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The Book of Haggai in 4 Sermons

An exegetical study of Haggai's four prophecies, examining their historical context, theological themes, contemporary applications, and sample sermon outlines.

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By Matt Heerema
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Section 1

Context

The book of Ezra recounts the return of an Israelite remnant to Jerusalem from their captivity in Babylon. In 538 B.C., the Israelites were allowed by King Cyrus to return to rebuild the temple and the city.[1] The book of Haggai contains a prophecy referred to in Ezra 5:1 that abjures the people, who have gotten complacent in the work of rebuilding the temple, to action. The prophecy is dated to the day: "the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month" which gives us a date of August 29, 520 B.C. As a result of their having abandoned God's command to rebuild the temple for almost two decades, the people were suffering under the curses promised in Deuteronomy, Hosea, and others. However, upon reception of the Haggai's and Zechariah's prophecies, the rouse to action, and the Lord blesses them with his presence and favor on their work. This is a partial fulfilment of the restoration foreseen and promised by the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Micah, and Isaiah.

Analysis

In Haggai ch. 1, God confronts Zerubbabel and Joshua through the prophet Haggai. The main problem being addressed is the unfinished work of rebuilding the temple. The rebuilding work had ceased, and people were instead seeking the comfort of their own dwellings. Through Haggai, in verses 5 and 6, God tells the people to think carefully about their situation ("set your heart on your ways…"): they are seeking material pleasure in their work, food, drink, clothing, and money, but none of it is satisfying them. They are also experiencing a poor crop due to a drought. Their work is producing futility. The Lord tells them why: "because my house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house" (Hag 1:9).[2] They have gotten off mission. They were there to rebuild God's temple, not to make nice houses for themselves. The prophet explains that the reason for the drought is this disobedience.

The people respond with repentance and obedience and got back to work on the temple. As a result, Haggai announces the Lord's forgiveness: "I am with you – this is the Lord's declaration" (Hag 1:13).

Problems

Some issues raised by this section include God's sovereignty over their suffering due to the drought: "I ruined it" (Hag 1:9), the concept of God's judgement and justice generally, and the phrase "feared the Lord" (Hag 1:12). The phrase "fear of the Lord" carries the sense of reverence and worship of a glorious master, rather than being afraid of the whims of a tyrant. God's judgement is an aspect of his righteousness, we should want God to be a just God. The problem lies in our awareness of our offense before him. As for God's sovereignty over natural disaster, The Creator controls His creation. He wields it in His righteous judgements. Mercifully, God warns us of the situation ahead of time (for example, in Deut 28) that we might avoid it!

Themes

An overarching theme found in this first section comes from v. 12, the Israelites in Jerusalem are identified as "the remnant" which is used throughout prophetic literature when speaking of the Israelites returning from exile (see Isaiah 10:20, Jer 31:7-9, Mic 7:18, Zeph 3:12-13).[3] Finally, the concept appears again in Revelation 12:17, the "rest of the woman's offspring" (KJV, "remnant"), are identified as "those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus." It is a marker of covenant faithfulness for God's people throughout history. In Haggai, God is calling His remnant to be who they are.

Obligations

This section calls to us to "think carefully" about our ways. As 2 Corinthians 13:5 says "test yourself to see whether you are in the faith." Jesus teaches us in Luke 13:4 that while it is not the case that every natural disaster or suffering is a direct result of sin, every suffering is an opportunity to "think carefully" about our ways and repent where needed. Most specifically, this passage reminds Christians that we are to be about our Lord's Great Commission, to make disciples of all nations, and not get distracted by material prosperity.

Reflection

Haggai ch. 1 is a record of God confronting His people about their disobedience to His command. In it we see our tendency toward distraction from the mission with "the cares of the world" (Matthew 13:22.) We also see God keeping His covenant promise of restoration of fellowship that comes from repentance and obedience.

