WHO WROTE:  Haggai.

 

 

WHAT TIME PERIOD IS COVERED:  According to Haggai 1:1, Haggai began to prophecy “In the second year of Darius the king,” which would be B.C. 520, the same as Zechariah (Zec. 1:1).

 

 

WHEN WRITTEN:  The Book of Haggai was written in B.C. 475, some 18 years after Cyrus had conquered Babylon and issued the decree in B.C. 457, to rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 7:6-14).

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Haggai was probably considered the most successful prophet, because he encouraged the people while the Temple was being rebuilt.  The name Haggai means, “My feast.” It is a name most likely given to him by his parents in anticipation of the joyous return from exile.  Haggai is referred to in Ezra 5:1; 6:14, and in the New Testament in Hebrews 12:26(compared to Hag. 2:6-7 & 22).  Haggai’s prophecies are composed of four distinct discourses, all four being delivered within a 4-month time period (1st day of the 6th month, Hag. 1:1 [English calendar of September], to the 24th day of the 9th month, Hag. 2:10 [English calendar of December]).

 

Five times in the 38 verses of his prophecies, he tells us that, “the Word of Yahweh came” unto him Haggai 1:1 & 3; 2:1 & 10 & 20.  Four times also, he uses the formula, “Thus saith Yahweh of hosts,” Haggai 1:2 & 5 & 7 & 2:11.  Five times he states, “saith Yahweh of hosts,” Haggai 1:9 & 2:6 & 7 & 9 & 23.  And Four times he simply states, “saith Yahweh,” Haggai 1:13 & 2:4 & 14 & 17.  Altogether he uses the exalted phrase, “Yahweh of hosts,” fourteen times (besides the 19 repetitions of the single, but indescribable name -- “Yahweh”).

 

“In tender compassion, the Lord wrought in a marked manner to save His chosen people from utter spiritual ruin.  The prophets Haggai and Zechariah were raised up to meet the crisis.  In stirring testimonies these appointed messengers of God revealed to the people the cause of their troubles.  Their lack of temporal prosperity was the result of their neglect to consider God and by showing Him due respect and courtesy, through the building of His House, they would have invited His presence and blessing.” RH, December 5, 1907.

 

“For over a year the temple was neglected and well-nigh forsaken.  The people dwelt in their homes and strove to attain temporal prosperity, but their situation was deplorable.  Work as they might they did not prosper.  The very elements of nature seemed to conspire against them.  Because they had let the Temple lie waste, the Lord sent upon their substance a wasting drought.  God had bestowed upon them the fruits of field and garden, the corn and the wine and the oil, as a token of His favor; but because they had used these bountiful gifts so selfishly, the blessings were removed.” PK:573.  See also Leviticus 26:16 & 20.