Haggai

1

In the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord comes via Haggai to Zerubbabel (governor of Jerusalem) and Joshua (the high priest). The Lord complains that the people say it is not time for the temple to be finished. The Lord criticises the procrastination and lack of progress. The houses of individuals are in working order, but the house of the Lord is not. Go up to the mountains and bring wood. The people act on God’s words via Haggai.


2

The Lord confronts the anxiety that the current temple is far less impressive than Solomon’s. Be strong. Haggai questions the priests. Will food touched by a garment that carries holy meat be made likewise holy? No. If a dead body touches any of these, will be render them impure? Yes. Holiness is not contagious, but impurity is. In the same way, living in the holy land and offering sacrifices does not make one holy, so long as they are unclean through neglect of the Lord. A recent drought is seen as a consequence of the people’s refusal to build the temple. God sees their change of heart and promises a harvest of blessing to come. The Lord speaks to Zerubbabel via Haggai – the gentile nations will be overcome. Zerubbabel will be made the Lord’s signet ring.