Lesson 2: Post Exile Prophets

Question 1

When did Cyrus, the King of Persia, grant freedom to the Jews, and what was the reaction of the people upon their return to Jerusalem?

Answer 1

Cyrus granted freedom to the Jews in 535 B.C. The people, upon returning to Jerusalem, were more interested in building their own homes and cultivating their farms than in rebuilding the Temple.

Question 2

Why did Haggai rebuke the people, and what message did he convey regarding the rebuilding of the Lord’s house?

Answer 2

• prioritising their own homes over rebuilding the Temple.
• He emphasised that their efforts were in vain as they sowed much but harvested little.
• The Lord through Haggai urged them to consider their actions and to go up to the hills, bring wood, and rebuild the house so that God may take pleasure in it and be honoured (Haggai 1:3-8).

Question 3

Does Haggai directly reference Christ in his prophecy? If not, how does he portray the Messiah? (vision about christ)

Answer 3

There is no direct reference to Christ in Haggai’s prophecy. However, he portrays Zerubbabel, chosen for rebuilding the Temple, as a signet ring chosen by the Lord.

Question 4

What does the name ‘Zechariah’ mean?

Answer 4

The name ‘Zechariah’ means ‘God has remembered.’

Question 5

What are the two main parts of the book of Zechariah, and how do they differ in themes?

Answer 5

The book of Zechariah can be divided into two parts. Chapters One to Eight contain prophecies focused on the contemporary rebuilding of the Temple, while chapters 9 to 14 shift to themes of the redemption of Israel.

Question 6

Vision of Christ of Zechariah

Answer 6

• a coming King with dominion from sea to sea,
• the pouring out of God’s Spirit
• many clear prophecies about the Messiah, all of which were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. (eg. humble king, the good shepherd who was betryed for 30 silver coins)

Question 7

When was the book of Joel written, and what events prompted the prophet to console the people?

Answer 7

• written in the 5th century B.C.
• attack of locusts
• a devastating drought.
• Joel saw these events as signs of the coming day of the Lord.

Question 8

According to Joel, what is the key message regarding repentance and the future outpouring of God’s Spirit?

Answer 8

• urges the people to repent and return to God, promising that God will save and shower His blessings on those who repent.
• clarifies that there will be destruction for those who do not return to God.
• Notably, Joel prophesies the future outpouring of God’s Spirit on all people (Joel 2:28).

Question 9

How does Malachi structure his prophecy, and what are the main themes addressed in his answers to doubts about God’s love?

Answer 9

Malachi structures his prophecy in the form of questions and answers.
The main themes include
1. not doubting God’s love
2. offering holy sacrifices without polluting the Lord’s name
3. avoiding unfaithfulness to God
4. returning to God
5. the abundant rewards for those who love God
6. the coming of Prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

Question 10

How does Malachi’s prophecy connect with the New Testament, especially with the coming of John the Baptist and the promise of Elijah’s return? (vision about christ)

Answer 10

Malachi prophesied about a messenger who would come to prepare the way for the Lord (Malachi 3:1). John the Baptist fulfilled this role, as confirmed in the New Testament. Additionally, Malachi foretells the return of Elijah, which is often associated with the Second Coming of Jesus.