Haggai

Haggai


Explain the historical background and purpose of the prophet: It is not sure where Haggai was born but it is enough to know that he was instrumental in getting the Israelites who had returned to Jerusalem back on their feet with the rebuilding of the Temple around 520 BC. The work had been discouraging and sin had again entered the camp of the Jews in Jerusalem. Famine and all the results of it were plaguing the citizens; poverty, dept, and selling children were all part of it. Haggai in four brief sermons inspires the people to come to grips with these issues, and they do! Rain comes and restoration continues!

What does this book show about the character and nature of God? God does not forsake His people! Even with all their failings, He saves. He rescues. And at this time of vulnerability for the Jews, He sends Haggai to help straighten things out. God never fails. His mercies are past finding out . . .

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind? There is an interesting twist to the end of this rather amazing book. God speaks through Haggai to Zerubbabel predicting a future King of a different elke. "Tell Zerubbabel . . . that I am about to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overthrow royal thrones and destroy the power of foreign kingdoms . . . when this happens, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I will honor you, Zerubbabel . . . my servant. I will make you like a signet ring on My finger, says the Lord, for I have chosen you. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!" And being Zerubbabel is in the family line of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, we see redemption!


Jesus is coming soon!