The book was written by the prophet Haggai, who worked with Zechariah to encourage the returning exiles. His messages were given during a four-month period in 520 BC.
The Jews had just come back from about 70 years in captivity in the land
of Babylon. God had given the Persian king Cyrus the idea that he would let the
Jews go home again. They had been told to build the temple in Jerusalem to God
(Ezra 1:1-4). Jerusalem was in ruins, but the people who had returned had
everything they needed to rebuild it. Yet the work went slow. Enemies put
sticks in the wheels for them, so that the temple and the nation should not be
rebuilt. Enemies remembered what the mighty kings of Israel had done with God's
help.
God sent the prophet Haggai to speak to the people and through Haggai God
pointed out several things that were not as they should be. God said they were
busy with unimportant things, since the temple had not been rebuilt yet. But
God was for them, he wanted the best for them. Through the prophet Haggai the
people got the courage back, they defied opposition from enemies and rebuilt
the temple.
"I am with you, says
the Lord." (1:13)
What does this book show about the character and
nature of God?
1:13: "I am with you, says the Lord."
2:2: ..”And
now get to work, for I am with you”, says the Lord.
2:2: ”My
Spirit remains among you…. So do not be afraid”.
2:9: “And in
this place” (the new Temple) “I will
bring peace”.
What does this book show about God’s redemptive
plan for mankind?
I think there is a foreshadow of Jesus in the
book of Haggai 2:20-23. Here the prophet speaks about Zerubbabel – the governor
of Judah. God wants the prophet to tell Zerubbabel that He will shake the heavens and the earth and
overthrow royal thrones and destroy the power of foreign kingdoms. But
when this happens, God will honor Zerubbabel, and calls him “ my servant” and
continue with saying that He will make him like a signet ring on His finger –
because He has chosen him.
Personal
Application:
This
book speaks to me about doing the right priorities. God asks the people why
they are living in luxurious houses while His house lies in ruins (1:4). Also
in my own life I have to ask myself if I am doing the right priorities. Am I
more focused on thing for myselves than helping the poor and the needy? I want
to look at “what’s happening to me”(1:7) so God’s pleasure and honor were to be
my overriding goals (1:8).
My point of passion during my DBS is the
Shan-people in Thailand:
For all people it is
a temptation to chose solving their own requirements instead of others needs.
I think also for the
Shan-people it is important to do the right priorities and use their resources
wisely. I therefore pray that the Shan-people – and especially their Christian
leaders – will put God first in their lives so they are able to fulfill Gods
purpose for them, and that they will experience that everything else will fall
into place when they do this (1:9-11).
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