Haggai is one of the shortest books in the Bible, and one of the most precisely dated: its four messages came within about four months. The exiles had returned from Babylon and begun to rebuild the temple, but the work stalled for years while people looked after their own houses. Haggai tells them to consider their ways, since their effort was bringing little satisfaction, and to put God's house first. The leaders and the people obey, and God promises to be with them. When the new building looks modest beside the memory of Solomon's temple, he encourages them that its future glory will be greater. The book closes with a word to the governor Zerubbabel, whom God calls his chosen signet ring. Haggai is a book about priorities, about courage to start again and about God's presence with ordinary, discouraged people. Christians see in the promised glory a pointer to Christ, though they differ on the details.

Author

The prophet Haggai, named in the book as the one who delivered God's word.

Date

In 520 BC, the second year of the Persian king Darius; the messages are dated to specific months and days.

Audience

The Jews who had returned to Judah, especially the governor Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua.

Themes

Outline

1. 1:1–1:11Consider your ways: rebuild the house
2. 1:12–1:15The people obey and work begins
3. 2:1–2:9Take courage: the latter glory
4. 2:10–2:19Holiness and blessing from this day on
5. 2:20–2:23God's promise to Zerubbabel

Key verses