Author: Shalem John

The Book of Zechariah is one of the most significant and complex prophetic writings in the Old Testament. As the eleventh of the twelve Minor Prophets, Zechariah’s message bridges the historical gap between Israel’s past judgments and its future restoration. His prophecies, filled with vivid imagery, messianic hope, and apocalyptic visions, reveal God’s sovereign plan for His people and the coming of His kingdom. The book emphasizes repentance, renewal, and divine encouragement for a community struggling to rebuild its faith, identity, and temple after the Babylonian exile. Historical Background Zechariah prophesied during a pivotal period in Israel’s history. After seventy…

The Book of Malachi is the final book in the Old Testament and the concluding text of the Twelve Minor Prophets. Standing as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, Malachi serves as a theological and moral mirror reflecting Israel’s spiritual condition in the post-exilic period and anticipating the coming of a new era marked by the Messiah. Though brief—only four chapters in most Christian Bibles (three in the Hebrew text)—its message is profound, addressing issues of faithfulness, justice, worship, and divine covenant. Malachi’s prophecy captures the waning fervour of a people restored to their land but spiritually adrift,…

The Book of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, holds a distinctive place in Christian scripture, bridging the Old and New Testaments while presenting Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of Jewish prophecy. Traditionally attributed to Matthew, also known as Levi, a former tax collector and one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, this Gospel is widely considered to have been written primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience. Its composition is generally dated between AD 70 and 90, a period marked by the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and increasing tension between early Christians and Jewish authorities. This historical backdrop helps to…