Haggai- Introduction

There are several themes that emerge after a brief reflection on the book of Haggai, the first of which is perhaps easily overlooked. This word is the word of the LORD, Israel`s covenant-keeping God; Haggai records this fact specifically some 28 times in this short book! After time spent in exile, God is once again speaking to His people. Not only is He speaking, but He also identifies Himself as the LORD of hosts (14 times!). This signifies His power and protection over His own.

This power has been demonstrated already to the people of Israel in God`s control over creation. God has withheld His blessing on the labor of the people because the temple had not yet been rebuilt. The LORD commands the temple to be rebuilt, and promises to bless Israel in the process if they are obedient. These blessings are also specifically addressed to Joshua son of Jehozadak the high priest and to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel who was descendent of the kings of Judah. God is reestablishing Israel with promises of future glory.

These elements are present in Haggai 2:1-9. However, within this section there seems to be something intentionally lacking. The glory of the temple is said to be inferior to that of Solomon`s temple, and yet God says the glory of the coming temple will be far greater that the first. There is a greater fulfillment to be expected. The LORD of hosts says He is at work to fulfill his covenant promises; He commands the people to not fear because He, the LORD of hosts is with them, and specifically, that His Spirit remains with them. This suggests that the future of the Kingdom will be spiritually based.

The reading of a general introduction to this prophetic book revealed a general pattern of the book alternating calls to repentance because of curses due to their disobedience and promises of greater blessing because of the God`s covenant faithfulness. This introduction also pointed out the prophecy of the coming Messiah alluded to especially in the 2:1-9 passage, by whom Israel would be blessed and the temple established with greater glory than the first. Zerubbabel is highlighted as prefiguring Christ (2:23).