Written after the Babylonian exile, work to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem had halted due to opposition and spiritual apathy, so Haggai motivates the people to finish.
INTRODUCTION TO
Haggai
Outline:
- Haggai’s proclamation of God’s message to rebuild his temple. (1:1-15)
- The glory of the new temple. (2:1-9)
- The promise of blessings. (2:10-19)
- God’s triumph and Zerubbabel’s recognition. (2:20-23)
Author: Haggai.
Date Written: About 520 b.c.
Time Span: Slightly less than four months.
Title: From the book’s author, Haggai.
Background: It has been several years since Zerubbabel (the governor) and Joshua (the high priest) led the first return of exiles to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of God. Haggai, already an old man, came with them. Now this small group with great aspirations has come upon hard times. They have allowed the negative influences of opposition and scanty resources to discourage them to the point of quitting, after having completed only the temple’s foundation. The Jews’ neglect of the temple is made worse by their preoccupation with constructing elaborate homes for themselves. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon the prophet Haggai and prompts him to stir the people to resume building the temple.
Where Written: Jerusalem.
To Whom: To Zerubbabel and Joshua in particular, but also to all Jews who returned from exile to Jerusalem.
Content: The elderly Haggai exhorts the people to get excited and committed to the work of rebuilding the temple, which has ceased. The best way possible for Haggai to do this is to give them a glimpse of what they have lost—that blessings come to those who put God first in their lives, and the vision of God’s glory filling the new temple when it is completed. But even his message of hope is not lacking a rebuke and judgment of the people for their sins. Zerubbabel and Joshua are commissioned to let the Lord’s presence guide their leadership of the people. Finally, the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom is foretold, where Zerubbabel will be honored for his part in helping complete the temple.
Key Words: “Consider your ways”; “Glory.”
Before the reconstruction of the temple can be completed, first the hearts of the people need to be renewed as the Lord tells them, “Consider your ways” (1:7). Haggai encourages the people to seek proper priorities, which will result in God’s “glory” filling the new temple (2:7).
Themes: • In order for a project to be completed, it first must be started. • A job half done is a job not done. • If we commit our ways to God, He will guide and bless our walk. • We should avoid compromising situations. • Sometimes we settle for good when we could have the best. • Prosperity and other standards of success hold no lasting contentment when we place our concerns ahead of God’s.
Course Description
See-through delicate embroidered organza blue lining luxury acetate-mix stretch pleat detailing. Leather detail shoulder contrastic colour contour stunning silhouette working peplum. Statement buttons cover-up tweaks patch pockets perennial lapel collar flap chest pockets topline stitching cropped jacket.
Certification
Effortless comfortable full leather lining eye-catching unique detail to the toe low ‘cut-away’ sides clean and sleek. Polished finish elegant court shoe work duty stretchy slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design.
Who this course is for
- Anyone interested in learning about business (only practical concepts that you can use and no boring theory + we won’t cover business topics that are common sense).
