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Introduction to Haggai
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Haggai
- The temple must be completed if Yahweh's blessings are going to be restored to the nation (1:1–15)
- The smaller and less impressive temple will be more glorious than the first (2:1–9)
- Disobedience causes failure in worship; sinful selfishness leads to crop failures (2:10–19)
- A promise made to Zerubbabel (2:20–23)
What is the Book of Haggai about?
Haggai told the people that they were having so many troubles because they were not obeying Yahweh. If they would listen to him and start rebuilding the temple, then Yahweh would cause the troubles to end. The people listened and began to work on the temple. Yahweh encouraged the people, the priests, and the leaders and told them that he was with them and would bless them.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may decide to translate this traditional title "The Book of Haggai" in a way that is clearer to the readers. They may decide to call it "The Sayings of Haggai." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)
Who wrote the Book of Haggai?
The prophet Haggai wrote this book, but very little is known about him. The book was written after the exiles returned from Babylon They returned during the reign of Darius I in Persia. The prophecies of Haggai probably all occurred during a four month period. Haggai lived at the same time as the prophet Zechariah.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
Did Haggai prophesy before Ezra and Nehemiah?
It is likely that Haggai prophesied before the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
What does "consider your ways" mean?
The Lord told the people to "consider your ways" several times in this book. This means that God wants them to think carefully about their lives and how they have behaved.