Haggai – Encouraging the Rebuilding of the Temple

The Book of Haggai

The Book of Haggai was written in 520 B.C.E. and discusses rebuilding the temple after the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile. Biblical history takes importance from Haggai because his message instructs Israelites to place God above everything else. The word of God connects with the wider biblical narrative addressed to His will among His people and looks forward. 

Fig 1. Map of the Book of Haggai

Source: Swindoll (2009).

Summary of the Book

Haggai has two chapters and four main messages. A call to rebuild the temple is the first. Haggai reprimands the people for dwelling in their own homes and forsaking God's house, and he urges them to change their priorities. The second message tells them that however grand the new temple is compared to Solomon's, its future glory will be greater. The third message also says their hardships were a result of disobedience, but God would bless them if they would work with Him (BibleProject, 2025).  The last message proclaims Zerubbabel to be God's chosen leader of those chosen by Him to establish His house, a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah (Swindoll, 2009).

Key Themes and Lessons

We learn through the Book of Haggai that we should put God first in our lives. The Israelites preferred personal comfort, which led them to encounter difficulties. Christian believers today receive direction to make God's kingdom and righteousness their initial priority (Swindoll, 2009). Obedience brings forth blessings, the second important lesson revealed through this scripture. The people's struggles were due to their reluctance to rebuild the temple, showing that faithfulness to God brings both spiritual and material rewards. In addition, the Book also demonstrates that the presence of God gives strength (Guzik, 2025). God assured them that 'although the new temple does not seem impressive, I am with you.' Today, this promise also applies to believers in all situations.

Historical and Cultural Context

Haggai's prophecies were made when the Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem during the Persian Empire. They turned against the temple reconstruction after initially being enthusiastic for 16 years for reasons of opposition and discouragement (Guzik, 2025). Their misplaced priorities were linked to their economic struggles, variations in drought, and poor harvests. This explains why Haggai was compelled to make this urgent call to rebuild.      

Fig 2. Timeline of the Book of Haggai

Source: Swindoll (2009).

Prophetic and Messianic Significance

In Haggai 2:6-9, God gives a prophecy about a time when the nations will be shaken, and greater glory will be given to His house. This prophecy touches on Jesus, who called Himself the true temple. Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, prophesies Christ, the first ruler of God's eternal kingdom.

Application for Today

Haggai encourages believers to prioritize God. Today, just as the Israelites did in the past, many people focus more on the things of the world than on their spiritual lives. The Book urges Christians to believe in God's promises, to be faithful, and to wait for Christ's return while working in His kingdom (Guzik, 2025).

Conclusion and Reflection

The Book of Haggai is a timeless amble to put God first, trust in His presence, and remain faithful to His calling.

Reflection Question: Where do you need to place God first in your life?

References

BibleProject. (2025). The Book of Haggai. Retrieved from https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-Haggai/

Guzik, D. (2025). Analysis of the Book of Haggai. Retrieved from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/haggai-1/

Holy Bible. (2011). New International Version (NIV). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978).

Swindoll, C. R. (2009). The analysis of the Book of Haggai. Insights for Living Ministries.