Introduction
Overview
The central concern of Haggai is to rebuild the temple. When the exiles return to Jerusalem, the temple still lies in ruins. Haggai criticizes the people for building nice houses for themselves while neglecting to rebuild God’s house. This, the prophet proclaims, reflects a distorted view of worship and service. Haggai encourages the people to rebuild the temple, and they obediently carry out this project.
Haggai the Prophet and His Historical Context
The author of the book of Haggai is known simply as “the prophet Haggai.” Apart from this book he is mentioned in Ezr 5:1 and Ezr 6:14. His name is usually associated with Zechariah, his contemporary, and he is generally thought to have been older than Zechariah, because his name always appears before that of Zechariah and because of the possible (but not necessary) inference from 2:3 that he himself might have been old enough to have seen Solomon’s temple.
Soon after the first band of exiles had returned from Babylon to Jerusalem (539 BC), they began to rebuild the temple (Ezr 3). It was not long, however, before various hindrances and waning enthusiasm brought a halt to the project. A number of factors contributed to this situation: (1) opposition of the Samaritans and other neighbors (Ezr 4); (2) the negative and disparaging reaction of the older priests at the laying of the foundations (Ezr 3:12–13); (3) a spirit of discouragement; (4) a lack of vital trust in God; and (5) growing indifference. Haggai’s mission was to rekindle the faith and courage of the people so that they would complete the temple. They responded almost immediately, and four years later (516 BC) the temple was completed and dedicated (Ezr 6:14–15).
Theological Themes
Haggai’s message is extremely practical and down to earth: Build the temple! Several truths become clear in this book: (1) God’s people must put God and his work first in their lives. Only in this way is God honored. Then God provides them with his blessed and enabling presence. (2) Putting personal or selfish interests ahead of God is self-defeating. (3) God calls his people to put his interests before their own. (4) The value of one’s work should be measured by its conformity to God’s will and purpose, not in comparison to the work of others. (5) God is faithful. He will keep his promises to restore Davidic kingship and establish his sovereign rule of the nations through the Messiah.
Outline
1. First Message: A Call to Action—Build the Temple (1:1–15)
A. Reproach: Their Priorities Are Wrong—Self before God (1:1–6)
B. Admonition: Get Priorities Right—God before Self (1:7–11)
C. Response: Obedience and the Will to Restart Building (1:12–15)
2. Second Message: A Word of Encouragement (2:1–9)
A. The Problem: The Inferiority of Zerubbabel’s Temple (2:1–3)
B. The Encouragement: A Greater Glory Yet to Come (2:4–9)
3. Third Message: Confirmation of Blessing (2:10–19)
4. Fourth Message: The Restoration of the Davidic Kingdom (2:20–23)