

4) * The Vision of the New Temple (Ezek. 40–48)

111
Q

Ezek in NT

A
  • Revelation and the Distinction between Righteous and Wicked
    o The Beast and the χάραγμα (mark) (13:16–17; 14:9, 11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4)

o The Lord and the σφραγῖδα (seal) (7:2–3; 9:4; 14:1; 22:4).

Rev 22:3–4 – 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. (cf. 14:1)

this comes from Ez 9:
Ezek. 9:3––6 – 4 And the LORD said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark [וְהִתְוִיתָ תָּו] on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.”

Palel Hebrew Tav looked like a cross. That’s what was put on people’s head. A CROSS! Tell me that’s coincidental!

112
Q

Daniel overview

A

Amid the darkness of Babylonian exile, the prophet Daniel persists in faithful living among a small
remnant community. Despite facing powerful and hostile opposition from the cultural majority,
YHWH is glorified in prospering his servants in times of both blessing and suffering. Daniel’s long ministry proclaims that, while God’s people must persevere in difficult times, earthly empires shall ultimately pass away, and the eternal Kingdom of God will be established through resurrection by the Son of Man.

113
Q

Daniel textual issues

A

14.1.1. The Old Greek and the Theodotionic Versions
* Old Greek Daniel v. Daniel Theodotion
o OG differently ordered in chapters 4-6
o DanTh closer to MT.

  • Both contain Additions (these are all Greek additions)
    o Bel and the Dragon
    o Susanna
    o The Prayer of Azariah
    o The Song of the Three Young Men
  • Explaining the Data
    o The OG text is translated first and it’s translated in a free/dynamic way. he wasn’t interested in a word for word translation
    o later, Theo-Dan produced to make it closer to the MT text.
    o these literary expansions are added as stories at the time.
    o The additions are written in Greek and added (not Hebrew translations)
    o they’re sort of like fan fiction.
114
Q

Daniel authorship and dating

A

o History in Daniel 11:2–4 and Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BCE)
 Critical scholars take it as prophecy after the fact.
 they think it was written in the Greek period.
 many critical scholars would place Daniel’s writing around the 2nd C during the regin of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BCE)
 there is a big problem of this view:
* the evidence from Qumran throws a wrench in this thinking.

o Evidence from Qumran (4QDanc)
 this parchment contains portions of Daniel 11 and it can be dated to 2nd C BCE.
 this means you’d have to believe that Daniel was written within about 50 years or so before it was found at Qumran.
 the evidence leaves the question: how could something to recently produced be so quickly accepted as sacred among such a conservated group like at Qumran?

115
Q

Daniel historical accuracy

A

o Belshazzar & Nabonidus (556–539)
 Belshazzar is ruling when Cyrus’s Victory (539)
 but Babylonian records say Nabonidus is ruling.
 So critical scholars say this is an historical error.
 But Nabonidus’ reign was a time for disorganization and chaos. Many Babylonians saw him as an illegitimate ruler for worshipping the moon God.
 So, records show, that in the final year of Nab’s reign, his son, Belshazzar reigns. There are, then, two kings. So it’s not wrong to call Belshazzar a king. Bel seems to acknowledge this in Dan 5.

 Third in Power
* Nab > Bel > Daniel.

116
Q

Daniel historical accuracy (part2)

A

o Darius the Mede & Cyrus the Persian
 Ruler (Dan. 5:31) and Son of Ahasuerus/Xerxes I (486–465; Dan. 9:1)
 Darius receives the kingdom at the age of 62
 Darius is also called the son of Xerxes in Daniel 9
 the problem is there is no record of a king called Darius
 Solutions:
* Darius is a fake (nope)
* Darius is a nickname for Cyrus
o problem of this is Cyrus is the son of Cambyses, not Xerxes. (nope)
* Darius is Gubaru
o this is possible. but no clear indication why Gubaru would be called Darius.
* We don’t know
o this is the best explanation.
o what we do know is there is still hundreds of thousands of Babylonian texts sitting in museum basements around the world that are untranslated.

117
Q

Who was Daniel?o Who Was Daniel?
 Nobility Deported in 605 (see Daniel 1:3-6)
* was there for 8 years before Ez. showed up.
* probably didn’t correspond much cos Daniel was in the royal court.

 Renown for (Torah) Wisdom

 Seven Decades of Ministry

A
118
Q

What was happening in Daniel’s world?

A

o What Was Going On in His World?

