Waiting for the return of the King: at the end of the First Testament
Today’s is the third of three posts looking at the so-called minor prophets. It brings to a close my whistle-stop tour of the First, or Old Testament for those who are trying to understand better what they read in their Sunday assemblies. Today’s four prophets are Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. Zephaniah Zephaniah tells us that his ministry was in the reign of Josiah. Since he attacks polytheism and idolatry, and condemns priests for breaking the law, perhaps he not only prophesies before Josiah attempts his reform, but is one of those whose ministry makes that reform possible. 1 For Zephaniah, the day of the Lord will be a judgement that will purify Jerusalem, and put an end to idols. He concludes with a hopeful promise of the restoration of Jerusalem in which God himself will be king, dancing in celebration with his people as he renews them. It is this final prophecy of joy which is read in both lectionaries. 2 Haggai Haggai is one of two p...