The Book of Haggai is one of the shortest books in the Bible, yet it carries a powerful message about obedience, faith, and God’s glory. Written during a time when the Jewish people were rebuilding after exile, it calls the people to put God’s work first.
1. Haggai Is One of the Minor Prophets
Haggai is part of the group known as the “Minor Prophets” in the Old Testament. This does not mean his message was less important, but simply that his book is shorter compared to prophets like Isaiah or Jeremiah. The book contains only two chapters, but its message is direct and urgent.
Haggai 1:1
“In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest.”
2. Written During the Rebuilding of the Temple
The Book of Haggai was written in 520 BC, during the time when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile and were tasked with rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.
Haggai 1:8
“Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord.”
3. A Call to Put God First
One of Haggai’s main messages is that the people had been focusing on their own houses and comfort instead of rebuilding God’s temple. The prophet warns that neglecting God’s work leads to a lack of blessings.
Haggai 1:9
“Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.”
4. Encouragement During Discouragement
The people felt overwhelmed by the task of rebuilding. Haggai encouraged them by reminding them that God’s presence was with them, giving them strength to finish the work.
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.”
5. Fulfillment of God’s Covenant Promises
Haggai reminded the people that God’s covenant with them still stood. The rebuilding of the temple was part of God’s plan to restore His people.
Haggai 2:5
“According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.”
6. A Promise of Greater Glory
Haggai prophesied that the glory of the rebuilt temple would be greater than the glory of the first. This was not just about physical beauty but about God’s presence and peace.
Haggai 2:9
“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.”
7. Specific Dates Are Recorded
Unlike many prophetic books, Haggai records the exact dates of his messages. This shows the urgency and precision of God’s word during that time.
Haggai 2:10
“In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, saying...”
8. Zerubbabel and Joshua Are Key Figures
Haggai addresses two main leaders: Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest. These two men played a crucial role in leading the people to complete the temple.
Haggai 1:12
“Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God...”
9. Haggai’s Name Means “Festive” or “Festival”
The name Haggai comes from the Hebrew word Chaggay, which relates to feasts or festivals. This is fitting, as the rebuilding of the temple would restore the place where God’s appointed feasts could be celebrated again.
10. A Message That Still Speaks Today
Even though Haggai’s prophecy was spoken over 2,500 years ago, its call to put God first still applies today. It reminds believers that when we honor God with our time, resources, and priorities, He blesses our efforts.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
