The book of Haggai has two chapters and 38 verses. The name Haggai means "the joyous one" or "the festive one." Haggai returned from Babylonian captivity with the remnant that accompanied Zerubbabel. The first writing prophet to return from captivity, Haggai was contemporary with Zechariah. His writings centered on one main thought -- completing the temple's rebuilding! In this short book, the phrase, "thus saith the Lord of hosts," appears more than 20 times. Haggai brought from God a message that challenged them to break their bad habits of the past and to complete the task at hand. This prophet tried to ignite a spark that would motivate God's people to act. One who reads this book can see the sense of urgency in the prophet's words. God set this special man on fire with zeal for accomplishing the job of getting the people to rebuild the temple. His words may not have been as fiery or pointed as those of some of the prophets, but they were very effective. He delivered God's message to these Jews.
Haggai offered four basic messages. The first, rebuke for indifference. "...This people says, the time has not come, the time that the Lord's house should be built. Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet saying, Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in paneled houses, and the temple to lie in ruins? ... Consider your ways!..."{Haggai 1:2-5} What resulted from the rebuke? They were stirred to action, and they feared the Lord's presence. They obeyed His voice (Haggai 1:12-15).
Second, the glory of the temple. "Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, it this not in your eyes nothing? ... and be strong, all you people of the land, says the Lord, and work; for I am with you, say the Lord of hosts." {Haggai 2:3,4} The latter glory would be greater than the former, because it would be fulfilled through Christ Jesus! They didn't need to worry about comparisons to the first temple -- just about building it!
Third, completing the temple guaranteed God's blessings. "Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid -- consider it: is the seed still in the barn? As yet the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yielded fruit. But from this day forward I will bless you." {Haggai 2:18,19} Obeying God has always brought His people blessings, and disobedience has caused misery and suffering.
Fourth, exaltation of Zerubbabel. "In that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will take you Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the Lord, and will make you as a signet ring; for I have chosen you says the Lord of hosts." {Haggai 2:23} Through Zerubbabel, God would revive the promise He made to David. God always offers His people hope.
Some lessons from Haggai to consider: Put first things first! The people dwelt in paneled houses, while the Lord's house lay ruined. Their priorities were backward! Today, many of God's people have the same problem. We must seek the kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).
Importance of self-examination. Haggai told the people to "consider their ways." From time to time, we need to see where we are, and where we are heading. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul commands us to do so.
Obligations do not disappear in face of opposition. While rebuilding, they encountered some opposition, so they ceased working. While rebuilding the walls during the days of Nehemiah, they met with opposition -- but the work continued, and they finished in 52 days! God expects us to work in spite of opposition and to focus on our goals. May God help us to learn these lessons from Haggai to make us more productive members of His kingdom!