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Introduction
The book of Haggai is the tenth of what are called “the twelve minor prophets” (Major and Minor Prophets).
The last three of the minor prophets – Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi – were called post-exilic prophets because they prophesied after the Jewish return to Jerusalem from the Babylonian Captivity. Haggai and Zechariah were contemporaries of Ezra and Nehemiah, helping with the rebuilding of the temple; Malachi came just after them and was the last voice recorded in the Old Testament.
Haggai and Zechariah are mentioned by name in Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 as being co-laborers with those who were rebuilding the temple. Haggai and Zechariah were priests as well.
Because the people were so sinful, we see the prophets having to spend a lot of their words in warning the people of the doom they were bringing on themselves. But Haggai demonstrates that prophets could also be very encouraging when circumstances allowed. And indeed in New Testament times, this was more the model that prophecy followed in the churches even though there were still plenty of warnings for the judgment that was coming on the unbelieving.
In the church:
1 Cor 14:3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.
In broader society:
Acts 24:25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.”
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Haggai 1
Haggai Begins Temple Building
Hag 1:2-11 – The remnant of Israel dwelling in the land were more concerned about their own houses than the Lord’s. Contrast their attitude about the Lord’s house with the one David had.
2 Sam 7:1 Now it came about when the king lived in his house, and the LORD had given him rest on every side from all his enemies,
2 Sam 7:2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains.”
2 Sam 7:3 Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your mind, for the LORD is with you.”
And there is also this from Psalm 69, which David wrote.
Ps 69:9 For zeal for Your house has consumed me…
Thus the Jews at this time needed to be stirred to godly action and Haggai’s prophesying, along with Zechariah’s, was a key part of the stirring. The people were also hearing the following from Ezra:
Ezra 7:23 “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons.
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Haggai 2
The Builders Encouraged
Hag 2:3-4 – The temple that Solomon had built was so glorious that the people despaired of being able to reproduce anything like it. Although this temple would be more modest, the Lord encouraged them to build it nonetheless.
Hag 2:5 – This assurance had to be a big shot in the arm for people.
Hag 2:6 – In his letter to believing Jews, Paul used this verse from Haggai to make a point about the great day of the Lord that was approaching – the second coming, which would shake heaven, casting Satan out, and making room for deceased humanity to rise.
Heb 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
Heb 12:24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.
Heb 12:25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.
Heb 12:26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.”
Heb 12:27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Heb 12:28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
Heb 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.
Hag 2:9 – This scripture foreshadows that the glory of the new heavens and new earth would be greater than the glory of the original heavens and the earth. We now live in that new heavens and new earth. The book, The Biblical Case for the Second Coming as Accomplished Fact, explains this.
Hag 2:17 – We need to learn how to take a hint. Pharaoh never did.
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