The Books of

HAGGAI and MALACHI

Mignon R. Jacobs

William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

2140 Oak Industrial Drive NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505

www.eerdmans.com

© 2017 Mignon R. Jacobs

All rights reserved

Published 2017

ISBN 978-0-8028-2625-1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Jacobs, Mignon R., author.

Title: The books of Haggai and Malachi / Mignon R. Jacobs.

Description: Grand Rapids : Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2017. | Series: The new international commentary on the Old Testament | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017025509 | ISBN 9780802826251 (hardcover : alk. paper)

Subjects: LCSH: Bible. Haggai—Commentaries. | Bible. Malachi—Commentaries.

Classification: LCC BS1655.53 .J33 2017 | DDC 224/.97077—dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017025509

The New International Commentary on the Old Testament

General Editors

E. J. Young

(1965–1968)

R. K. Harrison

(1968–1993)

Robert L. Hubbard Jr.

(1994– )

With thanks for their support and encouragement

This book is dedicated to my brothers:

Edwin, Carlos, and Emil

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul;

“therefore I will hope in him.”

(Lam 3:22–24 NRSV)

Contents

List of Illustrations

General Editor’s Preface

Author’s Preface

Abbreviations

Bibliography

THE BOOK OF HAGGAI

INTRODUCTION

I. Prophet and Date

A. The Prophet

B. Date of the Prophetic Activity

II. Historical Context

A. Chronological Indicators

B. Sociopolitical Context

C. Conceptual Framework

III. Text

IV. Intertextual Indicators

V. Structural Analysis

VI. Message

TEXT AND COMMENTARY

Superscription (1:1)

I. Disputation Sequence about Building the Temple (1:2–15)

A. Disputation and Supporting Evidence (1:2–11)

B. Outcome of the Disputation (1:12–15)

II. Encouragement: Inquiry and Admonition (2:1–9)

A. Inquiry regarding the Temple (2:1–3)

B. Expression of Encouragement (2:4–9)

III. Oracle concerning a New Era (2:10–23)

A. Present Status and Promise for the Future (2:10–19)

B. Concerning Yahweh’s Future Rule (2:20–23)

THE BOOK OF MALACHI

INTRODUCTION

I. Historical Context

A. Chronological Indicators

B. Sociopolitical Context

II. Text

III. Intertextual Indicators

IV. Structural Analysis

A. Genre

B. Structure

V. Message

TEXT AND COMMENTARY

Superscription (1:1)

I. Introduction: Disputation regarding Yahweh’s Love for Israel (1:2–5)

A. Yahweh’s Declaration of Love for Israel (1:2aα)

B. Israel’s Challenge to Yahweh’s Claim (1:2aβ)

C. Yahweh’s Response to Israel’s Challenge: Presentation of Evidence (1:2b–5)

II. Disputation Sequence: Behaviors and Beliefs regarding Honor (1:6–2:16)

A. The Priests’ Cultic Malpractice (1:6–2:9)

B. Charges regarding the People’s Malpractice: Unfaithfulness (2:10–16)

III. Disputation Sequence: Words Exemplifying Beliefs (2:17–4:6 [MT 2:17–3:24])

A. Words Spoken ...