The book of Haggai is a book of the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh and is the third-to-last of the Minor Prophets. It is a short book, consisting of only two chapters.
When the exiles first returned from Babylon, they set about rebuilding the temple right away. Although they began with the right attitudes, they slipped back into the wrong behavior, and the work came to a standstill. In the same way, we need to be on guard to keep our priorities straight. Remain active in your service to God and continue to put first things first.
Haggai’s basic theme is clear: the remnant must reorder its priorities and complete the temple before it can expect the blessing of God upon its efforts.
Verses 6 through 9 records some of the most startling prophecies in Scripture: “I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land” (the Tribulation) and “they shall come to the Desire of All Nations” and “in this place I will give peace” (the second coming of the Messiah).
Writer of Haggai
This book was written by the prophet Haggai, whose name means “festive.” Like those whom he encouraged, he probably spent many years in captivity in Babylon before returning to his native land. He delivered these messages of encouragement “in the second year of King Darius,” a Persian ruler. This dates his book precisely to 520 B. C.
Historical Setting of Haggai
Haggai takes us back to one of the most turbulent periods in Judah’s history. For more than 50 years they were held captive by the Babylonians. But they were allowed to return to their native land, beginning about 530 B. C., after Babylon fell to the conquering Persians.
Theological Contribution
Haggai urged the people to put rebuilding the Temple at the top of their list of priorities. The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem was important as a place of worship and sacrifice. Centuries later, at the death of Jesus “the veil of the Temple was torn in two” (Luke 23:45), demonstrating that He had given Himself as the eternal sacrifice on our behalf.
Special Consideration
The book of Haggai ends with a beautiful promise of the coming of the Messiah. Meanwhile, God’s special servant, Zerubbabel, was to serve as a “signet ring” (2:23), a sign or promise of hope for the full restoration of God’s covenant people in their native land.
Click here to download or print the Bible outline “Haggai – The Reconstruction of the Temple“.
