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162 Structure and the Book ofZechariah
It would be strange indeed to find such an incompetent piece of
work by the editor who has apparently shown such sensitivity and
concern for detail in the construction of the final form of the text that
he passed on. We note that v. 8 does mark a major transition to the
central section of this whole unit. The scene has been set by the
description of the men who come to entreat the favour of Yahweh,
and by the question about fasting. The unit will end by an answer to
the question and a promise that many will entreat the favour of
Yahweh. Immediately within this frame we find whole phrases that
form a further strong inner frame (lostf PQK ostfo, 7.9; ostfai no«
iDstf DVptf, 8.16; 0333^3 -Qtfnn •?« rrw 0»» nni, 7.10; run n» tfw
0333^3 i3tfnn'PK inn, 8.17).
In view of these facts it seems logical to assume that the final redactor
added v. 8 deliberately to mark off this section. Further, it would
make sense to understand it in this way:
1. 'And the word. ..Zechariah'. The redactor reinforces what
is said in v. 1 which is interrupted by vv. 2-3 and then
continued by the preliminary off-putting reply.
2. The correct understanding of the tenses and punctuation is:
'Thus Yahweh has said, "Render true judgments. ..your
heart". But they refused.. .desolate.'
This means that mention of the 'former prophets' in v. 7, followed
by an emphatic description of the prosperity of the whole land, is
meant to prepare the reader for a fuller message from the former
prophets, an account of the lack of response and the consequences
(vv. 9-10, ll-12a [ending with 'former prophets'], and vv. 12b-14
[ending with the twice repeated description of the land as desolate]).
We can appreciate why many scholars have regarded vv. 8-10 (or
8-14) as redactional without assenting to negative opinions about the
skill with which it has been done. The progression of thought seems to
me to be clear and satisfying. If v. 8 does represent a misunderstanding
by an editor, then I think we have to think in terms of someone
other than the one responsible for the basic shape and direction of the
final text of chs. 7-8.
Zechariah 8 begins with another strong introductory formula, which
marks a new phase in the prophecy. We are about to hear the good
news. Before giving the description of Yahweh's return to Jerusalem
the writer picks up the theme of wrath (^p, 7.12) against the people.