Sermon Outline

  1. Introduction: Jesus warns us in the "Parable of the Sower" that the desire for riches and the cares of the world can choke out fruitfulness in our faith. Haggai chapter 1 gives us a glimpse into the life of the nation of Israel at a time when despite God's blessing of releasing them from captivity in Babylon, they quickly get distracted by material possessions.
  2. Main point: Think carefully about your ways. Are you on mission, or distracted by the cards of the world? (v 1-15)
    1. God calls us to mission (v 1-4)
      1. God initiates a covenant with his people and blesses them with relationship and a life mission: commands that lead to their thriving.
      2. Illustration: a parent who asks a child to help with household chores for the mutual benefit of the whole family. The child receives benefit from the parent and other family members, as well as gives benefit to others, but what happens when the child disobeys and gets distracted with toys?
      3. Remnant Israel was called by God to a mission or rebuilding the temple. We are called to build His Kingdom by His Great Commission.
    2. God calls us to think carefully about our lifestyle (v5-11)
      1. Israel was experiencing futility in the work of their hands.
      2. God mercifully drew their attention to their disobedience through the prophet.
      3. We are called by the scriptures to examine ourselves, whether we are on God's mission, or distracted by the cares of the world.
    3. God responds to repentance and empowers us on mission (v 12-15)
      1. God grants repentance to His people by His spirit.
      2. The repentance is evidenced by His people's obedience to his commands.
      3. Relationship is restored when repentance happens.
  3. Conclusion: Remnant Israel heeded the warning of the prophet and repented, and God declared "I am with you." Today, those who keep the commands of God: holding firmly to the testimony about Jesus (Revelation 12:17), prove themselves to be God's remnant people, who are in Jesus, Emmanuel: God with us.

Section 2

Context

The second oracle given through Haggai in ch. 2 vv.1-9 comes on the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a time celebrating the exodus from Egypt and the fall harvest.[4] The prophecy points back to "This promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt" (Hag 2:5), a promise of God's presence, favor, and rescuing power.

Analysis

God comforts those who are grieving over the memory of the glorious temple built by Solomon, because the rebuilt temple pales in comparison. God promises that their labor is not in vain, and to keep working, because there is a house of God coming whose glory far exceeds even Solomon's temple, and there will be peace for Jerusalem in that day.

Problems

The glory of Solomon's temple is a difficult thing for modern readers to appreciate. We did not witness Jerusalem at the height of its prosperity as did some of the recipients of this prophecy. Therefore, the promise of an even more glorious house for God seems to be a nebulous promise. By reading and meditating on the description of the temple found in 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles, we can grow in our appreciate for the significance of Solomon's temple, which gives us a greater appreciation for the still-to-come new temple!

Themes

The theme of the temple, God's dwelling place runs from Genesis to Revelation throughout the whole Bible. In Genesis God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. In Exodus, God's glory was housed in the tabernacle. In the histories, Solomon's temple was filled with God's glory. The glory of the Lord departed Jerusalem at the Exile, only to return hundreds of years later when Christ entered on a donkey. Every believer in Christ now serves as a dwelling place for the Spirit, and the church is built, brick by brick, to God's new temple, whose glory outstrips even Solomon's temple, and one day, the whole earth will be the Holy of Holies, and the dwelling place of God will finally be with man once more.[5]

Obligations

This passage reminds modern readers to place their hope in future blessing (1 Peter 1:13). Because of the hope we have of God's future blessing, and His promise to provide for the work He has for us to do (2 Cor 9:8), we can work hard in the present with expectation that our work will bear fruit (1 Cor 15:58).

Reflection

Main point: God calls people to take heart in His promise that their work will be successful based on His presence with them and His fulfillment of past promises to rescue them.

Fallen condition focus: We live in a world that is broken by the effects of our sin and the attack of our enemy. We often lose heart at the futility of our present situation and seeming lack of progress in Gods call on our life.

Redemptive historical focus: God promises rescue from our current situation, the successful completion of the work He calls us to. He promises this based on His past deeds, and His current presence with us.

