Haggai

(i) Introduction

– The name Haggai means “festive or festival” and has no more significance than to suggest he was born during one of the nation’s celebrations (happier times than those he ministered in!).

– The work should be considered against the background of Ezra (Ch 1-6).

Following prolonged Babylonian captivity many Jews were given the privilege of returning home (approx. 50,000). This came with the overthrow of Babylonian power, the rise of the Medo-Persians, and the decree of Cyrus the Great (about 538-536 B.C. – 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 & Ezra 1:1-4). The first returnees came with Zerubbabel and Ezra, immediately restored the worship of God in Jerusalem and STARTED work on rebuilding the temple. The latter project met with opposition from the Samaritan populace who disliked the newcomers and had the ear of the Persian authorities. Progress was impossible, the people were frustrated and discouraged, and after only 2 years work was halted.

– 14 years later God used Haggai (first man for 3-4 months ministry) and Zechariah (second man for 3 years – his name always follows Haggai’s probably because he continued where Haggai left off and was the younger of the 2 men). Whatever age, short term or long term service opportunities – serve well! Their task was to reinvigorate the people so the temple would be erected. Haggai battled not against corruption or compromise but against complacency.

– He was “The Prophet of Priorities”. The book concerns itself with the task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s temple. God’s house/work or our own? The dominant challenge is: “Consider your ways” (1:5,7). It has been called “a momentous little fragment” and with good reason. It is the second shortest Old Testament book (Obadiah is shorter). We know next to nothing about the author but what he said characterises him as a man in touch with God (25 times in 2 short chapters he tells us his messages are the words of Jehovah), a man with a mission, to stir up a sleepy, lethargic multitude, a man who succeeded (cp. Ezra 5:1-2; 6:14).

(ii) Purpose

– Haggai’s commission involved rousing a sleeping giant. The people had given up on their duty to rebuild the temple. It was lying desolate. 16 years earlier new foundations had been set in place but the first sign of trouble meant no staying power. Haggai got them back on their feet. The temple work was begun again – AND Ezra 5:2 states, “and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.”

The old man (Haggai) and the young man (Zechariah) rolled their sleeves together. The people reverenced the Word, respected the witnesses, and rebuilt the worship centre for God’s glory.

(iii) Outline

Ch 1 a message to move the people

Ch 2:1-9 a message to strengthen the people

Ch 2:10-19 a message to bless the people

Ch 2:20-23 a message to assure the people