Mark J. Boda

Majoring On the Minors: Recent Research On Haggai and Zechariah:

This article showcases key contributions to the study of the books of Haggai and Zechariah and their various contexts over the past 15 years. It begins by listing the many recent commentaries on these books before highlighting the conclusions of four of these on the key issues of historical background, redactional formation and literary unity. The article then surveys the many monographs that have helped students of these books understand the his tory, sociology, form, tradition, rhetoric, canon and afterlife of these pro phetic texts.

Chiasmus in ubiquity : Symmetrical mirages in Nehemiah 9

Although one cannot deny that chiasmus was one structuring device used by ancient Hebrew composers, the explosion of identification of this device in the past half century has made many scholars sceptical. This study draws together recent research on the criteria for identifying and denying the presence of chiasmus in Hebrew litera ture and then applies those criteria to a recent study of one composition. It reveals that Loren Blieses identification of chiasmus in Nehemiah 9 is only in the eye of the beholder.

Oil, Crowns and Thrones: Prophet, Priest and King in Zechariah 1:7–6:15

In this paper attention to literary-lexical and traditio-historical aspects of Zech 3:1-10; 4:1-14 and 6:9-15, challenges the common interpretation of these pericopae. It is argued that rather than advocating priestly intrusions into prophetic or royal arenas, these passages interpret the arrival and instatement of the Zadokite priestly house as heralding the imminent arrival of the royal house while sustaining an enduring role for prophecy.