Sermon Outline

  1. Introduction: When we look around at the world, it is easy to despair. There is so much evil and suffering, and it often seems that especially in our culture, unrighteousness is prevailing, and our culture continually and increasingly gives in to lies. We are tasked with bringing God's truth to the world, but the task is so daunting when the culture is so opposed to righteousness.
  2. Main point: God promises that His mission will be successful and your work on that mission will bear fruit. (Hag 2:1-9)
    1. God promises to be with us as we work in His mission. (v. 1-5)
      1. God assured remnant Israel that He was present with them as they obeyed His command to rebuild the temple. They were to take courage from His presence!
      2. Illustration: Sheep are calm when the shepherd is nearby.
      3. In the same way: we can take courage because He is with us!
    2. God promises that His mission will succeed (v. 6-9)
      1. God explains to remnant Israel that despite all appearances to the contrary, the temple will not only be rebuilt but will exceed Solomon's temple in glory! He promises that He will turn the current order of things upside down and restore Israel's fortune and prosperity, and finally bring peace and stability to the land.
      2. This promise will ultimately be fulfilled in the New Earth in the eschaton. We should work with heart, knowing that our labor is not in vain, and that at the return of King Jesus, all will finally be made right.
    3. God promises to be with us as we work in His mission. (v. 1-5)
      1. God assured remnant Israel that He was present with them as they obeyed His command to rebuild the temple. They were to take courage from His presence!
      2. Illustration: Sheep are calm when the shepherd is nearby.
        In the same way: we can take courage because He is with us!
  3. Conclusion: Just as God brought Israel out of captivity in Egypt and set them in the Promised Land, He restored the remnant from exile in Babylon and made a promise to fill His house with glory. He promises that one day He will finally upset the order of sinful man and fallen creation and restore everything to a glory that far exceeds even the height of earthly Israel's prosperity. We look forward to the coming of The Prince of Peace who will finally provide full peace to the whole world.

Section 3

Context

The third prophecy comes two months after the second and is given "to" rather than "through" Haggai, who is then to speak with the priests. It asks for instruction from the Torah dealing with the transference of purity and impurity from ritual sacrifices described in Leviticus chs. 6-7.[6] Returning to the curses for disobedience outlined in Deuteronomy 28, the prophecy reminds them, in the words of Amos 4:9, that before they began work on the temple, they were under judgement. It goes on further to reference the poor harvest being experienced by the remnant (vv. 16-17), and its logical consequence, being at the end of the year, with no food stored, they are now depending on a new crop in the new year for survival!

Analysis

Verses 11-14 deal with the transference of purity and impurity. Purity is not transferred, only impurity can be transferred. This means that even though the people are restarting the work, faithful obedience that restores relationship, ritual purity does not come because of their obedience! Their work is not an atoning sacrifice. They can't rely on their works to purify them. They are then told to "think carefully" about the state they were in prior to beginning the work: under curse for disobedience. They are told a second time to "think carefully" about their present situation: in desperate need of rescue: if there is no crop in the coming year, they will starve because their stores are empty. Finally, God issues a promise of mercy: because they have repented, from this day on, they will be blessed!

Problems

The concept of defilement will be difficult for a modern audience. Under the Old Covenant, coming into contact with a corpse causes someone to be ritually unclean, unfit for appearing before the Lord in worship. This will be difficult for an audience with a New Covenant understanding that "nothing that goes into you from the outside can make you unclean" (Mark 7:15). Further, the idea that apart from God's mercy, we are as impure as someone who has come into contact with a corpse will be difficult for a secular audience who believes in the inherent goodness of humanity! This sentiment echoes Isaiah 64:6 that even our righteous deeds are as filthy rags. We fail to understand the perfect Holiness of God.

Themes

Ritual cleanness is a theme that pervades both testaments. The earliest pages of Genesis show a sacrificial system for atonement (Gen 3:21, 4:3-4), the Mosaic covenant described especially in Leviticus is meticulously concerned with ritual cleanliness. The prophets everywhere allude to cleanness and uncleanness (e.g., Isaiah 64:6, Ezekiel 36:25, Zech 3:3). Many of Jesus's teaching and miracles dealt with cleansing the unclean. Paul's epistles explain the idea of justification from our sin.

Obligations

The thrust of this passage is for Israel to "think carefully" about their situation. God's word came through His messenger revealing their uncleanness before God, the curse they are under because of their sin, and the dire need for God's blessing and mercy to rescue them from famine. This reminds the modern audience to similarly consider their plight. The obligation is for us to stand before God's word in the scriptures (given by the apostles and prophets), and consider our ways carefully in light of them.

