The Book of Zechariah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament | NICOT)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
Over the centuries, the prophetic book of Zechariah has suffered from accusations of obscurity and has frustrated readers seeking to unlock its treasures. This work by Mark Boda provides insightful commentary on Zechariah, with great sensitivity to its historical, literary, and theological dimensions. Including a fresh translation of Zechariah from the original Hebrew, Boda delivers deep and thorough reflection on a too-often-neglected book of the Old Testament.
For a massive collection of Bible study tools and resources, see the Eerdmans Bible Reference Bundle 2.
- Clear exposition
- Expert commentary from a writer aware of tradition and sensitive to a modern setting
- Draws out helpful and approachable wisdom from an ancient text
Top Highlights
“Throughout the OT, the ideal royal figure in Israel is not one capable of saving Israel from its national crises by his own military prowess and wise leadership.169 Rather, the ideal king is one who will trust in Yahweh for military victory and for the wisdom to rule.” (Page 566)
“As Wolter Rose has noted: ‘This is a painful moment in the book: every dating formula in Zechariah is a reminder of the fact that there is no king in Jerusalem.’” (Page 65)
“Since the book of Zechariah was composed over the eighty-year period from 520 to 440 b.c. (see below: Compositional History), a grasp of the history of this period is helpful for understanding the experience of the audiences who received these prophetic words. The basic contours of the early Persian period can be reconstructed from evidence from Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Egyptian, and Jewish sources from the sixth century b.c. and on.” (Pages 7–8)
“The fact, however, that the temple would not be completed until the reign of Darius reveals that these early efforts soon came to an end, due not only to opposition from outside forces (Ezra 3–4), but also to the difficulty of the task and the demands of life for the newly-settled community.” (Page 10)
“is more focused on internal encouragement than physical power.41” (Page 490)
The book of Zechariah fascinates us and informs us about the postexilic Judean community’s relationship with God. Mark Boda, a master of this time period and this genre, opens up the book to readers today. His commentary is clear and profound, informative and illuminating. Everyone who studies Zechariah must read Boda’s work, which makes an important contribution to scholarship and to the church.
—Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College
A most welcome addition to the excellent NICOT series. Boda is an established expert on this difficult and wonderful book, and here he brings his huge learning to bear on it in such a way as to unfold its many dimensions. His commentary is always accessible and is governed by a deep concern to interpret theologically and pastorally. . . A model for interpreting the Prophets and, indeed, the whole Old Testament.
—Gordon McConville, professor of Old Testament theology, University of Gloucestershire
In this substantial commentary Boda brings to a climax his many years of detailed study of Zechariah, deploying his considerable scholarly strengths in a comprehensive yet clear manner. . . This volume will serve for many years as a standard resource for scholars and laypeople alike.
—H.G.M. Williamson, Regius Professor of Hebrew, University of Oxford
A major and comprehensive commentary on Zechariah. It is replete with a fresh translation, detailed philological and text-critical notes, and commentary using a variety of critical perspectives, with particular attention to intertextual issues. . . Anyone interested in the book of Zechariah will need to consult this volume.
—David L. Petersen, Franklin N. Parker Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology
This fine exposition of Zechariah represents a most welcome addition to commentary on this book. Mark Boda has a great eye both for the detail of the text and for its intertextuality.
—Iain Provan, Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies, Regent College
Mark J. Boda is chair of Old Testament at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. He is the author or editor of several works, including the IVP Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets and Translating the New Testament: Text, Translation, Theology.