Summary of the Book of Haggai

Author:
Haggai 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Haggai as the Prophet Haggai.

Date of Writing:
The Book of Haggai was written around 520 B.C.

Purpose of Writing:
Haggai aimed to confront the people of God about their priorities. He urged them to honor and praise God by constructing the Temple despite facing opposition from the local authorities. Haggai encouraged them not to lose heart because the Temple would not be as lavish as Solomon’s. He urged them to turn away from their impurity and rely on God’s supreme authority. The Book of Haggai serves as a record of the challenges the people of God encountered during that period, their steadfast trust in God, and how God met their needs.

Key Verses:

Haggai 1:4, “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”

Haggai 1:5-6, “Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.'”

Haggai 2:9, “‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”

Brief Summary:
Will the people of God reassess their priorities, find courage, and act based on God’s assurances? God aimed to caution the people to heed His messages. Not only did God caution them, but He also provided assurances through His messenger Haggai to inspire them to follow Him. Due to the people of God shifting their priorities and neglecting to prioritize God in their lives, Judah was exiled.Ionian exile. In response to Daniel’s prayer and in fulfillment of God’s promises, God directed Cyrus, the Persian king, to allow the Jews in exile to return to Jerusalem. A group of Jews returned to their land with great joy, prioritized God in their lives, worshiped Him, and began rebuilding the Temple of Jerusalem without assistance from the local people in Israel. Their brave faith faced opposition from both the local people and the Persian government for about 15 years.

Foreshadowings:
Similar to many books of the minor prophets, Haggai concludes with promises of restoration and blessing. In the final verse, Haggai 2:23, God uses a distinctly messianic title in reference to Zerubbabel, calling him “My Servant” (Compare 2 Samuel 3:18;1 Kings 11:34;Isaiah 42:1–9;Ezekiel 37:24,25). Through Haggai, God promises to make Zerubbabel like a signet ring, symbolizing honor, authority, and power, akin to a king’s scepter used for sealing letters and decrees. Zerubbabel, as God’s signet ring, signifies the lineage of David and the continuation of the messianic line disrupted by the Exile. Zerubbabel restored the Davidic line of kings, leading to the millennial reign of Christ. Zerubbabel is mentioned in Christ’s lineage through both Joseph’s side «and after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; », (Matthew 1:12) and Mary’s side «which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, », (Luke 3:27).

Practical Application:
The Book of Haggai highlights common challenges that people still encounter today. Haggai prompts us

1) To examine our priorities to determine if we are more focused on our own pleasures than on carrying out God’s work; 2) To resist a defeatist mindset when faced with opposition or discouraging situations; 3) To acknowledge our mistakes and strive to lead morally upright lives in the presence of God; 4) To bravely take action for God, knowing that He is constantly by our side and completely in charge of our situations; and 5) To find peace in God’s care, trusting that He will generously reward us as we dutifully serve Him.