Reflection

Main point: God calls His people to recognize that their righteous deeds do not purify them, and that they are in a position of need of his mercy.

Fallen condition focus: We are all unclean before the Lord, like one under the Old Covenant who has come into contact with a corpse. We cannot save ourselves with the work of our hands. Without God, we are without hope in the world (Ephesians 2:12). We are likewise dependent on him for our everyday needs.

Redemptive historical focus: God promises rescue for those who repent and turn to Him in faith. Through faith in Christ's work, we are made clean. Our gracious father will grant us our daily bread.

Sermon Outline

  1. Introduction: The gospel our culture preaches is that truth, meaning, goodness, and identity is found by looking within. You create your own truth. Right and wrong are what you decide they are. Even as Christians, it is easy to rest on the laurels of a profession of faith, and get proud in our correct theology and ethical living. Today's passage calls us to humility and to "think carefully" about our state before a Holy God apart from Christ.
  2. Main point: We are dependent on God for life and godliness. (Hag 2:10-19)
    1. Apart from Christ, we are defiled. (vv. 11-14)
      1. In their disobedience, remnant Israel was ritually unclean as one who has come into contact with a corpse. The work of their hands could not purify them, rather, their uncleanness defiled the work.
      2. Throughout the Bible, we learn that we all are radically infected with sin, inclined toward evil from birth.
      3. Application: your works cannot save you.
    2. Apart from Christ, we are under the curse. (vv. 15-17)
      1. Remnant Israel was experiencing the curses for disobedience in the Old Covenant, warned of in Deuteronomy 28, and Amos 4. Consequence from God for their sin to get their attention.
      2. Because of our sin, we are all children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), bound for judgement.
    3. In Christ, God will bless us with everything we need. (vv. 18-19)
      1. Once Israel heeded the warnings of God from the prophet, and repented, and restarted the work, God responded in mercy. God points out that their situation is still dire, they need God to come through for them, but God promises to do so.
      2. Christ taught us to pray to God for our daily bread. He promises that God will provide food, clothing, and shelter to those who seek the Kingdom first (Matthew 6:25-33). Further, Peter declares that God's divine power has granted to us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). In Christ, we have everything we need.
  3. Conclusion: In this passage, God calls our attention to our dire state apart from Him: defiled, under the curse, unable to rescue ourselves, in need of rescue. God promises restoration for repentance and faithful dependence on Him. In Christ, God provides for all of our spiritual need and promises to come through on all our physical needs.

Section 4

Context

The final prophecy in Haggai 2:20-23 occurs on the same day as the third. Reference is again made to "shaking the heavens and the earth" as in Hag 2:6. This language is used in Ezekiel 38:20, Psalm 96:9, 114:7, Joel 3:16, and elsewhere for the earth's reaction to the appearance and judgement of the Lord. Hebrews 12:26-29 uses this same language to state that the world is destined for destruction, but we (God's people) have come to a Kingdom (in Christ) that cannot be shaken!

Verse 22 describes the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, chariots and riders, a notable allusion to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:21) and the pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 15:4).

Analysis

In this passage, the prophet Haggai addresses Zerubbabel personally. God promises the defeat of all Israel's enemies, and the reestablishment of the throne of David through Zerubbabel, David's descendant.

Problems

One concept that modern audiences will struggle with is the judicial destruction of gentile kingdoms. Without a strong sense of God's sovereignty, holiness, righteousness, and justice, this might seem unfair. Who is God that He would play favorites? Don't the gentiles have just as much right to a kingdom as Israel? Understanding the rebellion of mankind against their creator, and the fact that the nations ran after other gods who were not God their creator and master brings perspective. Also understanding that apart from the mercy and grace of God, Israel is in the same boat as the gentile kingdoms: under judgement and overthrown for their rebellion. Saved not because of their superiority or righteousness, but because of the sovereign, electing, decision of God to use them as His instrument to save the world through Jesus.

