Three rulers with this name are mentioned in the Bible. This was Darius I Hystaspes, who ruled Persia from 522 to 486 BC.
Why name the day and the month? (1:1)
Each of Haggai’s major messages is precisely dated by month and day, perhaps to give the prophecies an official air. The date specified here was August 29, 520 BC.
Why were the people reluctant to build the temple? (1:2)
When the Jews first returned from exile in Babylon, they started rebuilding the temple. But they grew discouraged when people in the area opposed their work, so they suspended the project. During the following years, they concentrated on building their own homes and growing their crops. By the time Haggai wrote the book that bears his name, discouragement had turned into complacency and procrastination.
What’s the significance of paneled houses? (1:4)
Some think paneled means “finished” or, more literally, “roofed.” The NIV also translates this word as roofing (1Ki 6:9), roofed (1Ki 7:3) and covered (1Ki 7:7). The main point does not seem to be that their homes were luxurious but that they were completed, while the temple of the Lord was not.
Are frustrations a sign of God’s punishment? (1:6, 9)
Frustrations are a part of everyone’s life. Sometimes God allows the righteous to suffer in order to test and mature their faith (Jas 1:2–4). Other times he may discipline his people to bring them to repentance (Heb 12:4–11). In this case, God’s withholding of agricultural and economic blessings signaled his displeasure with the people’s selfish priorities.
How was God honored by the building of the temple? (1:8)
By using their time, talents and resources to rebuild the temple, the people were honoring God. Failing to honor him is indicative of a neglected relationship with him.
How many of these people had seen the former temple? (2:3)
Since the temple was destroyed in 586 BC, 66 years prior to this event, only a small number of those present could have recalled its glory. Some speculate that Haggai may have been one of those who remembered the original temple.
Why has a little while taken so long? (2:6)
Some explain this puzzling phrase by pointing out that God’s perspective on time is quite different from ours (2Pe 3:8). Others say it refers to the period of time about three centuries prior to the Messiah’s first coming, when Persia fell to Alexander the Great (333–330 BC). Still others think the phrase is an expression that simply refers to the future in general. See Hebrews 12:26–27.
How would God shake the heavens and the earth? (2:6–7)
This is a picture of judgment, probably describing political and military turmoil that would alter the structure of the world order. Some suggest that Alexander the Great’s conquests almost 200 years later were an initial fulfillment of this prophecy. Haggai also tells of a final judgment preceding the establishment of a Messianic kingdom (vv. 20–23).
Who is the desired of all nations? (2:7)
Many believe this refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Others think, when read with verse 8, it means desirable things (wealth, including silver and gold) sent by the nations as tribute to the Lord when he reigns in Jerusalem. See Isaiah 60:5–9 and Zechariah 14:14.
Why was defilement contagious? (2:13–14)
According to priestly principles found in the Old Testament law, defilement could be transmitted by both direct and indirect contact (Nu 19:22). This ritual law was apparently an object lesson to teach God’s people about the terrible consequences of moral defilement and the harmful effects of sin.
Why would God sabotage our efforts? (2:15–17)
To get our attention. When things don’t work out as we planned or when we experience setbacks and frustrations, it’s human nature to ask why. God wants us to look to him when dealing with life’s disappointments so we can learn his perspective. Sometimes he may allow the righteous to suffer in order to test and mature their faith (Jas 1:2–4). Other times he may discipline his people to bring them to repentance (Heb 12:4–11). In this case, God’s withholding of agricultural and economic blessings signaled his displeasure with their selfish priorities. He had eternal goals in mind.
Was this a promise that their fortunes would turn? (2:18–19)
Yes. Haggai’s audience responded to his message with wholehearted approval (1:12, 14) and restarted the rebuilding of the temple. The Lord here urged them to observe carefully what was about to happen in the coming months, for he would prove his word by blessing them agriculturally as a sign of his restored favor.
What political changes do these verses predict? (2:21–22)
These verses refer to the final downfall of earthly kingdoms prior to the establishment of God’s Messianic kingdom. Some see the power shifts that happened over the following two centuries—the military turmoil of Alexander the Great’s conquests, which altered the world order—as a hint of the major changes to occur in the end times.
What was a signet ring? (2:23)
It was a ring containing a king’s seal or name that functioned as his signature; with it he authorized documents. The signet ring thus symbolized the king’s authority. Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah and a descendant of David, would be God’s signet ring—his official representative on earth. The prophecy looks beyond Zerubbabel, however, to the coming Messiah.