Zechariah 3-4 : core of Proto-Zechariah
Date
2003
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Publisher
Old Testament Society of South Africa
Abstract
Proto-Zechariah (Zch 1-8) is a blend of visionary and oracular material. Both types of material are set in prose. These chapters have an optimistic undertone and describes Yahweh's love for the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. This article will offer a possible answer to the following question: Which chapter/s can be described as the central part or core of Proto-Zechariah? Zechariah 3 and 4 may be seen as the literary and theological core on account of the following: (1) Structurally the night visions (1:7-6:15) form a central part of Proto-Zechariah with chapters 3 and 4 as the centre of these visions; (2) Most of the core theological concepts are discussed in these chapters, for example God's grace and forgiveness; God's presence through his temple; realised eschatology; diarchic model of leadership; etc; (3) One finds a concentration of all the important characters portrayed in these chapters, for example Yahweh, Zerubbabel, Joshua and the angel or messenger as interpreter of God's message.
Description
CITATION: O'Kennedy, D. F. 2003. Zechariah 3-4 : core of Proto-Zechariah. Old Testament Essays, 16(2).
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Citation
O'Kennedy, D. F. 2003. Zechariah 3-4 : core of Proto-Zechariah. Old Testament Essays, 16(2).