The Bible in a Nutshell XIV: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Haggai

Fast-forwarding to a time just after the Jews were released to return home from Babylonian captivity, we find the prophet Haggai. His writing is the final narrative in the Old Testament. As the people settled back into Judea, the Lord spoke to Haggai, that the people should not dwell in their own houses, while God's temple remained in shambles. Furthermore, there would be a drought in the land until the people obeyed the voice of the Lord. Quickly, the appointed governor of Judea, Zerrubabel, and Joshua the priest began working to have temple rebuilt. God was pleased with their obedience, and spoke a promise to Zerrubabel through Haggai.

Zechariah

Zechariah was a priest who joined Zerrubabel and Joshua in the first wave of exiles returning from Babylon. Though Zechariah's ministry coincided with Haggai's, Zechariah's ministry dealt more with future events. This made his ministry more apocalyptic in nature. Zechariah foretells the judgment of nations who destroyed the kingdoms of Israel. This is similar to the message God sent through the prophet Habakkuk. Zechariah also speaks of the Messiah who was coming to cleanse Israel. He prophesied some very specific details such as, the Messiah riding on a donkey, and how He would be sold for thirty pieces of silver. All of these prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus.

MalachiThe last word from God for the next 400 years came through Malachi. Malachi admonished the people to take the act of worship beyond outward actions and worship God inwardly also. The people had become legalistic and ritualistic. The animals they brought for sacrifice were damaged goods, and their tithes and offerings were inconsistent. They were performing the rituals because they had to, not because they loved God. It's interesting to note that Jesus' message picks up from where Malachi left off, but the Pharisees couldn't see this. According to the word God gave Malachi, Elijah would come before the day of the Lord and would have a ministry of healing and restoration.