 The Royal (Babylonian) Court Life
* lives through the boom in the city.
* The Euphrates runs through the center of Babylon.

 Persian Victory
 lived through entire exile.
 Don’t think he ever returned to the land.
 apocalyptic visions happen very late in his life; as people start to return.

119
Q

Purpose of Dan’s ministry?

A

o covenant justice in the background
 exile for breaking the law.
o Sovereignty of YHWH in the spiritual realm
o The return from exile has begun.
o The greater exile is not over.
o text was probably finalized as exile was in the past, or fading.

120
Q

Daniel literary features (IN EXAM)

A

o Aramaic Sections (2:4b-7:28)
o Aramaic is a dialect of Hebrew
o It’s the language of Babylon at this time.
o it’s the business language of the day. (see 2 Kings 18:26)
o during this time a new font is adopted for Hebrew scriptures.
o Daniel likely speaks Aramaic as his primary language for the rest of his life – along with the rest of the Jews.
o he has exposure to Persian culture and language, and many others. Greeks. Much exposition to these cultures and languages.
o there are many loan words in the book of Daniel.

o Apocalyptic (Genre about revealing things)
o New movement (< 5 years) among some OT scholars to deconstruct genre categories. Wisdom literature was first; apocalyptic is now on the chopping block.
 Typical Genre Features (EXAM):
* Narrative framework (often heavily symbolic/metaphorical)
* Schematization of history into periods
* Heavenly messenger or interpreter
* Divine view of time and creation
o historical narrative zooms us into events. Ap is a 40,000 ft view of events. it’s hard to see the detail
* Cosmic disturbances related to God’s Kingdom
* Future hope in present trouble

121
Q

Daniel overview, themes, and message (1)

A

1) Covenant Obedience and the Developing Jewish Identity
o He thinks it’s incorrect to speak of Jews prior to the exile.
o it’s not historically accurate to speak of Jews prior to the exile. Prior to that we have Judahites; not Jews.
o Jewish identity develops in the exile and continues afterwards.
o Judaism develops in the 3rd C BC.
o new identity for the people of God in exile.
o his first 10-15 years in the land are during religious reforms. Which all had to do with the law being rediscovered.
- environment of contestant pagan propaganda.
- How do you survive? Devotion! Pray and meditate on the true God.
- no easy when Babylonian gods look more powerful than YHWH.
- totally confident but doesn’t presume about his favor in any specific way.
- expression of steadfast devotion to God; outside the land; under foreign rule. Life and death will take place in the process.

122
Q

Daniel overview, themes, and message (2)

A

Prophecy & Wisdom Demonstrate the Cosmic Rule of YHWH

o The Dream of the Tree (Ch. 4)
 Message: “You’re not in charge, Neb!”
 at this point Neb at height of his power
 He’s the tree.
 he’s shown his rule on persists at the pleasure of God.

o The Writing on the Wall (Ch. 5)
 Belshazzar on the throne.
- Babylonian magicians know how to read it but don’t know what to make of it all.
- so they get Daniel and he comes to tell them what it means.
- tells him he’s not learned from Neb! using sacred cups to drink wine and sleep with prostitutes is a sign you’ve gone waaay too prideful.
- judgment has fallen from God.

123
Q

Daniel overview (3)

A

o The Relationship of Chapters 2 & 7
 some parts of the books show that YHWH has an earthly kingdom, and he will break in and establish it.
 Daniel never gets the divine call as a prophet; he’s more of a statesman. He has the gifting of a prophet.
 these chapters should be read together. same historical details. o The Future History of the Coming Kingdom of God
 the church will replace all earthly kingdom
 the little horn will be overcome.

124
Q

Daniel the 70 weeks

A

o this is probably the biggest question mark in OT theology for most people.
o sort of zooms in on kingdoms of chapter 2 and 7 = Rome and the Kingdom of God.
 Interpretive Questions
* When do the weeks start?
o from proclamation of Cyrus’ decree?
o or from when temple is built?
* Are they actual weeks, or sevenfold sets of years?
o every agrees is they’re not literal weeks, cos nothing happens 70 weeks after this that relates.
o it has to be metaphorical and symbolic.
* When does the anointed prince come – after the first period of seven weeks or after the second period of sixty-two weeks?
o the way you translate v25. will effect when the prince comes.
o and his hinges on the Masoretic marks on the text.
o if you go with masoeric marks, the prince is after week 62. If that’s the case you think the anti-Christ is the prince
o if you go against the Masoretic marks, the prince is after week 7 and he’s probably Jesus.
o Reformed tradition usually sees the prince as the Messiah. But there are permeations.

