Haggai – Important Events, Characters, and Doctrines

Writer:

The Book of Haggai is attributed to the prophet Haggai, who is one of the post-exilic prophets of Israel. His name means “festal” or “my feast,” which may suggest that he was born during a Jewish festival or has a name associated with celebration. Haggai’s ministry is closely linked with the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Date of Writing:

The Book of Haggai is one of the shortest books in the Old Testament, consisting of only two chapters. The book is precisely dated to the second year of King Darius I of Persia, which corresponds to 520 B.C. The prophecies are specifically dated as follows:

• First message: Sixth month, first day (Haggai 1:1) – August 29, 520 B.C.
• Second message: Sixth month, twenty-fourth day (Haggai 1:15) – September 21, 520 B.C.
• Third message: Seventh month, twenty-first day (Haggai 2:1) – October 17, 520 B.C.
• Fourth message: Ninth month, twenty-fourth day (Haggai 2:10, 20) – December 18, 520 B.C.

Important Events:

1. The Call to Rebuild the Temple (Haggai 1:1-15):

   • First Prophecy (Haggai 1:1-11): Haggai begins his ministry by addressing Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the high priest, urging them and the people to prioritize rebuilding the Temple. The people had returned from exile but were more focused on rebuilding their own homes than the house of the Lord. Haggai rebukes them for their misplaced priorities and explains that the economic hardships they were experiencing—poor harvests, drought, and financial difficulties—were due to their neglect of God’s house.
   • The People’s Obedience (Haggai 1:12-15): Following Haggai’s message, Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people respond with obedience. They begin the work of rebuilding the Temple, and the Lord reassures them of His presence and blessing.

2. Encouragement to the Builders (Haggai 2:1-9):

   • Second Prophecy (Haggai 2:1-9): About a month after the rebuilding had begun, Haggai delivers another message of encouragement. Some of the older generation, who had seen Solomon’s Temple before its destruction, were discouraged because the new Temple seemed inferior in comparison. Haggai encourages them by declaring that the glory of this latter house will be greater than the former. God promises to shake the heavens and the earth and bring wealth from the nations, filling the Temple with glory and granting peace.

3. The Blessing of Obedience (Haggai 2:10-19):

   • Third Prophecy (Haggai 2:10-19): Haggai addresses the priests with a message about the nature of holiness and impurity. He uses this to illustrate that the people’s previous disobedience had rendered their work unclean. However, from the day they began to rebuild the Temple, God would bless them. This prophecy emphasizes the importance of obedience to God and the blessings that follow it.

4. The Promise to Zerubbabel (Haggai 2:20-23):

   • Fourth Prophecy (Haggai 2:20-23): The final message is directed to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah. God promises to overthrow the kingdoms of the nations and make Zerubbabel like a signet ring, signifying God’s choice of him and the restoration of the Davidic line. This prophecy has messianic implications, as it points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, a descendant of David and Zerubbabel.

Key Characters:

1. Haggai:

   • The prophet who delivers God’s messages to the leaders and people of Judah, urging them to rebuild the Temple and renew their commitment to God. Haggai’s role is crucial in motivating the people to prioritize the worship of God and fulfill their divine mission.

2. Zerubbabel:

   • The governor of Judah and a descendant of David. Zerubbabel is a key leader in the rebuilding of the Temple and is the recipient of God’s promise that he will be like a signet ring, symbolizing God’s favor and the continuation of the Davidic line.

3. Joshua (Jeshua):

   • The high priest at the time of the Temple’s rebuilding. Joshua works alongside Zerubbabel in leading the people in the reconstruction effort and in restoring proper worship in Judah.

4. The People of Judah:

   • The remnant who returned from Babylonian exile. They initially neglect the rebuilding of the Temple, focusing instead on their own homes, but they respond positively to Haggai’s prophetic messages, ultimately obeying God’s command to rebuild the Temple.

Key Doctrines and Themes:

1. The Priority of God’s House:

   • One of the central themes of Haggai is the importance of prioritizing God’s house (the Temple). The people of Judah had neglected the rebuilding of the Temple, leading to economic and spiritual decline. Haggai’s message underscores that the worship of God and the presence of His house should be the foremost concern for His people.

2. Obedience and Blessing:

   • Haggai emphasizes the connection between obedience to God and His blessings. When the people neglect God’s commands, they experience hardship and lack. However, when they respond in obedience, God promises to bless them abundantly. This theme highlights the principle that obedience to God’s will leads to divine favor and provision.

3. The Glory of the Latter House:

   • Haggai’s prophecy that the glory of the latter Temple will be greater than that of the former points to the future fulfillment of God’s promises. While the physical structure of the second Temple may have seemed inferior to Solomon’s Temple, God’s presence and the eventual coming of Christ (who would visit the Temple) would bring greater glory. This theme has eschatological implications, pointing to the ultimate restoration and fulfillment of God’s promises in the Messiah.

4. God’s Sovereignty over the Nations:

   • Haggai’s prophecies include references to God’s control over the nations. The shaking of the heavens and the earth and the overthrow of kingdoms demonstrate God’s sovereignty in world affairs. This theme reassures the people of Judah that God is in control, even as they face opposition and challenges in rebuilding the Temple.

5. The Role of Leadership:

   • The leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua is crucial in the rebuilding effort. Haggai’s messages to these leaders highlight the importance of godly leadership in guiding the people toward obedience and faithfulness to God. Zerubbabel’s role as a signet ring symbolizes God’s choice and the importance of leadership in the fulfillment of God’s purposes.

6. The Messianic Hope:

   • The promise to Zerubbabel that he will be like a signet ring carries messianic significance. It points to the restoration of the Davidic line and the future coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill God’s covenant promises. This theme connects Haggai’s prophecies to the broader redemptive plan of God, culminating in Jesus Christ.

7. The Holiness of God’s People:

   • Haggai’s discussion with the priests about holiness and impurity emphasizes the need for God’s people to be holy and obedient. The previous disobedience of the people had rendered their work unclean, but their renewed commitment to God would bring blessings. This theme highlights the importance of holiness and purity in the lives of God’s people.

The Book of Haggai is a powerful call to action, urging God’s people to prioritize Him and His house above all else. It teaches the importance of obedience, the blessings that come from faithfulness, and the hope of God’s presence and future promises. Haggai’s message continues to resonate, reminding believers of the need to place God at the center of their lives and to trust in His sovereign plan.