Haggai

Haggai

Historical Background and Purpose

According to the introduction to the book of Haggai in the Sourceview Bible, the book of Haggai was written by the "prophet Haggai, who delivered his messages in 520 BC.  Unlike Jeremiah and Daniel, whose prophetic ministries spanned many decades of life, Haggai's ministry took place in a very brief time frame.  He prophesied on August 29, October 17, and December 18 of the same year - less than four months from the beginning to the end."  King Cyrus of Persia had allowed the Jews to return to Judah; however, only a remnant (about 50,000) chose to do so.  The Jews who had returned from their exile in Babylon began rebuilding God's Temple in Jerusalem.  They had successfully built the foundation of the Temple; however, they encountered local opposition and stopped rebuilding the Temple.  Therefore, God's Temple was left unfinished and the people began focusing on building their own homes instead.  The prophet, Haggai, received a message from the LORD (see Haggai 1:1-11).  The prophet Haggai then delivered God's message to the Jewish remnant.  Basically, he challenged them to finish building God's Temple so that they may receive God's blessings once again.   The purpose of the book of Haggai was to challenge the Jews to finish building God's Temple so that they may receive God's blessings once again.

Character and Nature of God

God blesses obedience and God punishes disobedience.  God wanted His people to rebuild His Temple; however, His people left God's Temple unfinished.  Instead, they focused on building their own homes instead.  As a result, God withheld His blessings from His people.  For example, God "called for a drought on your fields and hills - a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olive trees and all your other crops, a drought to starve you and your livestock and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get" (Haggai 1:11).  God had punished His people for their disobedience to Him.  However, God's desire is to bless His people.  God encouraged His people through the prophet Haggai to rebuild God's Temple so that He may take pleasure in it and be honored (see Haggai 1:8) and bless them.  Fortunately, the Jewish remnant responded well to God's message to them and they began rebuilding the Temple (see Haggai 1:14).  God was with them and He promised to bless them for their obedience in rebuilding His Temple. 

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God promised to bless His people (see Haggai 2:19).  God promised to bless and honor Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah (see Haggai 2:21-23).  God promised to fill His Temple with His glory (see Haggai 2:6-9).  God promises to bless His people for their obedience.  God promises to be with His people (see Haggai 1:13).  God promises to be with His people and to bless His people when His people are faithfully obedient to Him.