Haggai

Haggai was written by the prophet Haggai to Jewish exiles returning from Jerusalem from Babylon around 520 BC. Haggai is writing to the people because they neglected to reconstruct the temple. Haggai delivers messages from God urging them to prioritize rebuilding the temple, which they delayed to focus on personal comforts. He warns that their hardships, like poor harvests, are a result of this neglect. The people choose to listen to God and in return, God promises to bless them.

A Call To Build The House Of The LORD- Chapter 1

In the second year of King Darius, Haggai delivers a message from God, criticizing the people for prioritizing their own homes while the temple remains in ruins. God tells the people that they have been experiencing scarcity because they have neglected God's house. He commands them to gather timber and rebuild the temple, promising to take pleasure in it. The people, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, respond with obedience.

The Promised Glory Of The New House - Chapter 2

In the seventh month of King Darius's second year, Haggai delivers a message from God, encouraging Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people to be strong and continue rebuilding the temple, even though it seems less glorious than the previous one. God promises that the glory of the new temple will surpass the former because He will fill it with His presence. He assures them that He is with them, and His Spirit remains among them, bringing peace.

Blessings For A Defiled People

God speaks to Haggai, instructing him to question the priests about the law regarding consecrated and defiled objects, illustrating how the people's offerings have been defiled due to their disobedience. Despite their hard work, they faced scarcity because of their neglect of the temple. God urges them to reflect on their situation before and after laying the temple's foundation, promising that from this day forward, He will bless them with prosperity.

Zerubbabel The LORD's Signet Ring

Haggai delivers a message from God, declaring His intention to shake the heavens and earth, overthrowing kingdoms and causing chaos among foreign powers. On that day, He will take Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and make him like His signet ring. Being God's signet ring symbolizes Zerubbabel being chosen by God and his special role in His plans for Israel's restoration.