Haggai

The long years of exile have run their course. The edict of Cyrus had released the captives. They were now at liberty to return to their own land. They were urged to do so, to reestablish their national institutions and rebuild the temple, the central fact in their religious life. … Sixteen years after they were released by Cyrus, Haggai stirred them out of their indifference and the work on the Temple was resumed. (from Dickson Bible)

“These people say, ‘The time has not yet come for the Lord's house to be built.’ But Haggai as directed by the Lord said ‘Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?’ … Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord.’” (Hag 1:2, 3-4; 7-8)

“Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord. … They came and began to work on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God.” (Hag 1:12; 14)

“‘Be strong, O Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among

• Do not fear.’” (Hag 2:4-5)

Key Point from Haggai ➢ The Lord is not pleased when His people put themselves first rather than Him.