Historical Background Of Haggai

The remnant of Israel returned to Palestine to begin rebuilding in 536 BC (Ezra 1-2). The restoration enthusiasm was soon doused by the monumental task of rebuilding the city from its charred ruins. Add to this the constant danger from their neighbors, the rigorous work before them, and the unyielding resistance they faced, and the work soon ceased (Ezra 4).

The people became concerned with their own personal well-being. They postponed work on God’s house until they took care of their own matters. Thus, all of their energies were expended in struggling to survive in their new home. Once their necessities were met, their spiritual zeal was sapped and they became apathetic toward restoring the temple. Therefore, God sent His messengers Haggai and Zechariah to inspire the remnant to finish the work they had begun 16 years earlier (Ezra 5:1-2; 6:14-15).

Message Of Haggai

Summarized in the statement “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” (1:4). They needed to examine their priorities—the time had passed for them to get settled in their homes. They needed to finish rebuilding the temple.