Haggai 1:1~2:23
Haggai , Sarah Barry
'I AM WITH YOU,' DECLARES THE LORD
Passage: Haggai 1:1~15
Key verse: 13
INTRODUCTION TO HAGGAI
The exile ended in 539 BCE with Cyrus' triumph over Babylon. Judah and Jerusalem were restored as a district of Persia, ruled by Persian governors. The first exiles to return focused on rebuilding the temple and restoring worship of God (Ezra 1-3), but were subject to many obstacles (Ezra 4-5). When work resumed by King Darius' decree (Ezra 6:1-12, about 520 BCE), the people prospered under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, and the temple was completed about 515 BCE (Ezra 6:13-15). Later Ezra and Nehemiah would join them (458 BCE and 445 BCE, respectively). Haggai (name likely means 'born on a feast day') gives no clues to his personal identity, but provides precise dates for the four times the 'word of the LORD' came to him (1:1; 2:1, 10, 20). Primarily targeted at the leadership (Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua the priest) his messages are solely focused on the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Their situation was difficult as they struggled to survive in the decimated land, with enemies all around. It was easy to look only to their own needs, such as houses and fields, and so the house of God was neglected. Through Haggai, God revives their spirit and motivation to rebuild God's house first, because God is with them (1:13) and he will bless them (2:19). This inspires us in our own times to put our hope in God's kingdom, knowing he is with us and we are not alone.
'I AM WITH YOU,' DECLARES THE LORD
Prayer: Father, you promise, 'I am with you.' Please stir up my spirit to obedience today.
One Word: we obey because God is with us
The exile ended in 539 BCE with Cyrus' triumph over Babylon. Judah and Jerusalem were restored as a district of Persia, ruled by Persian governors. The first exiles to return focused on rebuilding the temple and restoring worship of God (Ezra 1-3), but were subject to many obstacles (Ezra 4-5). When work resumed by King Darius' decree (Ezra 6:1-12, about 520 BCE), the people prospered under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, and the temple was completed about 515 BCE (Ezra 6:13-15). Later Ezra and Nehemiah would join them (458 BCE and 445 BCE, respectively). Haggai (name likely means 'born on a feast day') gives no clues to his personal identity, but provides precise dates for the four times the 'word of the LORD' came to him (1:1; 2:1, 10, 20). Primarily targeted at the leadership (Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua the priest) his messages are solely focused on the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Their situation was difficult as they struggled to survive in the decimated land, with enemies all around. It was easy to look only to their own needs, such as houses and fields, and so the house of God was neglected. Through Haggai, God revives their spirit and motivation to rebuild God's house first, because God is with them (1:13) and he will bless them (2:19). This inspires us in our own times to put our hope in God's kingdom, knowing he is with us and we are not alone.
'I AM WITH YOU,' DECLARES THE LORD
1. "Go up ... and build my house" (1-11)
The people had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. But after suffering persecution they stopped and focused on their own houses and needs. God interrupts their malaise calling them to give careful thought: all their labor and efforts in planting, eating, and homemaking yield poor results because they have not built God's house: the very reason they were allowed to return! Practical repentance is to restore their purpose: "Go up ... and build my house, so that I may ...be honored!"
2. The LORD stirred up their spirits (12-15)
All the people and their leaders obeyed the voice of the LORD their God because they feared the LORD. "I am with you," declares the LORD. This promise of God stirred up all their spirits, and they began to work again on the temple. We too face daunting situations where obedience is challenging. We need God's promise working in our hearts.
Prayer: Father, you promise, 'I am with you.' Please stir up my spirit to obedience today.
One Word: we obey because God is with us