  • big points:
    o the exile is not over!
    o even though there is geographical return will happen, there is another 70 weeks remaining. There is time before this happens.
    o 3 chunks
     1) 7 weeks
     2) 62 weeks.
     3) 1 week

o How to respond? The weeks are: Chronologically Oriented (but non-literal) Units
 need to understand the weeks as non-literal
 the Hebrew for week is a 7fold unit; not usual word.
 number 70 is a round or complete unit or number and is used when precision is unnecessary.
 completeness and satisfaction to God is the point.
 that’s the idea. it’s a chronologically progression of 3 units that made 70 units. it’s a complete process, even if the details are not clear.
 it’s chronologically orientated, not merely symbolic.
 most reformed scholars think the cutting off of the anointed one at the end of the 7th week is the death of Christ.
 Reformed view
* 7 weeks = period between Daniel and Christ
* 62 weeks = age of the church
* 1 week = the final battle
* variations within this view. some people think end of v26 is the destruction of the temple by the romans.

125
Q

Daniel in NT

A
  • Seventeen Citations in the New Testament
    o Of those, Dan. 7:13–14 is specifically cited six times.
126
Q

Obadiah overview

A

All nations, especially Edom, that are opposed to the people of God and the rule of YHWH over creation, will come under divine judgment. But the covenant community – both Israel and Judah – knows the justice of God, will come to know his mercy even more fully when his Kingdom is fully established.

  • the brief, ambiguous prophet against Edom
127
Q

Haggai and Zechariah

A

Call of Abraham  Deliverance from Egypt  Covenant & Law at Sinai 
Possession of the Land  Establishment of the Kingdom 
Prolonged Covenant Disobedience  Prophetic Intervention  Defeat and Exile 
Suffering & Hope  Partial Restoration of the Kingdom  Period of Waiting

  • (As of today we’re hanging out on this bottom line here - suffering and hope.
  • Isaiah looks toward the period of restoration.
  • OT authors tend to explain what is happening more than why it’s happening.
128
Q

Ross on Exile

A

o Apostate Covenant Community Members
 Prophets explain the significance of the exile.
 whether future, current, or past part of the job as a prophet is to explain the exile
 it’s the most significant event in OT after Exodus.
 these apostate community don’t love God. don’t care about him; and never will.

o Rebellious Covenant Community Members
 Significance persists through time.
 The exile seemed like a “demotion” or “backwards movement.”
 Exile arose from a theological crisis, and also produced one? Have we lost progress to redemptive history?
 for most people covenant community is given. not everyone within this community would have been part of this invisible covenant community.
 in practice unlawful and syncretistic worship would have been rampant.
 there is a portion of the covenant community who is faithless; the exile occurred for this group to uphold the justice of God.
 rebellious people live a compromised faith.
 God loves this rebellious group even through their adulterous; but the exile is a severe chastening to prompt repentance. it’s a form of God’s mercy.
 when they realize this, they may be led by that kindness to repentance.
 rebellious people live like apostate but are hanging by a thread. they will change their ways if disciplined.

o Faithful Covenant Community Members
 These people strive to uphold the law cos they love God.
 they know their obedience is incomplete.
 that recognition of their sin makes them realize it’s impossible to keep the law; so they uphold the law.
 they know God’s justice and that God must punish sin.

o A Suffering People
 covenant community suffered significantly through the exile. highlights the corporate nature of the covenant. God deals with his people and their structures are representative one to many.
 that’s how salvation works through Christ.
 suffering of exile points forward to individual suffering of Christ. The exile anticipates the suffering servant.
 the exile wasn’t atoning or substitutionary but there is a sense in which the redeemed throughout history collectively speaking, participates in the suffering of Christ on the cross.
 part of the answer of how God can let righteous people suffer is that they are participating in the righteousness of Christ.

129
Q

Developments from Cyrus’s Decree to the Foundation of the Second Temple

A

The Timeframe of the Postexilic Prophets
o Hag, Zech, and Mal lived in the 5th C at the same time. Working when the walls of Jer are being rebuilt.

