After some introduction to the history behind the book of Haggai in the previous article (which captured some of this context from the book of Ezra), let’s begin the book of Haggai itself:
In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest:
Haggai 1:1 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/hag.1.1.NIV
This opening verse sets the date for the first of four prophecies in this book as “Year 2, Month 6, Day 1”, where the year is reckoned by the reign of King Darius of Persia (although, as a reminder from the previous lesson, this wasn’t the same Darius that we might know from the book of Daniel). Now, the Jewish calendar in the era of Haggai wasn’t the same as most calendars today, so the sixth month wouldn’t have been June. However, with some math and history, some commentators [Hahlen and Ham, p.258] calculated this as August 29, 520 B.C.
Here, we learn what we probably already suspected from the title of this Bible book: it’s about the prophecies of God through a prophet named Haggai. Apparently, this was a relatively common name in those times [per Hahlen & Ham, p.249].
This prophecy was meant for two key people: The first was Zerubbabel the governor. Zerubbabel was not only a descendant of David, but also an ancestor of Jesus [ref. Hahlen & Ham]. The second recipient was named Joshua (or Jehoshua [per Hahlen & Ham, p.253]) the high priest, who was referenced in the previous article from the book of Ezra, having been listed in Ezra 2. (This was many years after the time of another, better-known Joshua who served and succeeded Moses. However, given that even Jesus’ name was a first-century variant of Joshua, it appears to have been a popular name, meaning something like “the Lord saves”.)
In Haggai 1:2-4, God rebuked the people for saying (whether to each other, or just to themselves, I suppose) that it wasn’t yet time to rebuild the temple.
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the LORD’s house.’ ”
Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”
Haggai 1:2-4 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/hag.1.2-4.NIV
Going back to the book of Ezra, the people had apparently settled down in Jerusalem for about a year before laying the foundation of the new temple. I think that’s understandable, since even remote construction workers today need a place to stay near their worksite, along with enough infrastructure to keep them supplied with food, shelter, and equipment. However, although it had been more than enough time for the people to set up a place to live, they continued to dwell in Judea without giving attention to the temple.
By the way, [per Hahlen & Ham, p.281] apparently the word translated “paneled” here might also mean “roofed”. That would fit here, when the people were living under roof, but God’s temple was – as far as we know – still limited to a foundation and an altar (i.e., potentially left exposed to the elements). It could prove tough to offer a sacrifice outside in the pouring rain, I suppose.
Going back to the returned exiles in the time if Haggai, I can imagine the same sort of behavior happening today, even for those who have been blessed by God and seek to follow Him. When God provides for us, it is often His will for us to take care of our immediate needs first, and perhaps those of our family. However, once those expectations are reasonably met, His blessings for us are often not only meant for our own benefit, but are also intended for us to apply those blessings towards something greater. For instance, a raise you got at work might pay to get your roof fixed, but portions of it could also go towards your congregation’s food ministry (or even your church’s roof). If your car is still running well (despite its age and mileage), that might be a gift from God for you, but it could also be used to take the neighbor lady shopping, if she can’t get out on her own. Like nine out of the ten lepers who Jesus healed (see Luke 17:11-19), we can forget Who the source of every good and perfect gift is (see James 1:16-18), and neglect our worship and gratitude to Him…even while enjoying the blessings He has provided.
So, if God has blessed you (and He has, by the way), won’t you take a moment today to give Him thanks for that? Then, ask Him where you can use some of those blessings for His kingdom. He doesn’t need your money or your belongings (they are all His, anyway), but He can do great things when you choose to use His resources for His good plan!
From Sunday School lesson prepared for August 10, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Minor Prophets Volume 2 (Nahum-Malachi), by Mark Allen Hahlen and Clay Alan Ham. © 2006 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 