The Earlier Restoration Expectations of Second Zechariah: An Intertextual Analysis of Zechariah 9-1 0

Abstract

This dissertation conducts an in-depth study on the ideas about future salvation in Zech 9-10, analyzing the earlier restoration expectations in Second Zechariah. Because of the allusive character of the text, the methodology used in this project is intertextual analysis. We examine the content of Zech 9-10, looking for intertextual markers in the text, with distinctive words/phrases as the starting point. Having established the intertexts, we investigate 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. Finally, we delineate the restoration themes in Zech 9-10 in light of its dialogue with its textual web of allusions. This dissertation argues that Zech 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. In expressing its vision, Zech 9-10 shows close affinity with Jeremiah's view on the restoration of the people (Zech 10) and the renewal of leadership (Zech 10:1-5), whereas the corpus adheres to Ezekiel's perspective on the return of Yahweh and the restoration of the land (9:1-8). For the reinstitution of the Davidic dynasty, the Zecharian text adapts the aspiration of Mic 4-5, affirming the reinstallation of a new David, though, at the same time, the host text deviates from Ps 72, presenting another model of kingship. The Isaianic intertexts contribute mainly in the theme of divine intervention, stressing that the advent of Yahweh will turn around the fortunes of his people.