Title and Author: The book of Haggai is named after its author, the prophet Haggai. The name "Haggai" means "festive" or "my feast," which may reflect the joyous message of restoration and hope that he brought to the people of Israel. Haggai is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament, and his book is the second shortest in the Hebrew Bible, consisting of only two chapters.

Historical Context: Haggai prophesied during the post-exilic period, around 520 BC, after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. This was during the reign of King Darius I of Persia. The Jews had returned to Jerusalem under the decree of Cyrus the Great, but the reconstruction of the temple had stalled due to opposition and apathy. Haggai's ministry was crucial in motivating the people to resume and complete the temple's rebuilding.

Audience: Haggai's primary audience was the Jewish remnant that had returned from Babylonian exile. Specifically, he addressed Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the high priest, along with the remnant of the people. His messages were directed at encouraging them to prioritize the rebuilding of the temple.

Purpose: The purpose of the book of Haggai is to urge the Jewish people to resume the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. Haggai's prophecies emphasize the importance of putting God's house first and highlight the blessings that come from obedience to God's commands.

Genre and Style: Haggai is a prophetic book characterized by direct and urgent messages. The style is straightforward, with a focus on practical exhortation and encouragement.1. Haggai (Haggai 1:1)
- Haggai is the prophet through whom the word of the Lord comes to the people of Judah. He plays a central role in encouraging the rebuilding of the Temple.

2. Zerubbabel (Haggai 1:1)
- Zerubbabel is the governor of Judah and a key leader in the post-exilic community. He is a descendant of David and plays a significant role in the reconstruction efforts of the Temple.

3. Joshua (Haggai 1:1)
- Joshua is the high priest at the time of Haggai's prophecy. He works alongside Zerubbabel in the efforts to rebuild the Temple and restore proper worship practices.

4. The LORD of Hosts (Haggai 1:2)
- While not a human figure, the LORD of Hosts is a title for God, who speaks through Haggai to convey His messages to the people, urging them to prioritize the rebuilding of the Temple.1. Jerusalem (Haggai 1:1)
- Description: Jerusalem is the central location in the Book of Haggai. It is the city where the Jewish exiles have returned and where the Temple is to be rebuilt. The book addresses the people of Jerusalem, urging them to prioritize the reconstruction of the Temple.
- Reference: "In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest..."

2. Judah (Haggai 1:1)
- Description: Judah is the region where Jerusalem is located. It was the southern kingdom of the Israelites, and after the Babylonian exile, it became a province under Persian rule. The book addresses the leaders and people of Judah, emphasizing their responsibility in rebuilding the Temple.
- Reference: "In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah..."1. The First Message: Call to Rebuild the Temple (Haggai 1:1-11)
- In the second year of King Darius, the word of the LORD comes through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the high priest. Haggai challenges the people for living in paneled houses while the LORD's house remains in ruins. He urges them to consider their ways and prioritize rebuilding the Temple.

2. The People's Obedience (Haggai 1:12-15)
- Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people obey the voice of the LORD and the words of Haggai. The LORD stirs up their spirits, and they begin work on the house of the LORD on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month.

3. The Second Message: Encouragement to Continue (Haggai 2:1-9)
- On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, Haggai delivers another message from the LORD. He encourages Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people to be strong and continue the work, promising that the glory of the new house will be greater than the former, and in this place, He will grant peace.

4. The Third Message: Blessings for a Defiled People (Haggai 2:10-19)
- On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, Haggai asks the priests about the law regarding holiness and defilement. The LORD uses this to illustrate that the people's previous neglect of the Temple made their offerings unclean. However, from this day forward, He promises to bless them as they have turned their hearts to Him.

5. The Fourth Message: Zerubbabel Chosen as a Signet (Haggai 2:20-23)
- On the same day, Haggai receives another word from the LORD for Zerubbabel. The LORD declares that He will shake the heavens and the earth, overthrowing kingdoms, and that Zerubbabel will be like a signet ring, chosen by the LORD, signifying his role in God's plan.1. Call to Rebuild the Temple (Haggai 1:2)
- The primary theme of Haggai is the urgent call to the Jewish people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed. The prophet Haggai conveys God's message that the people should prioritize the reconstruction of the Temple over their personal affairs. This theme is introduced when the Lord says, "These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’"

2. Consequences of Neglecting God's House (Haggai 1:6)
- Haggai highlights the adverse consequences faced by the people due to their neglect of the Temple. Their labor yields little, and they experience economic hardship. This is first mentioned in Haggai 1:6: "You have planted much but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough; you drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a bag with holes."

