Haggai is a post-exilic prophetic book urging the returned Jewish community to rebuild the temple. After years of neglect and discouragement, God uses Haggai to call the people back to obedience and renewed purpose. The book emphasizes priorities, perseverance, and the blessing that comes from putting God first.
Background
Author: Haggai
Audience: Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon
Date: 520 BC
Location Written: Jerusalem
Context: After returning from exile, the people began rebuilding the temple but abandoned the work due to opposition, distraction, and discouragement. Sixteen years passed with no progress. God sent Haggai to challenge the people’s misplaced priorities and to encourage them with promises of His presence and future glory. The message is practical, motivational, and filled with hope.
Characters
- Haggai — prophet calling the people to rebuild the temple
- Zerubbabel — governor of Judah leading the civil efforts
- Joshua (Jeshua) — high priest guiding the spiritual restoration
- Jewish Remnant — returned exiles needing renewed focus and obedience
- God — source of encouragement, strength, and promise
Major Events
- First message: call to rebuild the temple and confront misplaced priorities (Chapter 1)
- People respond in obedience and resume the work (Chapter 1)
- Encouragement that God’s presence remains with them (Chapter 2)
- Promise of a future glory greater than the former temple (Chapter 2)
- Warning about impurity and the need for true holiness (Chapter 2)
- Promise of blessing from this day forward (Chapter 2)
- Final message affirming God’s plan for Zerubbabel as a chosen leader (Chapter 2)
Application & Life Lessons
- God must be the highest priority in every season
- Obedience leads to renewed purpose and blessing
- Discouragement can derail God’s work unless confronted with truth
- God’s presence is the source of strength for any task
- Holiness matters because God desires wholehearted devotion
- God can restore and bless even after long neglect
- Small beginnings can lead to great outcomes when God is involved
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Haggai
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Zephaniah & Haggai
Podcasts
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Articles
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Bible Reading Plans
Books
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Disclosures & Notices
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