Haggai Introduction

Haggai lived in the 6th. Century B.C., in the post-exile period. His family background is unknown but tradition has it that he had "priestly" connections and was born in Babylon during the exile. The date of the book is established as "16 years after the first return of the Jews from Babylon" or about 520 B.C. The book presents the social and economic conditions in Jerusalem at that time. Luxurious private homes had been built with the money that the Jews had made in Babylon while the Temple had remained in ruins. Then bad weather conditions brought on a shortage of food, complacency brought on inferior merchandise, the supply of money made for a lack in workman and all this brought on inflation. The term "wages in a bag full of holes", described the high cost of living.

Politically, the Jews were hounded by neighboring nations. Samaria, on the north, that had been populated by the Assyrians after the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was very hostile to the returning Jews. Persia, who was growing in power, had overrun the countryside in route to Egypt. Private housing was certainly important in the re-settlement of Jerusalem, but not at the expense of God's House. Haggai became very excited over Zerubbabel's leadership in the restoration of the Temple and he nominated the Judean Governor as the one chosen to bring Judah back into the "family of nations".

Haggai's favorite instruction to Zerubbabel and Joshua, the High Priest, both of whom the letter was addressed, was "Consider..." The little book, of only 2 chapters, contains 4 sermons.

1. The first sermon, "Warning".
2. The second sermon, "Encouragement", a month later.
3. The third sermon, "Condemnation and Blessing", two months later.
4. The fourth sermon, "Promise", some day.

Study of the Book of Haggai

Subject	Chapter
Haggai's First Sermon	1
Haggai's Next Three Sermons	2

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