The Minor Prophets: Zechariah and Malachi
Zechariah
Though Haggai and Zechariah both prophesied in the second year of Darius (Ezra 5:1; Hag. 1:1; Zech. 1:1), Haggai’s focus is the temple and its reconstruction, while Zechariah’s message is broader both in scope and time. Zechariah is occupied with Jerusalem and its history from the captivity to the last days.
God is jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy, and He is sore displeased with the heathen (Zech. 1:14-15). He has executed His government upon Israel through the Gentiles, but each nation has offended and must be judged (vss. 18-21). The rebuilding of the temple and ultimately the city walls were but a forerunner of a better deliverance, the glorious restoration of Jerusalem in a future day. Zechariah lifts the eyes of the feeble remnant, setting their hope on Jehovah. What an encouragement for us as we look “for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
In chapters 2-6 (each a distinct vision) we have the reestablishment of Jerusalem (ch. 2), the cleansing of the people (ch. 3), the perfection of that future administration (ch. 4), the judgment of the wicked (ch. 5), and God’s providential government, bringing us to Christ the Branch who will build the temple and rule in righteousness (ch. 6).
Chapter 7 begins with the fourth year of king Darius’ reign. In the remainder we have the Messiah and the consequences of His rejection. Judah is scattered (ch. 7), but Jehovah will return (ch. 8) and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, “and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness” (ch. 8:8).
In chapters 9-10, God’s vengeance is poured out upon the nations. Messiah is introduced as the lowly One: “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (ch. 9:9). But He was rejected. “He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isa. 53:2). He will yet make good His claims through judgment. He will bring peace to Israel—both Judah and Joseph (Zech. 10:6)—the basis of which is the covenant of blood (ch. 9:11).
Having rejected the Messiah, the Jews will receive another who will come in his own name (John 5:43), the Antichrist, the foolish and idol shepherd (Zech. 11:15-17). While the nation values the true Shepherd at just thirty pieces of silver, the faithful remnant (the poor of the flock) observe and see that it is all according to the word of the Lord (vss. 11-12).
The subject of the Antichrist introduces the times of the end. Nations will besiege Jerusalem for a final time, only to be destroyed (ch. 12). Judah will look upon Him whom they have pierced and will be filled with great sorrow (vs. 10). All will be cleansed and the false prophet and idol purged (ch. 13:14).
Christ was the Prophet (Deut. 18:15)—in contrast to the false prophets—but was rejected. He became a servant of man (Zech. 13:5 JND) and He was wounded in the house of His friends (beloved; vs. 6). But this humble Man, smitten of God, is perfect in atonement, perfect in sympathy (vs. 7). Judah’s judgment will be severe (vs. 9).
Chapter 14 takes us back to Jerusalem and the day of the Lord. God will gather all nations against Jerusalem and the city will be taken (vs. 2)—the overflowing scourge (Isa. 28:15). But Jehovah will come forth to fight and deliver. He will stand upon the Mount of Olives, which will cleave in two (Zech. 14:4).
Plagues will smite the nations that fight against Jerusalem now gathered for a second time (vs. 12). They will slay one another, with Judah joining the fight (vss. 13-14). “And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one” (vs. 9). Those that remain of the nations will go up to Jerusalem “from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles” (vs. 16).
Malachi
Malachi, the last of the Minor Prophets, closes the Old Testament. It also closes the testimony of Jehovah to the Jews until the coming of John the Baptist. Malachi prophesied after the rebuilding of the temple. The people were indifferent and insensible to the Lord—their moral condition had never been worse. Though professing to carry on, they lacked all spiritual discernment, and Malachi’s message is directly addressed to this condition.
The book opens with an expression of Jehovah’s love for Israel, “I have loved you, saith the Lord” (Mal. 1:2)—but where was His honor? They offered that which the law prohibited, completely insensible to and weary of Jehovah’s rightful claims (vs. 13).
Chapter 3 begins with the promise of the Lord’s return, heralded by His messenger, John the Baptist. “Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple” (Mal. 3:1; Matt. 11:10). Before that great and dreadful day of the Lord, Elijah would come and complete his mission to call back an apostate Israel (Mal. 4:5-6). John came in the spirit and power of Elias (Luke 1:17) but was rejected (Matt. 11:14; 17:12).
Even in the midst of all this evil, there is a remnant. “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name” (Mal. 3:16).
The lukewarm state of Christendom today is not unlike Malachi’s time, morally. Philadelphia is likewise commended for having thought upon His name: “Thou . . . hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name” (Rev. 3:8). This is a very needful exhortation as we await the coming of, not the Sun of Righteousness (Mal. 4:2), but the bright and morning star, our blessed Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:16).
N. Simon