THE BOOK OF HAGGAI

THE BOOK OF HAGGAI
AN OUTLINE

“The Prophet of the Temple” was reputed to have been born during the seventy years’ captivity in Babylon, and to have returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. He was a colleague of Zechariah, Ezra 5:1 6:14.

“The time of his prophecy is fixed in Haggai 1:1 to the second year of Darius… according to Bishop Ussher, was…about 520 B.C.; and about seventeen or eighteen years after the proclamation of Cyrus for the Jews to return to their own land.

Haggai was the first of the three prophets, that prophesied after their return; and all his prophecies were within the space of four months, and have their dates variously put to them. Of the authority of this prophecy of Haggai there is no room to question; not only because of the internal evidence of it, but from the testimony of Ezra, Ezra 4:24; 5:1-2; 6:14, and from a quotation out of Haggai 2:7-8, by the author of the epistle to the Hebrews, Hebrews 12:26.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

Main Theme: Sharp rebukes for the neglect to rebuild the temple, coupled with cheering exhortations and promises to those undertaking the work.

Key Verse: Haggai 2:4, “Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:”

Historical Occasion: The remnant that had returned from captivity were selfishly preoccupied with their own affairs, and were more concerned in beautifying their own dwellings than in rebuilding the Lord’s house. The work had ceased for years, Haggai 1:4.

The Message:

1) A cutting reproof, showing that God had withheld his natural blessings, because his temple was left in ruins, Haggai 1:3-1.

2) Words of encouragement as the work of rebuilding the temple was resumed Haggai 1:12-15.

3) Inspiring promises to the older people who had seen Solomon’s Temple, and they were discouraged at the inferiority of the structure they were able to build, Haggai 2:3.

4) They were told of a coming manifestation of divine power and the appearing of the Messiah when the glory of the Lord would fill the house, Haggai 2:7-9.

5) A reminder of their unworthiness to erect a house for the Lord of Hosts, Haggai 2:10-14.

6) Predictions of the doom of the heathen nations, and words of commendation for Zerubbabel, as God’s chosen instrument, Haggai 2:20-23.