The Book of Haggai
in a Nutshell
The Book of Haggai
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Book of Haggai is a short but urgent prophetic message calling the returned exiles in Jerusalem to renew their commitment to Jehovah by rebuilding His temple. Written in 520 B.C., during the early years of Persian rule, Haggai's message comes after the people had returned from Babylonian exile but had allowed the temple’s reconstruction to stall while focusing on their own houses and livelihoods.
Haggai challenges the people: they live in paneled houses while Jehovah’s house lies in ruins. He points out that their recent struggles—drought, poor harvests, and economic hardship—are not mere coincidence. Jehovah is withholding blessing because His people have misplaced priorities. The prophet calls them to “consider their ways” and to put Jehovah first by rebuilding the temple.
To the people’s credit, they respond. Within weeks, the leaders, Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest, rally the community to resume the temple project. Jehovah reassures them that His Spirit is with them and encourages them not to be discouraged by the temple’s humble appearance compared to Solomon’s former glory. He promises that the future glory of this house will surpass the former, hinting at the coming of the Messiah and a greater spiritual fulfillment.
Haggai's second message addresses defilement: ritual impurity had corrupted their offerings, and mere religious activity would not bring blessing unless accompanied by sincere obedience. Yet Jehovah affirms that from this day forward, because of their change in heart, He will bless their efforts and restore abundance.
The book ends with a personal word to Zerubbabel, declaring him as Jehovah’s “signet ring,” symbolizing divine authority and a future hope. Though Zerubbabel would not be king in a political sense, this points forward to the promised Messianic King from David’s line.
Haggai calls God’s people to keep their priorities aligned with Jehovah’s will, to act with courage and faith, and to trust that obedience brings blessing, even in difficult times. The rebuilding of the temple becomes a symbol of renewed relationship, hope, and Jehovah’s presence among His people.
JJ Bowks, ©CDMI
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
Outline of the Book of Haggai
Outline of the Book of Haggai
I. Introduction (1:1)A. Date of the prophecy: second year of Darius the king (1:1)
B. Recipients: Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest (1:1)
B. Recipients: Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest (1:1)
II. First Message: Call to Rebuild the Temple (1:2–1:15)
A. Rebuke for neglecting the Temple (1:2–1:6)
The people's excuse: “The time has not come” (1:2)
Consequences of misplaced priorities (1:3–1:6)
B. Command to rebuild and promise of divine favor (1:7–1:11)
Instructions to go up to the mountains and build (1:7–1:8)
Drought and hardship due to disobedience (1:9–1:11)
C. Obedience of the leaders and people (1:12–1:15)
The people fear Jehovah and obey (1:12)
Jehovah’s encouragement and presence (1:13)
The work on the temple begins (1:14–1:15)
III. Second Message: Encouragement to Continue the Work (2:1–2:9)
A. Date and audience: addressed again to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant (2:1–2:2)
B. Encouragement in light of former glory (2:3–2:5)
“Be strong… I am with you” (2:4)
Jehovah’s Spirit remains among them (2:5)
C. Future glory of the Temple (2:6–2:9)
Promise to shake the nations (2:6–2:7)
Greater glory and peace to come (2:9)
IV. Third Message: Holiness and Blessing Promised (2:10–2:19)
A. Date of the message (2:10)
B. Lesson on ceremonial defilement and holiness (2:11–2:14)
Questions about transmitting holiness and defilement (2:11–2:13)
Application to the people’s past disobedience (2:14)
C. Past curses and future blessings (2:15–2:19)
The hardship before obedience (2:15–2:17)
“From this day on I will bless you” (2:18–2:19)
V. Fourth Message: Promise to Zerubbabel (2:20–2:23)
A. Date and personal address to Zerubbabel (2:20–2:21)
B. Jehovah will shake the heavens and overthrow kingdoms (2:21–2:22)
C. Zerubbabel chosen as Jehovah’s signet ring (2:23)
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