Aspect Details
Time Period Circa 520 BCE
Historical Background The Book of Haggai was written in the period following the Babylonian Exile. The Jews had returned to Jerusalem under the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, who had conquered Babylon. The returnees were tasked with rebuilding the Temple, which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar II in 586 BCE.
Key Figures
  • Haggai: The prophet who encouraged the rebuilding of the Temple.
  • Zerubbabel: The governor of Judah and the leader of the returnees.
  • Joshua: The high priest during this period.
Main Themes
  • Rebuilding the Temple: Haggai emphasized the importance of completing the reconstruction of the Temple.
  • Obedience and Faith: The book stresses that the people's faith and obedience to God's commands pave the way for blessing and prosperity.
  • God's Presence: The restoration of the Temple was seen as crucial for the reestablishment of God's presence amongst His people.
Key Events
  • First Message (520 BCE): Haggai addresses the people, urging them to prioritize building the Temple over their own houses (Haggai 1:1-11).
  • Response to the First Message: The people heed Haggai's call and begin work on the Temple (Haggai 1:12-15).
  • Second Message: God promises to fill the new Temple with glory (Haggai 2:1-9).
  • Third Message: Haggai warns of the consequences of disobedience but promises blessings for obedience (Haggai 2:10-19).
  • Fourth Message: A promise of the future glory and leadership through Zerubbabel (Haggai 2:20-23).
Importance to Judaism and Christianity The Book of Haggai is significant as it highlights the importance of the Temple in Jewish worship and God's covenantal relationship with His people. In Christianity, it foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the promises and prophecies concerning the glory of God's house.


Chapter Content Summary
Chapter 1 Message: Through Haggai, God condemns the people of Judah for their neglect in rebuilding the Temple. While they focused on their own homes, the house of the Lord remained desolate.
Key Verses: Haggai 1:2-4 – “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.”
Chapter 2 Message: Haggai delivers a series of encouraging messages that focus on the need to rebuild the Temple, the future glory of the Temple, and the blessings that will follow obedience.
Key Sections:
- Verses 1-9: Encouragement to complete the Temple. The future glory will be greater than the former.
- Verses 10-19: Encouragement through Holiness and Blessing – Haggai discusses past curses due to disobedience but promises blessings for future obedience.
- Verses 20-23: The Lord's message to Zerubbabel, declaring him as a signet ring, symbolizing divine approval and future leadership.