OLD TESTAMENT > PROPHECY > HAGGAI

HAGGAI

Once Persia became the world power over the Babylonians, the Israelites were freed from their Babylonian captivity. Under Persian rule, many Israelite people travel back to Jerusalem to rebuild their city and their temple.

Haggai serves as a prophet and reminds the Israelites to prioritize the rebuilding of the temple over rebuilding their own homes. Haggai focuses on the decision that both honors God and benefits the collective good of the people. His message serves as a reminder to use their newfound freedom in a way that is selfless and faithful.

The book of Haggai takes place historically alongside the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Zechariah, and Malachi, known as the “Post-Exile” literature.

    • Rebuilding the temple

    • Prioritizing God’s work

    • Faithfulness and obedience 

    • Hope for the future

    • Haggai

    • Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah

    • Joshua, the high priest

    • Author: Haggai

    • Date: 520 BC

    • Intended Audience: The Jews who had returned from Babylonian exile

HAGGAI 1

HAGAAI WARNS THE ISRAELITES TO PRIORITIZE GOD’S HOUSE OVER THEIR OWN 

As the freed exiles return to Israel, the prophet Haggai warns the people not to prioritize building their individual homes above building the temple. Instead of focusing on restoring the temple, where God’s presence would dwell, the Israelites were distracted by building their own dwelling places.

Haggai warns that self-focus always leaves people wanting more. Instead of finding contentment and purpose in working for God, their efforts go towards their own well-being and leave them with feelings of lack and want. Haggai emphasizes the emptiness that can often accompany selfish ambition.

In response to the Israelites stinginess and neglect of the temple, God allows a drought that causes the orchards to perish and the crops to wither. Haggai was able to get the attention of the people, drawing them back to God and His desires for the temple.

HAGGAI 2

HAGGAI CHALLENGES THE INTENTIONS OF THE ISRAELITES 

Haggai challenges the leaders of Israel to resume construction on the temple. Sharing God’s words, Haggai tells the Israelites that God is with them and to remember all that God has provided for them.

Some of the older Israelites remember the splendor of Solomon’s first temple. Naturally, they were disappointed with the slow progress and doubtful of the future temple’s potential. Despite their lack of resources and their sinful nature, God has more in store for the Israelites than they can imagine. God tells the people that the beauty and splendor of this new temple will be even greater than the previous temple built by Solomon. Not only does God restore, He upgrades!

God gives Haggai a message to share regarding cleanliness and purity. In this example, Haggai explains that if meat that is set apart for a holy sacrifice touches bread or wine by accident, those items do not also become holy. The holiness or set-apartness of the bread cannot be spread by touch. But if someone touches something contaminated then touches the meat, the meat will become contaminated. Haggai’s example shows how sin comes naturally, but holiness takes intentionality.

Continuing this analogy, Haggai confronts the nation, saying the Israelites are contaminated with selfishness and apathy. Haggai questions how the Israelites can do the holy work of building the temple while their hearts are tarnished towards God.

Haggai proclaims that God has chosen Zerubbabel, a local leader, as the authority figure appointed over the temple construction. The story of Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the temple is continued in Ezra and Nehemiah.