The writings and prophecies of the post-exilic prophets were dominated by visions and messages concerning the coming of the Messiah. Though the return to the Promised Land from Babylon had fulfilled many of the prophecies set forth by the Major Prophets, their complete fulfillment still awaited the coming of the Messiah to earth. Three prophets in particular, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, made specific prophecies and clarifications to the event of the coming of Christ.
Haggai’s second message, recorded in chapter 2, speaks to the dramatic experience of the coming Messiah and the age He would bring with Him. In verses 6-7 YHWH declares that He would shake the heavens and the earth and fill the temple with His glory. Verse 9 envisions the global peace and glory that will accompany the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. Only through the coming Messiah-King would such prosperity and security fall upon the nations. These verses and truth concerning Christ were meant not only as instruction but also as encouragement as the post-exilic Jews could take hope in the reign of the Messiah to come.
Later in chapter 2 the prophet Haggai declares the faithfulness of God as illustrated in His fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. In verse 22 YHWH speaks to the overturning of earthly governments in an image reminiscent of Isaiah’s prophecies. All the governments and kingdoms of the earth will bow before the Messiah and His glory will fill the earth. At that time God will continue to show care for His people by exalting them and placing them in the honored status before all the nations as His people.
The book of Zechariah contains some very specific prophecies concerning the Messiah as well as more general truths and reinforcement of other prophecies. In chapter 3 the Messiah is associated with Joshua the High Priest. The coming of the Messiah will be both the impetus to moral reform in the lives of all people as well as the advent of the perfect High Priest to intercede for man. Anticipating the role of Christ as Intercessor (as depicted in the Book of Hebrews) Zechariah pictures the Messiah as identifying with man so as to reform his heart and restore him before God.
Furthermore, Zechariah links the Messiah’s role as King with His role as High Priest in chapter 6. Intrinsic to a Biblical Christology, the Messiah’s purpose and role between God the Father and man must double in the authority by which He rules over the earth as well as the intimate bond He creates between the Father and estranged mankind. Zechariah 6:9-15 depicts a role similar to that of Melchizedek of the Book of Genesis who functioned as the King-Priest.
Concerning the Messiah’s first advent Zechariah teaches that Christ would demonstrate humility in His mission of peace. Though endowed with divine authority, the Messiah of chapter 9 humbles Himself riding on the colt of an ass (9:9). This passage notably links His role as Saviour and King with the humility of riding on a donkey. This picture is supported by the poems of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah instructing the reader that the true virtue of Christ is His humility of spirit and obedience to the will of the Father.
Chapter 10 hints at Christ’s establishment of His Church along with the restoration and exaltation of Israel. Verse 4 echoes in the first epistle of the apostle Peter characterizing the people of God as cornerstone by which the Messiah overcomes the wicked powers of the earth. The Messiah’s redemption of His people is intricately linked to His establishment of His everlasting kingdom on the earth. Israel is central in the Millennial Kingdom as God will restore and raise up His people while conquering and punishing the “bad shepherds.”
Yet, as attested to by the prophecies of Isaiah, His people will initially reject the Messiah (11:1-17). Their hatred and scoffs serve as part of the humiliation and suffering which He must endure to bring about salvation and eventually His glorification. Zechariah 12:10-14 speaks, however, to the eventual reconciliation of the remnant of Israel to the Messiah and to the Father in the Millennial Kingdom. Though they reject Him, Christ still maintains a place for God’s people because of His covenantal faithfulness.
The Book of Malachi anticipates the coming of the Messiah depicting a messenger of God who prepares the way for the coming of Christ. Malachi 3:1 and 4:5 speak to the coming of a prophet like Elijah who declares the Word of YHWH before the wicked and unrighteous. This messenger precedes the Messiah so the people may more easily identify Him and delight in Him. Furthermore, he pronounces the coming judgment associated with the advent of Christ as well as the hope for the pure of heart.
Verse 2 of chapter 3 depicts the Messiah as a refiner’s fire latter commenting in verse 3 that, “He will purify the sons of Levi.” Reminiscent of the prophecies of the Messiah as High Priest, Malachi teaches that Christ would not only restore purity to the worship of God but would serve as the Intercessor who makes known the ways of the Lord. Moreover, the Messiah is mighty and able to restore wayward Israel and its sterile religion bringing comfort to those who earnestly seek God.
Finally, by His coming the Messiah will be a great and just Judge. Though merciful and longsuffering because of His covenantal promises (3:6) He will bring retribution to those who have opposed Him and robbed Him. His judgment will be swift and exact rendering to enemies all they deserved. Yet, His judgment will be accompanied by His remembrance. Malachi teaches that God is aware and makes note of those who earnestly seek Him. Therefore, though they are sinful as well, their acceptance of the Messiah and His ways will be rewarded in salvation. He will wash them anew and seat them before the nations in His throne room as an example of His mercy and justice.
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