The Next-To-Last Word: Service, Hope, and Revival in the Postexilic Prophets

Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi—the often-ignored Minor Prophets—delivered the next-to-last word to God’s people.

That is, these prophets pointed Israel to Christ, the supreme and final Word, and warned them against rejecting Him. Underscoring the truth that studying this portion of Scripture is profitable (2 Tim. 3:16), Michael Barrett helps us discern the relevance of these prophets for today. He explains the prophetic office, the historical setting of the postexilic books, and their contributions to God’s overall redemptive message before considering the specific messages of each of these books in depth.

Study questions at the end of each chapter enhance individual and group Bible study.

Contents

Part 1 — Just the Facts

1. Facts about Their Job
2. Facts about Their Times

Part 2 — Haggai: The Realist

3. Facts about Haggai
4. It’s Not about You
5. Appearance Is Not Reality
6. Blessing Starts Now
7. The Best Is Yet to Be

Part 3 — Zechariah: The Idealist

8. Facts about Zechariah
9. The Foundation of Hope
10. The Focus of Hope: The Prophet
11. The Focus of Hope: The Priest
12. The Focus of Hope: The King
13. The Fulfillment of Hope: Generally Speaking; Figuratively Speaking

Part 4 — Malachi: The Logician

14. Facts about Malachi
15. The Autopsy of Dead Religion
16. The Answer to Dead Religion
17. The Antithesis to Dead Religion

Michael P. V. Barrett serves as senior research professor of Old Testament at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He was previously the president of Geneva Reformed Seminary and taught for 30 years at Bob Jones University. Known for his Old Testament scholarship, he has authored many books and numerous articles for professional journals and religious publications. He and his wife, Sandra, have two sons and five grandchildren.