A Study in Haggai Chapters 1 & 2

Intro

What does the book of Haggai have to do with Jesus? Plenty! The grand story of the Bible involves God pursuing sinful people and sanctifying them so they can have fellowship with him.

In Haggai's day, the temple was the place to sacrifice to the Lord, receive forgiveness, and experience God's presence, but there was more to come. Haggai's emphasis on the blessing of God's presence in the midst of his people finds its ultimate consummation in the person of Jesus, the Christ.

The temple was the central element of hope for the dwelling of God's glory among his people, and Jesus, when he walked this earth, was himself the eternal temple of God. Not only is that, but today the body of Christ, is the living temple of God. How amazing is that?

Haggai encouraged the remnant (that returned after the Babylonian captivity) to rebuild the temple in spite of difficulties. Four things are apparent: (1) Haggai exalted the Lord, not himself; (2) he was God’s messenger - “Thus saith the LORD”; (3) he not only rebuked, he cheered and encouraged; (4) he not only preached, he practiced.

The theme of Haggai is the reconstruction and refurbishing of the temple. He not only rebuked the people for their delay in rebuilding the temple, but he encouraged them and helped them in this enterprise. Haggai constantly referred to the “word of the LORD” as the supreme authority. To him, action is spiritual; a “do nothing” attitude is wicked.

Chapter 1

Verses 1-4 – Haggai is the spokesman for God, and he speaks with authority. When the people first returned to the land after the Babylonian captivity, enthusiasm ran high. They became discouraged when they began to build the temple. Difficulties occurred that seemed insurmountable. The foundation of the temple was laid, but the opposition of the Samaritans was so intense that they simply stopped the building.

Haggai makes it clear that he is giving God’s Word. “Thus saith the LORD” occurs some thirteen times makes it clear Haggai is speaking the Word of God. Remember, Jesus is, and always has been the living Word of God.

The difficulties did not prevent the people from building their own houses. They rationalized that it was “their time.”

Verses 5-7 – Haggai urges the people to “Consider their ways.” God had judged them in material things. There had been crop failure, famine, no money to buy clothes, and no savings account. It was obvious that God was withholding blessing because of their lack of obedience.

Verses 8-11 – The solution was very simple: 1. “Go up to the mountain” (cut down trees); 2. “Bring wood” (make lumber); 3. “Build the house” (temple). The results would be great: 1. God would be pleased; 2. God would be glorified. But they failed to build the temple. Material blessings had been withheld.

Verses 12-15 – Now the people repented. They “obeyed the voice of the LORD, their God.” They received confirmation from God, “I am with you, saith the LORD.” The leaders: Zerubbabel (the governor), Joshua (the high priest), and a remnant of people entered enthusiastically into the work.

When we get in synch with God’s plan and direction, great things are accomplished.

Chapter 2

Verses 1-9 – This message is directed to the same leaders and people as in 1:14.

This is the second hurdle that Haggai had to clear. Many of those who had returned from the Babylonian captivity remembered (even though they had been very young when taken captive) the beauty and richness of Solomon’s temple. In comparison, this temple looked like a tenant farmer’s barn in Georgia. But some of the priests and Levites wept with a loud voice; others shouted aloud for joy.

This internal criticism dulled the edge of the zeal to rebuild the temple. It poured cold water on the enthusiasm generated by the prodding of Haggai. There are “naysayers” in the church, even today.

God’s challenge was twofold: (a) be strong; (b) “I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts.” The Shekinah glory of God had departed from Solomon’s temple. Here the presence of God far outshone the glory of Solomon’s temple.

God gives a further challenge, “Fear not.” That is one of God’s most frequent encouragements to those who come into His presence or who are confronted by His heavenly agents, the angels.

This passage looks forward to the final days; the millennial kingdom. They were to see the present temple with the perspective of the ultimate purpose of God.

“Desire of all nations” is not a reference to Christ. The proper translation is “treasures of all nations.” There will be the outward adornment of the future temple, also the Shekinah glory will be present in the person of Christ.

The words “Silver…gold” makes it clear that Haggai is speaking of material treasures. “The glory of this latter house” should read, The latter glory of this house. God looks upon the series of temples as one house. “Peace” is the final aim. It will come in Christ.

Verses 10-19 – The Mosaic Law did not cover all the details of the life in Israel. When a matter arose that was not covered, they were to appeal to the priests (Deuteronomy 17:8-11).

Is holiness communicated by contact?  No. The holy cannot make the unholy holy by contact. Holiness is non-communicable. Is unholiness communicated by contact?  Yes. Uncleanness is communicated to the clean by contact. When holy and unholy come in contact, both are unholy. In the religious realm, a ceremony cannot cleanse a sinner.

Haggai makes the application to Israel. Although they had returned to the land, performed the ritual and rebuilt the temple, their hearts were far from God. They wondered why God had not blessed them. He had judged them because their hearts were not changed. God would bless them now because they had obeyed. He would bless because of His grace.

Verses 20-23 – This message is directed to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah. It is the message of the far-off and final purpose of God. Gentile power will come to an end, and all instruments of warfare will be destroyed.

“In that day” refers to the day of the LORD. God’s purpose will prevail. Zerubbabel is of the posterity of David, according to the historian Josephus. So here is a promise that God’s purpose in the line of David would not be defeated. Zerubbabel will be a “signet,” but the line of Jeconiah would be a signet plucked from the hand of God (see Jeremiah 22:24-30; Matthew 1:11).

This last message reveals the persistent purpose of God in bringing the Lord Jesus Christ to the throne of David.