The Book of Haggai



Background of Haggai
Time: 520BCE (Persian Period)
Place: Yehud
Kings: None. Ruled by High Priest + Governor


 Front view of a barrel-shaped clay cylinder resting on a stand. The cylinder is covered with lines of cuneiform text


Political Backdrop:

·       We’re back from exile!
Step 1: Assyrians are the Big Bad: Northern Kingdom falls (722BCE)
Step 2: Babylonians take over as the Big Bad: Southern Kingdom goes into exile (586BCE)
            Exile period…
539BCE: Neo-Babylonian Empire falls to Cyrus the Great (Perisan Empire)
Step 3: The Persian Empire sends us home! (538BCE)



Primary Themes of Haggai:

·       The necessity to rebuild the Temple!

·       ‘On that day’ no longer refers to returning from exile 

·       Haggai speaks to the leadership – more like the historical prophets than the literary prophets!





Structure of Haggai


Content
Verses
Section 1: Accusation!
Chapter 1
Superscript – so many details!
1:1
Why haven’t you built the House?
1:2-11
The people respond – building begins
1:12-15a


Section 2: One Month Later:
Problem of Expectations
Chapter 2:1-9
Don’t be disappointed – be strong
1:15b-2:5
A day is coming…
2:6-9


Section 3: Two Months Later:
Covenant
Chapter 2:10-19
Purity and impurity
2:10-19




Section 4: Future Hope
Chapter 2:20-23
Zerubbabel is chosen?





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  2. Ed TeegerMarch 15, 2024 at 9:15 PM

    A very deep teaching, building on current values and inspiration. Thank you.

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