I. Summary
Haggai delivers messages of confidence and assurance to Zerubbabel the governor, Joshua the high priest, and the rest of the Temple’s rebuilders.
II. Photo
The rebuilders may lose hope: “Who is there left among you who saw this House in its former splendor? How does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing to you.” (v. 3)
III. Select Verses
3: Who is there left among you who saw this House in its former splendor? How does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing to you.
5: So I promised you when you came out of Egypt, and My spirit is still in your midst. Fear not!
9: The glory of this latter House shall be greater than that of the former one, said the LORD of Hosts; and in this place I will grant prosperity — declares the LORD of Hosts.
15-19: And now take thought, from this day backward: As long as no stone had been laid on another in the House of the LORD, if one came to a heap of twenty measures, it would yield only ten; and if one came to a wine vat to skim off fifty measures, the press would yield only twenty. I struck you — all the works of your hands — with blight and mildew and hail, but you did not return to Me — declares the LORD. Take note, from this day forward — from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day when the foundation was laid for the LORD’s Temple — take note while the seed is still in the granary, and the vine, fig tree, pomegranate, and olive tree have not yet borne fruit. For from this day on I will send blessings.
22-23: And I will overturn the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the might of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overturn chariots and their drivers. Horses and their riders shall fall, each by the sword of his fellow. On that day — declares the LORD of Hosts — I will take you, O My servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel — declares the LORD — and make you as a signet; for I have chosen you — declares the LORD of Hosts.
IV. Outline
1-9. First oracle
1-2. Introduction
3. The temple lacks its former glory
4-5. Yahweh’s affirmation of confidence
6-8. Yahweh will bring international riches and glory to the temple
9. The second temple will be greater than the first
10-19. Second oracle
10-11a. Introduction
11b-14. Analogy of impurity
15-19. Before the building began there were curses, now there are blessings
20-23. Third oracle
20-21a. Introduction
22. The mighty kingdoms will fall
23. Zerubbable will be lifted high
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Photo copied from http://images.businessweek.com/story/09/600/0519_construction.jpg