3. God's Presence and Encouragement (Haggai 1:13)
- Despite the people's initial reluctance, God reassures them of His presence and support in their efforts to rebuild the Temple. Haggai 1:13 states, "Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people: 'I am with you,' declares the LORD."

4. Promise of Future Glory (Haggai 2:7)
- Haggai prophesies that the glory of the new Temple will surpass that of the former one, indicating a future filled with divine presence and blessing. This theme is introduced in Haggai 2:7: "I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts."

5. Purity and Holiness (Haggai 2:12-14)
- The prophet emphasizes the importance of purity and holiness among the people, as their spiritual state affects the sanctity of their offerings and the success of their endeavors. This is first addressed in Haggai 2:12-14, where questions about ceremonial cleanliness are posed to illustrate the need for holiness.

6. God's Sovereignty and Control (Haggai 2:21-22)
- Haggai underscores God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine plan. This theme is evident in Haggai 2:21-22: "Tell Zerubbabel governor of Judah that I am about to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of foreign kingdoms."

7. The Significance of Zerubbabel (Haggai 2:23)
- Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, is highlighted as a chosen servant of God, symbolizing the restoration of the Davidic line and the hope for future leadership. This is expressed in Haggai 2:23: "'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 My signet ring, for I have chosen you,' declares the LORD of Hosts."1. The LORD of Hosts (Haggai 1:2, 1:5, 1:7, 1:9, 1:14; 2:4, 2:6, 2:7, 2:8, 2:9, 2:11, 2:23)
- Description: This title, frequently used throughout Haggai, refers to God as the commander of heavenly armies. It emphasizes His sovereignty and power. In Christian theology, Jesus is often associated with this title as the divine Son who embodies God's authority and power.

2. The Desired of All Nations (Haggai 2:7)
- Description: This phrase is interpreted by some Christians as a messianic prophecy referring to Jesus. It suggests that the coming of the Messiah will fulfill the deepest longings of all peoples. The verse states, "I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts."

3. The Signet Ring (Haggai 2:23)
- Description: In this verse, Zerubbabel is referred to as God's "signet ring," symbolizing authority and legitimacy. Christians see this as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the one who carries divine authority. The verse reads, "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 My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts."1. Prophecy of Call to Rebuild the Temple
- Prophecy: Haggai urges the people to prioritize rebuilding the Temple, which had been neglected while they focused on their own homes. (Haggai 1:1-11)
- Fulfillment: The people respond to Haggai's message, and work on the Temple resumes. (Haggai 1:12-15)

2. Prophecy of Promise of God's Presence and Glory
- Prophecy: God promises that He is with the people and that the glory of the new Temple will surpass that of the former Temple. (Haggai 2:1-9)
- Fulfillment: The Temple is completed, and God's presence is assured, though the full realization of this prophecy is often seen as pointing to a future messianic fulfillment.

3. Prophecy of Blessing for a Defiled People
- Prophecy: Haggai declares that from the day the foundation of the Temple is laid, God will bless the people, reversing their previous hardships. (Haggai 2:10-19)
- Fulfillment: The people experience a change in fortune as they obey God's command to rebuild the Temple.

4. Prophecy of Promise to Zerubbabel
- Prophecy: God promises to make Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, like a signet ring, signifying his chosen status and the restoration of the Davidic line. (Haggai 2:20-23)
- Fulfillment: While Zerubbabel's immediate role is fulfilled as a leader in the rebuilding effort, this prophecy is often seen as having a future messianic implication, pointing to the coming of Christ from the line of David.

1. A Call to Rebuild the Temple  ( 1:1⁠–⁠11 )

2. Zerubbabel and the People Obey  ( 1:12⁠–⁠15 )

3. The Coming Glory of God’s House  ( 2:1⁠–⁠9 )

4. Blessings for a Defiled People  ( 2:10⁠–⁠19 )

5. Zerubbabel the LORD’s Signet Ring  ( 2:20⁠–⁠23 )