Glory In Our Midst: A Biblical-Theological Reading of Zechariah's Night Visions

From the preface: "...[T]he studies that comprise this book were designed to serve quite directly the purposes of those preaching on Zechariah's night visions. More broadly, however, our intention has been to cultivate among all the Lord's people an appreciation of the biblical-theological approach in the exploration of the treasures of God's saving truth in the Scriptures. What is presented here is then a biblical-theological reading of the prophetic visions of Zechariah 1-6. We try to grasp the significance of these visions in the light of their identity as part of the overall eschatological drama of the kingdom of God from creation to consummation, that eschatological reality on which they, in turn, are themselves a window. Though differing somewhat in form from the usual verse-by-verse commentary, this biblical-theological study is still presented as a work of rigorous exegesis, with fresh solutions suggested for the interpretation of some of the key exegetical puzzles with which the enigmatic but not unfathomable symbolism of these visions confronts us.

Featured throughout the night visions is a remarkably rich revelation of the Messiah. Reflecting that, each of our chapters is entitled in terms of the office or redemptive act of Christ that is highlighted in the vision in view. Also conspicuous is the role of the Spirit in relation to the messianic mission, particularly in his identity as the theophanic Glory, the Glory-Spirit. This Glory of the heavenly presence of the triune God is indeed the dominant reality in Zechariah's visionary world. And central in the message of the night visions is the gospel promise that this Glory-Presence is vouchsafed to God's people, at last in eschatological fullness. Hence the title: Glory in Our Midst.