An Intertextual Analysis of Zechariah 9-10: The Earlier Restoration Expectations of Second Zechariah

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This book conducts an in-depth study on the ideas about future salvation in Zechariah 9-10. In accommodation of the allusive character of the text, Lee uses the methodology of intertextual analysis to examine the markers in the text. Having established the moments of intertextuality, Lee investigates the sources and their contexts, analyzing how the intertexts are used in the new context of the host and exploring how the antecedents shape the reading of the later text. Thus, Lee argues that Zechariah 9-10 leverages earlier biblical material in order to express its view on restoration, which serves as a lens for the prophetic community in Yehud to make sense of their troubled world in the early Persian period, ca. 440 B.C. These two chapters envision the return of Yahweh who inaugurates the new age, ushering in prosperity and blessings. The earlier restoration expectations of Second Zechariah anticipate the formation of an ideal remnant settling in an ideal homeland, with Yahweh as king and David as vice-regent, reigning in Zion. The new commonwealth is not only a united society but also a cosmic one, with Judah, Ephraim, and the nations living together in peace.

Reviews

In this revised Ph.D. dissertation Lee examines the restoration expectations of Second Zechariah. She employs a synchronic intertextual approach to demonstrate how chapters 9 and 10 of Zechariah use earlier material to express this expectation. The book has all the characteristics of a dissertation: careful and extensive analysis of pertinent and related biblical material; support from current scholarship in the field; a clearly argued defense of conclusions; a final synthesis of all the findings achieved through this intertextual analysis. The author ends her work by showing how her findings throw light on other sections of the Old Testament and how they relate with other restoration themes. Though the book will find a small, well-defined audience, those readers will appreciate both the methodical approach and the final insights. * Bible Today *
This is a serious work of close reading of the Hebrew text of later prophets which fills a gap in scholarship. * Theological Book Review *
The properties of Chapters 9-10 are interpreted by means of a thorough analysis. * Zeitschrift fr alttestamentliche Wissenschaft (Bloomsbury translation) *
The discussion is detailed and the argument well made. * Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *

Author Bio

Dr Suk Yee Lee is Director of Christian Education at Tai Po Baptist Church in Hong Kong and Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary, Hong Kong.