Themes

One theme mentioned here is God's choosing Zerubbabel as his signet ring. This is the restoration of a king to the David throne, following through on God's promise to David that he will always have a descendant on a throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Zerubbabel is only partially successful in the things God says He will accomplish through him. Zerubbabel is a type who points to Jesus, the greater Zerubbabel, God's chosen, the King who will sit on the throne of David forever.

Obligations

This final passage shows God's faithfulness to His promises, namely that He will preserve a line on David's throne. It causes us to look forward to "that day" when The Lord appears at the second coming, and finally overturns all earthly powers, and reigns forever. This is the ultimate ground of all our hope.

Reflection

Main point: God is restoring His people, placing a king back on the throne of David, and promising that one day all God's enemies will be placed at the feet of his King, Jesus.

Fallen condition focus: now we live in a time when there are gentile kingdoms and rulers who are opposed to God.

Redemptive historical focus: God will finally overthrow these kingdoms and establish His eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken. We who are in Christ are part of that Kingdom and have confidence that we will dwell there forever.

Sermon Outline

  1. Introduction: Many of our brothers and sisters all over the world are suffering under governments who are hostile to God and His Kingdom. As our government seems to be increasingly hostile to those who live according to God's Word, where can we look for hope?
  2. Main point: God is faithful to His promise of a King and a Kingdom for His People.
    1. God will shake the heavens and the earth. (vv. 20-21)
      1. Because of the curse of sin, the heavens and the earth groan with futility, awaiting deliverance. God will shake the present order with is second coming, and free it from its bondage.
      2. We should not despair when we experience suffering in the world. We wait with eager expectation of the day when He will reverse the curse and redeem all things.
    2. God will shake earthly kingdoms. (vv. 22)
      1. Like remnant Israel in captivity, at the present time, God's people suffer under the rule of unrighteous rulers. Judgement is coming and they will be overthrown.
      2. We should not fear those who can only kill the body and after that have nothing they can do to us (Matthew 10:28).
      3. We should pray for all those in high places so that we can lead a peaceful and quiet life on mission (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
      4. We live in hope of God perhaps saving some kings and authorities that we made lead peaceful lives (1 Tim 2:5) but ultimately, we live in the sure hope that one day every knee will bow to Christ as King (Romans 14:11).
    3. Come to the kingdom that cannot be shaken. (vv. 23)
      1. God's restoration of the throne of David in verse 23 reminds us of His faithful promise to rule the earth with righteousness. We who are in Christ can live life now under His rule according to His truth and thrive among His people (1 Timothy 3:15).
      2. Even though we will experience physical suffering, and spiritual struggle, we know our destiny is sure.
  3. Conclusion: Haggai closes with an encouraging glimpse of the future when Christ will return to reign in righteousness for eternity. He will end oppression and injustice. He will establish righteousness, wipe away every tear, and death and the grave will no longer have victory. Thanks be to God who throughout the ages, despite our rebellion, continually works to save a people for His own possession: "...living stones that He is building into His glorious house, a holy priesthood who will offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Beale, G. K. The Temple and the Church's Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God. Edited by D. A. Carson. Vol. 17. New Studies in Biblical Theology. Downers Grove, IL; England: InterVarsity Press; Apollos, 2004.

Hill, Andrew E. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary. Edited by David G. Firth. Vol. 28. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2012.

Jacobs, Mignon R. The Books of Haggai and Malachi. Edited by E. J. Young, R. K. Harrison, and Robert L. Hubbard Jr. New International Commentary on the Old and New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2017.

Notes

1. 1. Andrew E. Hill, *Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary*. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2012), 45.

2. 2. Unless otherwise specified, all Bible references in this paper are to the English Standard Version (ESV) (Wheaton, IL, Crossway Bibles, 2016).

3. 3. Mignon R. Jacobs, *The Books of Haggai and Malachi*. New International Commentary on the Old and New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2017), 63.

4. 4. Hill, 75

5. 5. For a full explanation of the typology of the temple, see: G. K. Beale, *The Temple and the Church's Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God*, Edited by D. A. Carson, Vol. 17, New Studies in Biblical Theology (Downers Grove, IL; England: InterVarsity Press; Apollos, 2004)

6. 6. Hill, 86-87.

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