The collected proclamations ascribed to two little-known post-exilic prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, represent a bridge between the traditions of classical Israelite religion and the dramatic changes essential to the preservation of the fragile Restoration community. Carroll Stuhlmueller's section-by-section, verse-by-verse analysis and exposition focus on the prophetic word as addressed not only to Israel in this 'time of small beginnings' but also to the Church today. His primary concern is the theological message of the prophets, yet ever with an eye toward their historical context, literary form, and cultural setting.