OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF HAGGAI

By Gene McCarty

   The prophet Haggai is well known to us and his work and ministry is a beautiful work showing the loving hand of God. The Jewish people have been taken into captivity and reduced to a remnant. They are now allowed to return to their land by king Cyrus. They have returned and begun a vigorous rebuilding of their homes. However, they have given no energy to rebuild the Temple or their worship to God. The prophet Haggai begins to speak to them in 520 B.C. about their need to rebuild the temple, and be faithful to God.

1. In the first discourse (chapter one) from the prophet the Lord challenges the people to think carefully about their relationship with God, and their lack of prosperity since they have returned from captivity. They are directed to go to work constructing the Temple of the Lord, and are told that the reason for their lack of success is their own lack of faithfulness to God.
    

2. In the second discourse (chapter two thru verse nine) the prophet speaks to the governor and high priest about the temple and the poor appearance of what used to be such an impressive structure. In fact the Lord says "does it seem to you like nothing." He goes on to say, "The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house." The text certainly raises the issue of glory in the eyes of God or in the eyes of men.
    

3. In the third discourse (chapter two verse ten thru nineteen) addresses the worship and sacrifice of the remnant who have returned and explains that man can expect failure when he seeks to give God second best or to put God in second place. The final line is "from this day on I will bless you.
    

4. The final discourse speaks of the Lord shaking the heavens and the earth to accomplish his purpose. The Lord has a plan that involves Zerubbabel and he speaks a little of that plan. This is a wonderful little book and the messages ring of man's need to be faithful to the Lord in all our ways. The blessings that the Lord provides to his faithful are wonderful.