Book of Haggai Why Study? 2 Chapters 4 oracles
History 70 years captivity God’s Promises God’s Command
Zerubbabel returns to Jerusalem to build temple Samaritans and size of foundation discourage (Ezra 3:12; 4:4-5, 24) / People are worldly (Zech 5:5-7) 15 Years pass with no work
Haggai sent by God (2nd year of Darius – Ezra 5:1-2) Haggai’s first address to the people caused them to get back to work! Four years later, the temple is complete (Ezra 1:1 compared to 3:8 and 6:15) Haggai sent by God (2nd year of Darius – Ezra 5:1-2)
First Oracle (chapter 1) God is not pleased “Consider your ways” A devastating drought Go up to the mountain and build A redirection of the people’s fear The duty of the “messenger” First Oracle (chapter 1)
Second Oracle – 3.5 weeks after work began (2:1-9) The former vs the new temple The Messenger encourages “Be strong” God is with you!
Third Oracle – 3 months after work began (2:10-19) The people of God are unclean Consider why food supply has not improved God blesses the people
Fourth Oracle – Same day as the 3rd (2:20-23) God’s promise to Zerubbabel
Concluding Applications There is no valid excuse for not meeting one’s Christian responsibilities (Romans 1:20 and 2:1) Spiritual sloth (Proverbs 6:6-11) The chastening hand of God (Psalms 32:4-5 and Hebrews 12:5ff) The Preacher’s duty in the church is to encourage (Haggai 1:13; 2:4-5) and to make people feel uncomfortable (Haggai 1:4, 9; 2:3, 14) so that they achieve the holiness of God (1 Peter 1:15-16).