God Remembers

Book excerpt: If any portion of the Old Testament has come in for undeservedly scant attention, it has been the minor prophets. Their significance has been obscured by our neglect. Among the major messages of these prophets, that of Zechariah shines forth with special prominence. Zechariah's prophecy is given primarily to console and comfort weary Israel. The nation's initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the temple and resettling the land had waned. With growing opposition to the temple reconstruction, they had turned to the pursuit of their own affairs. Zechariah (along with Haggai) arduously seeks to bring Israel from their indifference to a complete spiritual return to the Lord. The prophet's pronouncement is of a coming day of unparalleled glory - a day when Messiah will rule the entire earth from Jerusalem. The book's major eschatological importance can be clearly seen for it reveals a wealth of information about Messiah and about the future and role of Israel during the important Day of Jehovah. The prophet provides this information for us in concise, epitomized form. In 'God Remembers,' Charles Feinberg brings a high level of scholarship to his study of this significant and exegetically difficult book. His familiarity with and love for the Old Testament can be readily seen in his thorough and readable exposition of the message of Zechariah. In addition to the main body of the commentary, 'God Remembers' includes an informative introduction, thorough scripture and subject indexes, and an annotated selected bibliography, further enhancing the usefulness of this important reference work.