The Book of Haggai

Purpose of The Book of Haggai:
Continue the reconstruction of the temple with the expectation of restoration blessings. To emphasize the centrality of religion and corporate worship among God's people.

Summary of The Book of Haggai:
Babylon had been overthrown by the Persians, and King Cyrus of Persia had given the Israelites freedom to return to their land nineteen years earlier. Although many stayed in Babylon because of the lives they had established for themselves there, many returned to Jerusalem to reestablish homes and businesses. Haggai ministered to those returnees who, despite their labor, were suffering from crop failure. Haggai encouraged the restored people that their future was indeed bright, but advised them to set God's work in order before they attended any further to their own. Following Haggai's instructions, the people set out to rebuild the temple.

Author and Dates of The Book of Haggai:
Haggai gave us very detailed information about the dates of his ministry by linking it to the second year of King Darius of Persia, and also to the annual festivals of Israel. His first oracle was delivered on August 29, the second on October 17, and the last two on December 18 -- all in the year 520 B.C.

Outline of The Book of Haggai:

1. Call to build: The Absence of a Temple (ch. 1:1 - 1:15).
2. The Glory of the Temple (ch. 2:1 - 9).
3. Call to continue: The Purity of the Temple (ch. 2:10 - 19).
4. The Coming Messiah: Zerubbabel’s power (ch. 2:20 - 23).

Themes of The Book of Haggai:
The Temple: When God was angry with Israel, he told His servant Moses to go on and enter the land of promise without Him. Moses refused, knowing that it was God's presence that made the holy land holy, and that without Him in their midst they could look forward to no special blessing. Haggai, too, realized that God's temple was the highest priority for Israel's success, and quickly made provisions so that God would again have a dwelling-place among His people. In the New Testament, God calls us His temple (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19; 2 Cor 6: 16) and promised that He would dwell wherever His people gathered (Matthew 18:20). And just as Israel's primary responsibility was to build a glorious temple for their God, so we are called to build His Church not with pure gold and precious stones but with pure hearts that praise and serve Him.