What is the book of Haggai?
Haggai is a book of Israel’s prophets. It’s a collection of messages from God that Haggai spoke.
The messages were about the land of Judah when the Persian government was in control. They were part of the story told in Ezra chapters 1 through 6. The messages were also promises about events that happened after that time.
Haggai spoke these messages in the year 520 BC. That was the second year that Darius was king of Persia.
It’s thought that Haggai wrote down these messages.
New Testament writers understood that some of Haggai’s prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus’ life and work.
Who was this book written for?
For Zerubbabel, Joshua and Jews who had returned to Judah. They had lived in exile in Babylon for many years.
Why was Haggai written?
To remind the Jews to be faithful to the Mount Sinai covenant after the exile.
To record the messages that helped the Jews finish building the temple.
To encourage the Jews because God remained faithful to his covenant with David.
Main ideas
God remained faithful to the Mount Sinai covenant and to his covenant with David. He remained faithful to these covenants after the time of exile.
Being faithful to the Mount Sinai covenant led to the covenant blessings. Not being faithful led to the covenant curses.
God wanted the Jews to rebuild the temple. It was part of God’s plan to bless all nations.
God’s Spirit gives people the ability to obey God faithfully.
Outline
Messages about being faithful to the Mount Sinai covenant (1:1 – 2:19).
Message of hope about God’s covenant with David (2:20–23).