Haggai 2:1-23
Q.1. Why was Judah to consider the former glory of the temple? On what basis was the promise given to the leaders and their people? When would it be fulfilled? – (Hag.2:1-9)
Haggai was commanded to bring a message to Zerubbabel, the governor, and to Joshua, the High Priest (Hag.2:1-2). They were asked to compare the Temple with the glory of the former Temple. There was no comparison. (Hag.2:3 c.f. Ezra 3:12-13). Then came a surprising and encouraging prophecy, based on the promise made when Israel come out of Egypt. This guaranteed – for I am with you … My Spirit is abiding in your midst; Do not fear! (Hag.2:4-5). Therefore, they should take courage, and do their part to work and rebuild. God promised – The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts,and in this place I will give peace,’ declares the Lord of hosts (Hag.2:9). The reason God could make such a promise was that – The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine,’ declares the Lord of hosts (Hag.1:8). He is the Maker and Owner of absolutely everything. God also defined when this will take place – 6 …Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. 7 I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts (Hag.2:6-7). Clearly, this has never yet happened. It therefore points to the Millennial Reign of Christ (c.f. Zech.14:9, 16-21; Revelation chapters 6-20).
Q.2. What point was Haggai making by asking the priests for a ruling? What contrast was God making between the past, present, and future? – (Hag.2:10-19)
The point the Lord was making, was that His people were unclean – … So is this people. And so is this nation before Me,’ declares the Lord,and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean (Hag.2:14). He further drove home the unfaithfulness of the people, by explaining that all their frustrations came about because – I smote you and every work of your hands with blasting wind, mildew, and hail; yet you did not come back to Me,’ declares the Lord (Hag.2:17). Everything looked hopeless. However, in the light of such reversals they were asked to consider – … Yet from this day on I will bless you (Hag.2:19). They were instructed not to compare either the past or the present with the future. God would win through and bless a remnant again.
Q.3. How was Judah encouraged to take action? What blessing would God bestow on Zerubbabel? How would his spirit persist to future days? – (Hag.2:19-23 C.F. Zech.4:1-7)
Zerubabbel was to act, since his future before God was guaranteed. Zerubabbel was the representative of the Davidic covenant and monarchy, and in direct line with the ancestry of Jesus Christ. At a future time, God would overthrow the kingdoms of the earth (Hag.2:21-22). In that day, as Zerubabbel had been chosen to renew the covenant with David’s line – On that day,’ declares the Lord of hosts,I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the Lord, `and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,'” declares the Lord of hosts (Hag.2:23). Zerubabbel is dead and gone, but his place before God will stand forever, because God keeps His promises.