Biblical Prophets of the Post-exilic
Before the Babylonian exile, Biblical prophesy reached its highest point. Prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel changed and molded the scope of Hebrew religion. Their writings were intelligent, insightful, well developed, and contained a great spiritual meaning. Following the Babylonian exile, however, prophesy took a depressing downward turn. There are many post exilic prophets, yet their writings are usually short, mostly irrelevant, repetitive, and, for the most part, anonymous.Though this is the case for many of these prophets, some works cannot be overlooked. Haggai and Zechariah were leaders in the cultic reform of the Hebrew people. Malachai calmed their fears, and assured them of God's love. Still other prophets told of a new, Messianic time when the word of the Lord would be held in its former glory. These were the most important works, as post exilic Hebrews needed not only protection, but spiritual guidance to sustain their society.The prophet Haggai was an integral figure in uniting the Hebrew people. Upon return to their homeland, the Hebrews found most of the infrastructure in a state of disrepair, with the people uncaring for their moral and social responsibilities, to say nothing for their religious practices.
Brownrigg, Ronald and Comay, Joan. Haggai emphasized the return to a more cultic society. But you say, 'how have we defiled Thee?'. Palaces, beliefs, and the restructuring and rebuilding of society all played a major role in the healing of the Hebrew population following the Babylonian exile. These "colorful and strange" visions make up most of his book. These prophets played an important part in leading the people to social stability. But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil?" (Malachai 1:7,8) The Lord then goes on to invite the Hebrews to offer such inferior animals to their governor, and see if their community leader is as forgiving. Through these prophets, we see a sence of rebuilding, of picking up the nation where it left off. He believed, through the building of the temple, the Lord would reside in the city, and the community would come together. Crown Publishers, Inc, 1946 and 1952. The visions are so bizarre that the Lord sends an angel as in interpreter, so that Zeccariah can derive meaning from themZechariah and Haggai both told of the rebuilding of the temple and the return to the cultic society by the Hebrews. Much of the ceremonial history of the Hebrews is shaped in this time period, mostly by Haggai, who believed that a strong sense of ceremony must accompany a strong moral belief to satisfy the Lord.
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