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Haggai 2

23 verses

TL;DR

The prophet Haggai exhorts Judah’s leaders to rebuild the temple, warns of judgment on impurity, and promises restoration and divine protection for those who obey.

Summary

In Haggai 2, God, through the prophet Haggai, speaks to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people, urging them to be strong and continue rebuilding the temple after the exilic exile. He reminds them of the covenant made at Egypt and assures them of His presence. Haggai then addresses the issue of ritual purity, condemning the people’s unclean offerings and urging them to follow the law. He calls for repentance, promising blessings once the foundations are laid. Finally, he warns of the coming judgment that will shake nations and kingdoms, yet declares that He will make Zerubbabel a signet and bring a blessing to the people.

Outline
  1. 1. Call to rebuild and encouragement from God
  2. 2. Teaching on ritual purity and consequences of unclean offerings
  3. 3. Prophecy of judgment and restoration for Israel
Themes
Restoration and RenewalRitual Purity and CovenantJudgment and Divine Sovereignty
Keywords
house of the LORDgloryrestorationjudgmentpuritycovenanttribe of JudahTemple
People
ZerubbabelShealtielJoshuaJosedechHaggaiDariuspriests
Places
JudahJerusalemthe Templethe Landheavenearthseanations
Things
house of the LORDsilvergoldstone foundationseed in the barnvinefig treepomegranateolive treechariotshorsesswordsignetthrone of kingdoms
Key Verses
  • Haggai 2:4: God promises to be with the people as they rebuild and to fill the temple with glory.
  • Haggai 2:7: Foretells the shaking of all nations and the filling of the house with glory.
  • Haggai 2:15: Highlights the priestly rule on ritual purity and the consequences of unclean offerings.
  • Haggai 2:19: Promises a blessing once the temple foundations are laid.
  • Haggai 2:22: Declares judgment on kingdoms and the elevation of Zerubbabel as a signet.
Questions
  • How does Haggai’s message of judgment relate to the promise of restoration?
  • In what ways do the laws of purity in this chapter reflect the community’s need for holiness?
  • What does the elevation of Zerubbabel as a signet signify for the people of Judah?
  • How can modern readers interpret the call to ‘be strong’ in the context of rebuilding or renewal?
  • What parallels can be drawn between the shaking of nations described in this chapter and contemporary global events?
Sentiment

mixed
the chapter combines encouragement with stern warnings, reflecting a complex emotional tone.