The Rebuilding of the Temple

I. Appeal and Response, Haggai 1:1-15

1. The People Admonished for Their Neglect, Haggai 1:1-11

2. Their Purpose to Make Amends, Haggai 1:12-15

II. Contrast between the Two Temples, Haggai 2:1-9

1. As Seen by the People, Haggai 2:1-3

2. As Promised by God, Haggai 2:4-9

III. Rebuke and Encouragement, Haggai 2:10-19

1. Why God’s Favor Has Been Denied, Haggai 2:10-17

2. How It May Be Restored, Haggai 2:18-19

IV. The Times or the End, Haggai 2:20-23

1. The Overthrow of the Nations, Haggai 2:20-22

2. The Establishment of the House of David, Haggai 2:23

INTRODUCTION TO HAGGAI

Haggai returned from exile in Babylon, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, in the year 536 b.c., when Cyrus, moved by the striking prophecies about himself, which had probably been brought under his notice by Daniel, granted the Jews their liberty, and provided them with materials for restoring their Temple. This work of rebuilding went on under Cyrus and his successor, in spite of the opposition of the Samaritans; but, finally, these inveterate foes of the returned exiles obtained an edict from Artaxerxes to stay the progress of the rebuilding of the Temple, Ezra 4:7-23. The Jews gave up the work, and began to build splendid mansions for themselves, so that the operations on the Temple site were not recommenced, even when there was opportunity for them. For fourteen years the work was discontinued, until Haggai uttered his burning message. He seems to have been an old man when summoned to the prophet’s office, and his term of service lasted for only four months. But when a man speaks in the power of God, you cannot measure the effect by chronology. His brief ministry had immediate effect, for within three weeks the people were once more at work.

{e-Sword Note: The following material was presented at the end of Haggai in the printed edition}

REVIEW QUESTIONS ON HAGGAI

Outline

(a) What is the theme of the book?

(b) With what promise does the book close?

Introduction