Broad Geopolitical Events & Narrow Issues in Yehud (Judah)
o Cyrus II defeated the Medes in 550
o Defeated Babylon at Opis in 539
 Babylonian empire dies at this battle.
o Decree of Cyrus permitting return to Yehud (538)
 Cyrus different to Assyrian or Babylonian policy; they shammed everything, but Cyrus upheld differences under his rule. He supported and encouraged them. It was benevolent dictatorship.

  • people optimistic that all promises fulfilled; but that doesn’t happen:
    o 1) there are still under a foreign rule; no king of David. awareness to that grows.
    o 2) In addition to that, the earlier glory of the assembly of the people of God after they are left Egypt, was a far cry to what returned. 2-3 million left with Moses; 50,000 now come out of Babylon.
    o 3) not everyone back in Judea is happy about this. The people already in the land don’t want people to come back. from their perspective, these people don’t have a link to the land. they didn’t want support them politically or financially. Those coming back had a claim, and yet when they show up they are strangers in their own land. Lots of conflict and confusion.
    o not the glorious restoration they had hoped for.

o Two Key Figures in Yehud: Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Joshua).
 Zerubbabel in the line of David. Not a king, but only rules as governor cos Persia says he can.
 Jeshua in the line of Zadok.
 they start the restitution of the worship of God.
 they need an alter so they can petition YHWH for help.

  • trying to do this according to the books but they run into problems quickly.
  • opposition between people of the land and Judah is the start of the schism between Samaria and the Jews.
  • there’s inflation, gas prices are up.
  • And so, for many people, it felt like God would be punishing them.

… and this is the context of the ministries of Haggai and Zechariah.

130
Q

The Purpose of the Ministries of Haggai and Zechariah

A

o temple foundations undeveloped (536-521)
o completed 520-516
o Discontinuity and continuity.
o under Hag and Zech the temple is finished.
o There ministry is to explain what God is doing in the continuity and the discontinuity. That’s their ministry.
o As Christ comes, the anticipation is to look forward to a new age.

131
Q

Haggai overview

A

After nearly two decades of incompletion, the prophet Haggai confronts the apathetic people of
Yehud, exhorting them to complete the construction of the second temple. Facing difficult social,
political, and economic circumstances, the postexilic community had misunderstood the intentions and disposition of YHWH for them. But under leadership responsive to the Word of the Lord, construction resumes, pointing to the coming reality of a New Temple and a conquering Davidic King at the end of the age.

132
Q

Who was Haggai?

A
  • not listed as a returnee.
  • May have grown up in the land (Ezra)
  • May have been among the poorest in the land who were left.
  • concern indicates he was present in the land all along.
  • Ministry is in 520. Just a single year; 16 years since the return from exile.
  • things have come to a head and Haggai had had enough.
  • it’s full of repetition.
  • Written August 29th – December 18th , 520.
133
Q

Haggai outline?

A

Message 1: Drought!
Message 3: Drought solved and part of the is connected to the temple being built.
Message 2 and 4 osmic upheaval
: a signet ring for YHWH.

134
Q

Haggai overview

A

A Popular Saying and Haggai’s Response (1:1–15)
* The Glory of the Temple New and Old (2:1–9)
o The temple wasn’t what it was before.
o No harvest in the land
o Both Isa and Ez say the New Temple would surpass the Old Temple in glory. See Hag 2:4-5 below.
o despite its humble appearance the 2nd temple does point forward. The 2nd temple was not as grand and they never recovered the Ark of the Cov, it’s not restored. It’s absence hammers their spiritual assurance.
o no ark means YHWH never dwelt inside the holy of holies during this time.
o it always plays a role in the atonement system.

135
Q

Haggai overview/themes cont

A

o The Absence of the Ark
 no ark, to mercy seat, no mercy seat, no atonement, no atonement, no peace with God, no peace with God, who can be truly assured they are part of his covenant?
 1) Observing the ceremonial law
 2) Observing spiritual law; passover etc.
 3) Listening to the prophetic word
* All of these things now take on a prominent place in the life of the Jews in the restoration era, cos no ark.
 2nd temple stands as witness to that, it’s forward facing.
 YHWH is still with them but his presence is in a different way to the past.
- Heb 12:27-29
Author of Hebrews knows that Hag is speaking about a greater temple that’s filled with the temple of God in a greater way.
- Pointing to greater cosmic renewal:
- Idea the person and work of Christ inaugurates and builds a spiritual temple, the people are the temple and Christ is the cornerstone, but it won’t be completed until the end of the age.

