This ZECOT volume gives a theologically grounded exposition of the return from exile, the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration of covenant life among God's people.

The commentary provides careful literary and theological analysis of each passage, attending to narrative structure, historical context and theological message, with particular attention to leadership, to the opposition the work met, to covenant renewal and to the people's sense of who they now were. As in every ZECOT volume, the Hebrew is treated and always explained.