Haggai: Lesson 1

Background:  All dates are BC, of course.

            -Returned with remnants under Zerubbbabel, 536

            -3 messages between Sept. 2, 520 and Dec. 24, 520.

            -Referred to by Ezra twice (Ezr. 5:1-2; 6:14)

            - Zechariah began between Haggai’s second and third messages.

            -Darius I (521-486) King throughout Haggai and Zechariah’s ministries.

            -Haggai was a contemporary of Zechariah, Ezra, Esther and Nehemiah.  During the period covered in Ezra (B.C. 538-444), Haggai, (520), Zechariah (520-470) and Nehemiah (B.C. 444-425), Buddha (B.C. 560-480) was in India, Confucius (B.C. 551-479) was in China and Socrates (B.C. 470-399) was in Greece.

            -At the opening of Haggai, Building had started in 536 and stopped after opposition primarily from the Samaritans 534.  The people who had left Babylonia with such enthusiasm became discouraged.  In their discouragement, they turned from building the temple to taking care of themselves.  They had the same lack of faith their ancestors had when they first approached the Promised Land with Moses and were afraid to go in. Building resumed 520, completed 516.

            -Haggai’s words are both practical and prophetic.

            -Importance of Zerubbabel - descendant of David via Solomon or Nathan (?). He was the common ancestor of both Mary (Matt. 1:12) and Joseph (Luke 3:27)

Questions:

1. Read Ezra 5:1-2 and 6:14.  Haggai and Zechariah were instrumental in getting the temple rebuilt, although, apparently, neither lifted a finger.  What was their contribution?

1a.  They were effective because the governor, Zerubbabel, listened to them.  How important is it that our leaders have people advising them based on God’s laws and principles?  What was the effect of the Clinton administration on this country’s ethical and moral fiber? What were some legislation or events that support your position?

This is an election year, discuss how we can learn of the people who will surround and advise the men and women running for office.                                                                        

1b.  Had the people who returned not listened to Zerubbabel, Haggai and Zehariah, the temple would not have been completed.  To whom do the people of our country listen?  How can we curb or counter the effect of the media without losing freedom of speech?

2. Read Haggai 1:1-2.  What does God usually call the Israelites? (Ex. Ch. 8, 2Sam. 7:7-7:11, Jer. 2:31-32). What is the significance of the change in pronoun?  When do we signify displeasure by changing pronouns when referring to someone or something?

3. Read Haggai 1:3-5  What is God saying here?  What does He say about where our priorities should be? (Hint: Matt. 6:33)  How does this apply to tithing?

4. Read Haggai 1:6. This is the human condition without God. (Compare to Eccles. 1:8-9, 2:11, 5:10-11.)  How does the presence of the Holy Spirit and the Promise of Eternal life change this condition?

5. Read Haggai 1:7.  When you consider your ways, what conclusions do you reach?