136
Q

Haggai themes cont

A
  • Priestly Lessons from the Law (2:10–19)
    o Returns to the problem of the poor harvest.
  • (4th and final message of Haggai is brief but important) Hope for the Davidic Throne (2:20–23)
    o This section confirms YHWH’s commitment to the Davidic dynasty:
  • reiteration of the shaking of the heavens and the earth.
  • it’s also YHWH who makes Zer his signet ring. that means he’ll become a symbol of the Davidic sovereignty.
  • YHWH’s inauguration of means s new Davidic king will come and he’ll bring salvation and covenant blessing.
  • the Signet ring imagery is strange but prior prophetic revelation helps us. Zer’s royal linage is under a curse:
137
Q

Zechariah overview

A

Just months after the Lord’s work through the prophet Haggai, Zechariah reinforced YHWH’s command to build a second temple, encouraging them with a vision of God’s redemptive work. Like Ezekiel before him, Zechariah pointed to the centrality of the temple and priesthood within a
coming, eternal Kingdom that would be made up of the faithful from among all nations and over
which a humble but victorious shepherd Messiah would rule.

138
Q

Who was Zech?

A
  • contemporary of Haggai.
  • same kind of problems and circumstances.
  • Iddo was grandfather and head of a priestly family. Listed as a long list of returnees on Jer.
  • Zech is likely serving as a priest in some way.
  • we see a connection between postexilic people and the temple.
139
Q

Zech structure

A
  • literarily speaking it’s the most complicated.
  • extension of the prophecies of Jer, Ez, and Isa.
  • first 8 chapters are distinguished from the rest cos the first 8 have dating formulas and focus on the construction of the temple.
  • 9-14 have no date formulas and have all kinds of themes mixed together.
  • naturally these differences mean HC scholars think there must’ve been a second Zech.
    o they say the later part is more concerned with Davidic monarchy, and of course 1 person cannot care about more than 1 thing.
140
Q

Zech’s developing perspective

A

 Zechariah’s Developing Perspective
* makes sense of Zech to have deemed it necessary to speak of Greece to his audience in Judea, and God will win!
* given literary unit the difference in these two parts are best explained as the result of developing perspective during his own ministry.
* early: he supports Hag to finish building project. Later: he realized that 2nd temple was only a symbol to YHWH’s presence with his people.
* Zech felt this message was necessary and it reflects the degree that the inhabitants of Judea thought they should make themselves independent. They thought they needed to fight; and this does develop in the 2nd temple period.
* He says, you’re right to correct to expect a new Davidic King, but GOD will do it – and he won’t be a military conqueror. He’s portrait is very different.
* the reason Jesus is killed is that they think he could be a rabble rouser like some before him.

141
Q

Zech themes:

A

1) Personal Responsibility (1:1–6)
o he issues a warning not to make the same mistakes as ancestors. the need to seek YHWH. To listen to his word and follow it.
o Zech feels strongly about the temple too and he puts them in servce of a broader idea that they serve the building of the temple.
o Zech exhorts the people to stop repeating the same mistakes.
o in a sense the exile wipes the slate clean.

142
Q

Zech themes (2)

A
  • The Night Visions (Chs. 1–8)
    o They have a ton of urgency are slightly ominous.
    o each dream has 3 parts:

1) Description & Formula “. . . and behold”

2) Zechariahs’ Response a) Interrogation of Angelic Interpreter
b) Prophetic Response to Angelic Interpreter’s Questions
c) Brief Instructions/Oracles

3) Responses of those in the Visions a) Angelic Interpreter Answers Zechariah’s Questions, Offers Instruction, Intercedes, and Interrogates
b) Horsemen
c) Another Angel
c) YHWH

  • in each one the content is introduced, and the drama unfolds.
  • in 5 and 6 Zech is interrogated by angel; the others he interrogates the angel.
  • sometimes its hard to know if the words belong to the angel or YHWH.
  • when he says “the word of the LORD came to me” fair to assume it was mediated by angel.
143
Q

Zech nightdreams organizational principle

A

 Klaus Koch
* says they are ordered geographically East to West.

 Joyce Baldwin
* Chiasm: see below.
* better than Koch
* Koch plays fast and lose with the text and shows progression.
* so the visions give perspective on progressive fulfillment that will bring about blessing.
* some blessing were beginning to appear and they portray what God is doing for his people.
* in the outer two parallels (A A’: God is working; B B’ God is dealing with his people; C C’ focus is Zion. it’ll overflow the walls.
* D D’ emphasis in the renewal of covenant. we don’t have the world but have all the imagery.

