Mark 13 and the Return of the Shepherd: The Narrative Logic of Zechariah in Mark

Description

Paul T. Sloan presents a detailed interpretation of Mark's Olivet Discourse in light of the Gospel's many allusions to the book of Zechariah, and argues that previous studies have rightly demonstrated the influence of Zechariah 9-14 on the Passion Narratives. Sloan shows that this influence is not merely confined to Mark's description of Jesus' final week, but also permeates much of his narrative; informing the Gospel's presentation of Jesus' royal identity, his action in the temple, the role of suffering in the bringing of God's kingdom, and the arrangement and interpretation of the Olivet Discourse. Sloan begins with an extensive review of scholarship on the presence of Zechariah in Mark before analyzing the reception of relevant texts from Zechariah in Second Temple literature. He proceeds to a fresh examination of potential allusions to Zechariah throughout Mark, focusing especially on Mark's use of Zechariah 13:7 and 14:5. In addition to influencing significant themes in Mark's Gospel, Sloan argues that Zechariah provides a helpful framework by which to interpret Mark 13, offering a potential solution to a notorious crux interpretum, namely, why Jesus answers a question about the temple with reference to the coming of the son of man.

Paul Sloan is a PhD candidate at the University of St. Andrews, UK.

This book is enjoyable to read. It is an excellent application of deep, thick analysis of textual correspondences ... Furthermore, the narrative thrust to his understanding of Mark is fascinating, and in my opinion is the major contribution of this work ... The fit of Sloan's argument is elegant; it works with available material for the author and original readers, and is coherent in that interpretive universe. * Reviews of Biblical and Early Christian Studies * Scholars and teachers ... would greatly benefit from Sloan's proposal. I hope this will lead other scholars to take on his arguments and answer other puzzling questions ... If your interests lie in Mark, you should consider picking up Sloan's book. * Spoiledmilks *