Post-Exilic Prophets

Book: HaggaiBook: ZechariahBook: Malachi

Aug 10

Probably the most important thing to remember when studying the prophets is that they are a part of a larger narrative. The larger canonical story covers God’s plot from Genesis to Revelation. However, the prophets themselves are not in the form of story (with the exception of Jonah) and are not the story plot itself. The prophets are in addition to the story proper, the sequence of which is found in the historical literature, Joshua to 2 Kings.

They must fit into their respective place with the Biblical narrative. Without attaching them to the particular, specific place in the narrative, errors will likely ensue. One of the greatest hermeneutical errors comes due to the fact that people approach the Scriptures and assume that reading a part is applicable for all time. However, just like in a play, each section or character of the plot enters the story, contributes a part, and then leaves.

The post-exilic prophets prophesied after Israel had returned to the land (still under Gentile Persian rule) and, in the face of the people’s lack of reformation, called them to repent, and then looked for a future repentance of the people under a future King and Kingdom.