A Visions of the Nations at Rest (1:7–17)
B Vision of Judgment on the Nations (1:18–21)
C Vision of Zion (2:1–13)
D Vision of the New Age: Forgiveness and Peace (3:1–10)
D’ Vision of the New Age: Messianic Ministry (4:1–14)
C’ Vision of the Removal of Evil (5:1–4)
B’ Vision of Judgment on Babylon (5:5–11)
A’ Vision of the Spirit at Rest (6:1–8)

  • The Central Visions – D and D’ (4/5)
    o both priestly and kindly roles are anointed roles.
    o effectively lampstand is a menorah.
    o one had Joshua high priest show efficacy of covenant to atone and forgive
    o Zerubabbel symbolizes the continuity of the Davidic line.

o Drawing it Together
 visions offer a framework to interpret postexilic era in like of all God is doing
 to some extent the postexilic era showed the advancement of redemption. It was unfulfilled but it had begun.
 there is a present emphasis on renewal:

144
Q

Zech themes cont

A
  • The Glorious Kingdom and its Humble King
    o one of the big purposes of the book is to unpack the hope they’re to have. it’s a picture of a glorious kingdom and humble king.
    o the vision of the glorious kingdom is YHWH with his people.
    o people of the LORD increase in number and blessing.
145
Q

The Broader Theological Outlook of the Postexilic Prophets

A

1) there is this covenantly framed idea of the priest-king who will come and save Israel.
o prophets concerns expanded beyond their temporal horizon.
o emphasized medium term horizon but also further.

  • 5 themes in this restoration era and beyond:
    o Jerusalem and the Temple will be Rebuilt
     Why? God promised to be their sanctuary whenever they were. If God can be their sanctuary anywhere? Why build another temple?
  • Answer: to vindicate the name of the LORD. To demonstrate his redemption to the nations.
  • 2nd temple less impressive but pointed to a greater glory.
  • Perfectly pure and forgiving. All things the temple was meant to do. Jesus therefore is better and greater than the second temple.
  • It sets the stage of the appearance of the incarnate temple

o God Himself Will Return to Dwell Among Them
 departure of God’s presence from the inner temple is HUGE
 so the return of that presence is SUPER important to the nations restoration.
 God’s presence sanctifies his people. without God, nothing is holy.
 So the presence of YHWH’s prophets is in some way the return of God’s presence to the land.
 it is of course partial and incomplete. real exile was spiritual and separation from the presence of God and for that to end the LORD has to return to his people. Spirit needs to come in full measure to fashion them into new temple.

o Many More Will Join the Community
 Beyond restoration event, is the additional promise that many more will join.
 even beyond the 10 tribes of the north.
 there will be too many people to count; Zech 10:10 literally not enough room for them.
 Joined to the covenant LORD. True covenant joining.
 Zech 9:7b. not just nominal membership.
 Paul says that in Eph 3:6 – Gentiles are heirs and members.

o Sin Will Be Removed
 it’s the root cause of the banishment of God’s people.
 removal of sin has to solve spiritual exile. No removal of sin, no return from exile.

o The Lord’s Anointed Priest and Servant Will Come
 the pre-exilic prophets focus on ideal Davidic king as deliverer. but they realize the earthly line of David would need God to work to put it back into place.
 during exile hope of future king maintains a similar vision but expands it to show the growth of the kingdom – a son of man – invested with divine authority.
 that is the single biggest development: coming anointed figure who is both priestly AND kindly. Brings God’s presence and sits on his throne.

146
Q

Joel overview

A

The prophet Joel proclaims a timeless message calling God’s people to repentance for sin in the
midst of a pressing national crisis. The people are fully reliant upon YHWH, not only for forgiveness when the atoning temple sacrifices are not regularly offered, but also for deliverance on a greater, coming day of judgment. Because he is a covenant-keeping God, YHWH will be present with his people, vindicate them on that day, and pour out his Spirit.

147
Q
  • Who Was Joel?
    o
A

Possibly Judahite
o Reader of the Scripture

148
Q

What Was Going on in the World?

