Haggai

Haggai Homework

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the book.

Haggai prophesied during very specific times in a four month period to Judah. He was speaking towards the governor and high priest of the newly established Jerusalem (1:1). Just a few years before, Cyrus had allowed many of the people to return to Judah and they were beginning to rebuild the city. However, their focus was on the rest of the town and they were ignoring the temple (1:4-5). Haggai is written and proclaimed like a nudge to the people to keep their priorities straight within this new beginning. They were encouraged to focus on rebuilding the temple first and foremost so that the Lord may dwell among them. (1:7) And the people listened! (1:12)

2. What does this book show of the Character and Nature of God as well as His plan for redemption?

In Haggai, the Lord has a much softer tone compared to the rest of the prophets. They had just endured the destruction of the city and spent years in exile. But after being humbled, the Lord gives them hope by allowing them out of exile. In this book we see a stern yet tender heart of God (1:2:1-5). He still desires to dwell among them and he does not want to see them stray away as before (1:8). He knows that a lesson has been taught to the people and he wants to remind them to walk in it. So he reminds them and continues to walk with them. It’s very hopeful (2:6-9).