Description: Michael R. Stead introduces the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi in light of the latest biblical scholarship. Over the past four decades, there has been an explosion of interest in the postexilic prophets and their role within the Book of the Twelve, which has coincided with paradigm shifts in biblical studies generally. This study guide integrates insights from both historio-critical and literary approaches to examine the authorship, form, structure, and composition of these texts. In particular, this guide explores how the intertextual connections with other scriptures help to shape their meaning. It includes a concise section-by-section overview that highlights key interpretive issues and guides readers in their approach to the text.
Brief description: Rt Rev. Dr Michael R. Stead is the Anglican Bishop of South Sydney and a Visiting Lecturer in Old Testament at Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia.
Review Quotes: "With this study guide, Michael R. Stead has given us a succinct and well-structured overview of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. It offers informed views of key exegetical issues in sustained dialogue with recent scholarship. The guide focuses on the final form of the text, with particular emphasis on the ways in which the three books are connected to the wider biblical corpus through a web of intertextual links." --Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer, Professor in Old Testament Exegesis, Örebro School of Theology, Sweden