A

o Likely writing after the restoration from exile (Joel 3:1-2a)
o Jerusalem and temple mentioned (Joel 3:17)
o No King; making pre-exilic context unlikely (argument from silence, but likely a mention of a king if pre-exilic. So a temple but no king = post-exilic.)
o Joel alluded to many other scriptural books, like Malachi, so Joel would’ve needed to be later.
o Locust plague

149
Q

Joel overview

A

Joel withholds historical context to apply the universal applicability of the book.

150
Q

Joel overview (2)

A

The Day of the Lord (2:3b-5)

  • day of the Lord is inescapable
  • cosmic in scope
  • the literal locus swarm is a reminder, a symbolic foretaste of a greater eschatological threat.
  • this is why his language of locus plague shades into metaphor.
  • locus swarm becomes an army.
  • and destruction of crops becomes the destruction of people groups.

The Mercy of YHWH
- we need God to make the human heart alive.
- the problem of the human heart needs changed.
- the sacrificial system falling apart again provides the grounds for exile again. The sin much be driven out.
- what does it mean to be back in the promised land? But not have YHWH in the temple? That’s what they’re facing.

  • YHWH will relent from judgment, if his people repent. but old covenant repentance only ever delays judgement. OC repentance does not remove judgment.
  • we can say there is no way for human repentance to remove judgment. This is part of the reason what we see Joel proclaiming here is so remarkable. He’s pointing to the possibility that YHWH himself will provide the atoning offerings humanity cannot provide.
    o on the one hand we see YHWH Will provide by giving physical material for the offerings
    o Joel 2:19.
    o God gives us the things he requires us to bring to him.
    o And he’ll also provide the spiritual resources too (2:26-27)
151
Q

Joel overview (3)

A

The Future Outpouring of the Spirit
- numbers 11
- Ez 36
- we see in Joel the development of these steps. Spirit of YHWH is given to everyone.
- Spirit of God is given to all who call on his name.
- all the sons, daughters, and servants.
- The Exile:
o met demands of God’s justice
o vindicate his character
o vindicate his name
o drive his people to see their own insufficiency in keeping the law
o highlighted the need for God to provide atonement for his people to be holy
o hope of another day, at the end of the 70 “weeks” of exile, when God would give spirit filled hearts.

152
Q

Joel NT

A

Acts 2

153
Q

Malachi overview

A

Over a century after the end of the Babylonian exile, God still intended for his name to be glorified among the nations, despite the apparent lack of covenant blessings and mounting social and religious problems in the community. Malachi announces that God will bring honor to himself through an obedient people who look forward in living faith to greater blessings, which will be announced by another messenger of God in his good timing.

154
Q

Who Was Malachi?

A
  • Malachi = “my messenger”
  • at this point the view by CS is the book is anonymous
155
Q

Context & Purpose of Ministry

A
  • Persian period in Yehud.
    o second wave of returnee under Ezra (458)
    o arrival of Nehemiah (445)
    o Doubt and Conflict in Yehud
    o Xerxes defeated at Thermopolae (480)
  • Social and Theological Tension
  • God’s people are Spiritual Apathy and are experiencing Economic Difficulty
    o the welfare of the priests came through tithes and offering and the people obeying. So there’s an unfortunate dynamic. The Jerusalem priesthood is levied.
    o finances, politics, and priesthood overlap.
    o the poorest among Judah have to sell their own children into bond slavery to pay debts.
    o Persian empire is tottering at this point. Greek city states can thwart Persia.
    o God seems distant at this point.
156
Q

The Neo-Assyrian Period (1055–609)

A

o First Neo-Assyrian Phase (ca. 9th c. BCE)

o develops from city state to near superpower – takes about 400 years. And it comes to dominate all political and economic life.
o the kingdom had shrunk… but the implemented a policy of consistent military campaigns.
o all Assyrian men could be drafted for military might.
o king would lead campaigns every year after the harvest
o they established centers to launch war. so they implemented a palace economy. 2 key kings.

 Ashurnasirpal II (883–859)
* established a geographical platform and could cover the same area twice with his troops.
* by end of his reign he had re-conquered all of the territory they had in the middle Assyrian phase.

 Shalmaneser III (858–824) and the Battle of Qarqar (853)
* he invaded neo-Hittite states and others.
* he was very aggressive.
* Battle of Qarqar
o 12 kings in coalition tried to stop him.
o including Hadadezer and Ahab of Israel.
o more people in battle that we know to this point
o Kurkh stele, Shalmaneser won the battle of Qarqar.
o no mention in the bible
o Ahab part of Omeride dynasty.

Isaiah - Malachi (Ross) (1 decks)

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