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

This book conducts an in-depth study on the ideas about future salvation in Zechariah 9-10. Because of the allusive character of the text, the methodology used in this project is intertextual analysis. The book examines the content of Zechariah 9-10, looking for intertextual markers in the text. Having established the intertexts, it 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.

This book 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.

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