Abstract

It is argued that the function of Zechariah 7–8 in the book of Zechariah is central to the issue of the structure of Zechariah. It is proposed that a text-linguistic approach offers a new reading of Zechariah 7–8. It is further proposed that the larger segment of Zechariah 7:1–8:23 is a bridge (a transition from the preceding discourse to the subsequent discourse) that is connected to the prologue in Zechariah 1:1–6 and is developed and expanded in the subsequent discourses. This reading indicates the structure and the overall theme of Zechariah by viewing the book as a sequential discourse. This argument will be defended by studying the structure and the overall theme of Zechariah and emphasising the holistic aspect of the book of Zechariah.

Highlights

  • To investigate the structure of Zechariah, the relationship between Zechariah 1–8 and 9–14 has to be considered

  • The smaller segments within Zechariah 7:1–8:23 are interrelated and form a thematic unit: 7:1–7: 7:8–14: 8:1–17: 8:18–23: Fasting for themselves not for Yahweh Their stubbornness and desolation for not listening Exhortations of Yahweh to follow based on the promise of the restoration of Jerusalem Another aspect of restoration: Many nations will come to Yahweh

  • This article proposes that the larger segment of Zechariah 7:1–8:23 is a bridge that is connected to the prologue in 1:1–6 and is developed and expanded in the subsequent discourses

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Summary

Introduction

Transformation into cleansing and kingship ‘The eyes of Yahweh’ (Control of the whole earth) The roles of ‘the two sons of oil’ The role of Zerubbabel rebuilding the house of Yahweh ‘The curse’ that will reach to all the land (Pervasiveness of sins, and the judgment of sin). The local theme of Yahweh’s returning to his people recurs in 7:1–8:23 and elaborates on the future days in contrast to the past, telling what Yahweh will do for his people and the nations In this way, it is suggested that 7:1–8:23 are linked with 1:1–6 by the recurrence of similar themes in both segments.. In the segment of 12:1–14:21, various aspects of restoration ‫[ ביום ההוא‬on that day] are articulated In this way, Zechariah 7:1–8:23 (cf Figure 2) is an introduction to the subsequent discourses in 9:1–14:21 to raise the reader’s expectation of what Yahweh is going to do ‘on those days’ (cf Boda 2003a:402–405; Kline 1991:184; Meyers & Meyers 1987:i–iv; Tollington 1993:208–209).

Discussion of structure
Conclusion
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