Today, we continue our journey through the Bible with today’s study of Haggai. And I pray God shows us what He wants us to learn.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.
As we study the Bible alone or in a group setting, there are several questions we can ask ourselves to help us dig deeper. The five questions are:
- What does the scripture say about God?
- Then what does the scripture say about me?
- Does something in this passage challenge me?
- What gives me hope in this passage?
- Is anything unclear to me?
I hope these questions help you as much as they help me.
Book of Haggai:
- Author: Haggai.
- Audience: The people living in Jerusalem.
- Date Written: 520 B.C.
- Length: 2 chapters.
- Keywords: Lord.
- Key Verses: You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. (1:9 NLT)
- Key People: Haggai, Zerubbabel, Jeshua.
Summary of Haggai:
Haggai wanted to challenge the people of God about their priorities. He compares the luxury of their homes to the ruins of God’s House. Then he urged them to rebuild the Temple and glorify God, even in the face of opposition. Haggai also encouraged them to abandon their unclean ways and have faith in God’s power. And the prophet wanted the people to put God first instead of themselves. The Book of Haggai serves as a reminder of the problems the people faced, their trust in God, and how God met their needs.
Sections of the Book:
The book of Haggai contains five significant themes:
- The Call to Rebuild the Temple (1:1-11).
- Response of the People (1:12-15).
- Temple Filled with God’s Glory (2:1-9).
- A Defiled People Purified and Blessed (2:10-19).
- The Promise to Zerubbabel (2:20-23).
God’s Characteristics in Haggai:
Here are God’s characteristics on display in this book:
- God is glorious – 2:1-9.
Messages in Haggai:
Haggai had a crucial message for the Jews who had just returned from exile. They had forgotten their God and instead only focused on their own interests. It was time for them to reflect on their actions. The most important thing for the Jews was to show that the Lord was their top priority. Haggai instructed them to complete the rebuilding of God’s temple.
The message remains relevant today. What takes the place of God in our lives? Is our comfort prioritized over building God’s kingdom?
Christ in Text:
The book of Haggai shows Zerubbabel holds a significant position in the messianic line of David. He continues the royal line of David through a signet ring, which symbolizes his role in the lineage of Christ. Zerubbabel’s name appears in the family trees of both Mary and Joseph, highlighting his importance in connecting both branches of Christ’s lineage.
All Lessons from the Bible
Each book of the Bible contains lessons for us to learn and historical information. We must study God’s Word to see what to do and what not to do in life. Paul reminds us of the importance of the words within the text in 2 Timothy 3.
2 Timothy 3:14-17; “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Prayer
Please grant me the understanding and knowledge of You and Your word. As I open my Bible to read the scriptures, it gives me wisdom and discernment. And even as I sit and listen to the pastor, preacher or apostle reveal what Your Holy Book is speaking into my life, help me see and understand. Help me know Jesus Christ and how He lived His life so I can follow in His precious footsteps.
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Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Additional Resources:
This shows us that books of the Bible can be any length and we can continue to learn valuable lessons from the words. God shows us His love and glory in every moment. 🙂
Yes He does, in powerful ways and in quiet moments. Thanks Melissa and God bless.
So good! Like the Jews so long ago, when it was time for them to reflect on their actions, we need to take a cue from this book and reflect on our actions today. What have we done? What should we have done? What can we do now to remedy this?
Great questions Jessica that helps us today. Thank you and God bless
“What takes the place of God in our lives?” My goodness, Yvonne–you get right to the heart of the matter. There are valuable lessons in the Book of Haggai and you’ve given us nuch t reflect on. Thank you for this inspiring and thought provoking message.
Thank you Katherine. Things sneak in and take the place of God so quickly if we don’t pay attention. God bless
Thank you for highlighting Haggai and reminding us that each book in the Bible is there for a purpose. Haggai was a wonderful Christian leader and mentor. We all need a Haggai in our life.
Thanks Candyce. God bless
Thank you for your insights and for modeling a truly methodical and living approach to Biblical studies!
Thanks Michele. I learn so much from doing these studies too. Blessings to you
Yvonne, hi and welcome to hostessing the link-up. I appreciate your use of the Bible Project as you share God’s Word. I’ve found their work to be incredibly helpful.
Thanks Linda. I love them too. God bless
Yvonne, this is a powerful teaching for us today, especially for Christians here in the U.S. Lord, let us not make an idol out of our comforts, at the expense of your kingdom. Help us remember we are blessed to be a blessing.
Thanks Melissa. Sometimes we do become too attached to our comforts in the place of relying on God. Blessings to you
Thank you for this Haggai study, Yvonne. Very insightful.
Thank you Priscilla. God bless.
This is great, Yvonne. I like your summary of the book and the key verse. It’s a clear lesson for us in present day: Do we forget God while building our own kingdoms on earth? Or are we willing to let God’s kingdom come. God bless!
Thanks Karen
I sometimes wonder how often it seems the Bible gives us lessons from the past that seem so applicable for today. Another case here my friend. Thank you for sharing. Great insights.
No kidding JD. Some seem like there were written for us. But sometimes, we never learn so need reminding often. God bless.