Background and Historical Context
18 Years since Ezra 1:1 and Cyrus’ decree in 538BC. 2 Chron 26:22-23
16 years since Ezra 3:8 and the laying of the foundation
Ezra 5:1 Haggai ministered in 520 BC, post-exile, during the reign of Darius.
In 515BC the temple is completed Ezra 6:15
Political situation of the Persian Empire (Cyrus the Great (r. 559–530 BCE) Cambyses II (r. 529–522 BCE) Gaumata (reigned for months in 522 BCE): This Magian priest seized power during Cambyses’s absence by impersonating the slain Bardiya. Darius I, “the Great” (r. 522–486 BCE): A distant relative of Cyrus who served as a spear-bearer in Cambyses’s army. (Along with a group of Persian Noblemen killed Gautama).
| VERSE | MONTH | DAY | MODERN EQUIVALENT |
| 1:1 | SIXTH | FIRST | AUGUST 29, 520 B.C. |
| 1:15B–2:1 | SEVENTH | TWENTY-FIRST | OCTOBER 17, 520 B.C. |
| 2:10 | NINTH | TWENTY-FOURTH | DECEMBER 18, 520 B.C. |
| 2:20 | NINTH | TWENTY-FOURTH | DECEMBER 18, 520 B.C. |
Canonical context
Haggai, along with Ezra and Zechariah detail the events of the return from Persia/Babylon of the Exiles. Haggai focusses his prophetic ministry on a call to faithfulness and the necessity of rebuilding the Temple.
Key Elements:
Haggai’s addresses all start with specific dates given which allows the book to be easily divided into four sections.
Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah. Persian selected Governor of Yehud which is essentially the same boundary area as Judah prior to exile. He is also a descendent of David (1 Chron 3:19)
Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. He is appointed by the Persians and is also in the lineage of Aaron (1 Chron 6:14-15)
Purpose of Haggai’s prophetic call
To encourage the remnant to rebuild the Temple which functions as a visible representation of the Mosaic covenant.
Temple had been destroyed in 586 BC by Nebuchadnezzar; rebuilding stalled due to opposition and discouragement.
Audience: small remnant returned under Zerubbabel and Joshua (about 42,360 + servants/singers).
Theme: Misplaced priorities bring covenant curses; obedience restores God’s presence and blessing.
Give a picture of how Haggai fits into the larger picture of the OT
Common view of OT events: Creation/Fall/Moses/Samson/David & Solomon/Confusion and prophets
Expansive View to create:
Creation – Fall – Abraham – Jacob – Captivity – Moses/Deliverance – Wandering – Entry into the Land – Judges – Kings – Divided Kingdom – Exile – Return 1 and 2
Spiritual Apathy (1:1–15)
A. Historical Context and Setting 1:1-2
- Nearly two decades after the return from Babylonian exile.
- The people were tasked with rebuilding the Temple but had become complacent.
B. The Diagnosis and Consequence of Apathy
- God reveals their misplaced priorities — building their own homes while His house lies in ruins (vvs2-4).
- The Lord calls them to introspection: “Consider your ways” (vv. 5-6).
- Reflect on the move: “Consider your ways.” v8Go…
- You’ve seen the signs of your disobedience. (vv9-11)
- Their disobedience has led to covenant curses (cf. Deuteronomy 28).
D. The Call to Repentance and Renewal
- The people respond in reverent fear and obedience (vv. 12–15).
- God reminds them of His enduring presence: “I am with you.”v13
E. Modern Application
- Spiritual apathy still threatens God’s people today.
- When our priorities revolve around self-comfort and career rather than God’s kingdom, He may lovingly frustrate our efforts to bring us back to Him.
- Revival begins when we “consider our ways” and remember that God’s covenant faithfulness sustains us, not our works.
Encouragement in Discouragement (2:1–9)
October 17, 520 BC, during the Feast of Booths (2:1).
A. The People’s Discouragement
- The new Temple appears insignificant compared to Solomon’s Temple. (cf. Ezra 3:8-13)
- The remnant laments that “it is as nothing” in comparison (v.3).
B. God’s Encouragement through Haggai
- Commanded to “be strong… work… fear not” (v.4).
- God promises His Spirit remains among them (v.5).
- Cf Exodus 29:45
- God reflects on past his past actions as evidence of future promise. (v6)
- Cf Ex 19:18 & Heb 12:26-29
- Future glory will surpass the former—God Himself will fill the house with His glory (vv. 7–9).
C. Theological Focus
- True beauty of the Temple comes from God’s presence, not human craftsmanship.
- God alone will bring peace and glory.
D. Modern Application
- Nostalgia can paralyze spiritual growth; longing for “the good old days” diminishes present faithfulness.
- God calls believers to faithfulness in ordinary, even monotonous seasons of life.
- Worship and service are meaningful not because they are grand, but because God is present.
Hoping in God’s Provision Instead of Our Best Efforts (2:10–23)
December 18, 520 BC (2:10&20)
A. Haggai’s Final Messages
- Delivered about three and a half months after rebuilding began.
- Aimed at preventing false confidence in mere outward obedience.
B. Theological Dialogue with the Priests
- Question 1 (vv11-12): Can holiness be transferred by contact? — No.
- Question 2 (v13): Can impurity be transferred by contact? — Yes.
- Conclusion (v14).: The people’s unholiness taints their work; their labor alone cannot make them holy.
C. God’s Rebuke and Promise
- God’s judgment is a strange grace meant to bring us to repentance (vv. 15–17).
- Heartfelt obedience brings God’s blessing (v19)
- Future deliverance is on its way (vv21-22).Zerubbabel is given a prophetic promise—God will make him “like a signet ring” (v.23), symbolizing kingly authority and future hope.
D. Messianic Implications
- Zerubbabel’s name later appears in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:12).
- The ultimate fulfillment of Haggai’s promise is found in Jesus—the true and better Temple, and the bringer of an everlasting kingdom.
E. Modern Application
- Holiness cannot be achieved through outward reform or self-discipline alone.
- Sin in one area of our lives will impact other areas as well.
- Genuine holiness flows from surrender to God’s transforming grace.
- Our ultimate hope lies not in our building or striving, but in the finished work of Christ.
