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Haggai

Purpose
Haggai exhorted the Jews to rebuild the temple as a symbol of commitment to Gods covenant after their return from captivity in Babylon.

Authorship & Genre


Haggai ministered in Jerusalem during the reign of King Darius (the Persian king who reluctantly threw Daniel into the lions den in Daniel 6). He addressed the first wave of exiles that returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The book of Ezra records in detail how these people laid the temples foundation, but did not complete the work. This failure prompted the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 5:1).

Key Verse

Haggai 1:4-5: Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, Consider your ways! (NASB)

Structure
1:1-11 Exhortation to Rebuild Message 1 1:12-15 Promise of the Lords Presence Message 2 2:1-9 Israels Future Glory Message 3 2:10-19 Israels Cursing Turned to Blessing Message 4 2:20-23 Zerubbabel a Signet Ring Message 5

Theological Themes
Sacrifice: Haggai emphasizes the necessity of personal sacrifice in order to live a life of worship. The people were pursuing their own gain in life, which Haggai demonstrates to be fleeting and unrewarding. Instead, the people are encouraged to set aside their own pursuit of happiness for the sake of the temple, which would bring true blessing. Davidic Covenant: Gods promise to make Zerubbabel, a descendent of David, like a signet ring over the nations of the earth indicates a restoration of the Davidic Covenant (2:23). God had not given up on His promise to deliver His people through the line of David.

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