What makes Haggai special?

Haggai is the first prophet God sent to the Jewish people after they returned to Judah from exile in Babylon. His language is plain and direct, not poetic like many of the prophets. And while his name means “festive,” Haggai’s message is serious.

Why was Haggai written?

This book was written to record Haggai’s tireless activity in encouraging the people of Judah to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Haggai told the people that they were experiencing hard times because they stopped working on the temple (1.6-11). But if they began to work again and rebuilt the temple, God would once again fill the temple and bless the people with peace (2.7-9). Haggai also prophesied that Governor Zerubbabel of Judah would rule over a restored kingdom (2.21-23). These promises were especially meaningful to the Jewish people, who had suffered through a time of exile in Babylon and were now living under Persian rule.

What’s the story behind the scene?

In 538 B.C., King Cyrus of Persia gave an order that allowed the Jews who had been captive in Babylon for seventy years to return home to Jerusalem (Ezra 1.2-4). About forty thousand people returned with Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua, and they began to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple that had been destroyed in 587 B.C. The foundations of the temple were laid right away. However, a group of neighboring peoples opposed the rebuilding of the temple and interfered with its construction, because they didn’t want the people of Judah to become a strong nation again (Ezra 3.1—4.23). Fifteen years later, no progress had been made on the temple.

In 522 B.C., Darius, the next Persian king, encouraged the Jews to begin building again (Ezra 4.24). But the people complained that they couldn’t continue rebuilding because of poor harvests, little food, and lack of money (Hag 1.1-6). In 520 B.C., the prophet Haggai warned the people that time was running out. God’s people had delayed rebuilding the Lord’s temple long enough. Haggai and the prophet Zechariah (Ezra 5.1,2) challenged and encouraged the people to complete the rebuilding of the temple. Construction started up again, and in 515 B.C. the newly rebuilt temple was dedicated (Ezra 6.13-15). It is not clear whether or not Haggai was alive to see the new temple completed.

How is Haggai constructed?

Haggai can be divided into two sections:

• Neglect and rebuilding of the temple (1.1-15)
• The Lord will bless Judah and its leader, Zerubbabel (2.1-23)

Neglect and Rebuilding of the Temple

God’s people have been back in Jerusalem from exile in Babylon for nearly twenty years, but they still have not kept their promise to God to rebuild the temple. Haggai warns the people that their excuses and apathy have led to hard times that won’t end until they begin work again. Haggai’s message stirs the people to action. The people enthusiastically begin to rebuild the temple.

The Lord Will Bless Judah and Its Leader, Zerubbabel

The Lord tells Haggai to encourage the people by telling them how the new temple will possess a special glory, and how the nations will bring their treasures to the temple. The Lord will bless the people of Judah for their obedience, and Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, will rule in God’s name and with God’s authority.

Questions about Haggai

1. When Haggai preached his messages in 520 B.C. many of the Jewish people had been back in Jerusalem for almost twenty years. Why hadn’t they finished rebuilding God’s temple? (1.1-11 and the notes)

2. What encouraging promises did Haggai give to the people and their leader, Zerubbabel? (2.3-9,18-23)

3. What important “unfinished work” do you have to do? What stops your work? What or who encourages you to keep going?

4. Most of us will never be involved in building a temple, cathedral, or church. But what other things can we “build” for God? What can you do to make sure that God’s work has top priority in your life?