Haggai Chapter 2                                                                   Treasures From the Book of Haggai           

 

 

Haggai 2: [1] In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,

 

Haggai Delivers God’s Messages of Courage, Caution and Comfort

 

1. The Message of Conviction                                              (1:1-15)

 

            The King of Israel, King Solomon, was allowed to build GOD’s House.

This House stood as testimony of GOD’s presence and blessing upon Israel for 424 years.

Yet, Israel sinned and GOD’s glory departed from the Temple (Ezekiel 11:23).

GOD allowed the Babylonians to invade and take Israel into captivity.

            As the Babylonians conquered Israel, they destroyed the city of Jerusalem along with the Temple.

           

After 70 years of captivity (Jeremiah 29:10), GOD allowed Israel to be released from captivity.

            Israel’s return to Jerusalem was led by their governor Zerubbabel and their High Priest Joshua.

            49,897 persons left Babylonian captivity, travelling 900 miles back to the ruins & rubble of Jerusalem.

 

            The returning people built an altar to the LORD and began to offer sacrifices to GOD.

            Then the people laid the foundation for the new House of the LORD.

            There was a great time of dedicating the foundation.

            The workers were met by stiff opposition, resistance, attacks, disruptions, threats and frustrations grew.

            The land was in ruins and the workers were greatly discouraged by the economic conditions.

            The work on the Temple was hindered and a work stoppage continued for over 15 years.

 

            After 15 years of work stoppage, GOD sent His men to deliver GOD’s message to the nation. 

            GOD sent the prophets Zechariah and Haggai to encourage Zerubbabel, Joshua and the people.

 

            In chapter1, Haggai delivered a stern message from GOD to convict the people of sin.

            In neglect of GOD’s House, the people procrastinated as they put off what GOD told them to do.

            The people said “the time is not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built.”

            Yet, the people had time and prosperity enough to build fine houses for themselves (1:4).

            The problem is not timing but priorities. Sadly, they are satisfied living in disobedience.  

 

            GOD told the people “go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house.”

            Haggai had prophesied on the 1st day of the 6th month and they went back to work on the 24th day.

It took just over three weeks of preaching and proclaiming GOD’s Word.

After 15 years of neglect, the people went back to work on GOD’s House.

The project of building GOD House may be delayed BUT it is not defeated.

 

            As Zerubbabel, Joshua and the people obeyed the LORD, the LORD reminded them “I am with you.”

 

 

Haggai 2: [1] In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying, [2] Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,
[3] Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? [4] Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts: [5] According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. [6] For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; [7] And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. [8] The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. [9] The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

 

2. The Message of Courage                                      (2:1-9)

 

            On the 21st day of the 7th month Haggai is given another word from the LORD for the people.

            This message comes 1 month and 3 weeks after Haggai’s initial message.

            The Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated in the 7th month (Lev 23:27 & 34).

 

In verse 3, the LORD asks “who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do you see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?

 

GOD knew that Israel was no longer procrastinating, they were working again.

GOD knew that Israel had placed their priorities back in order.

Yet, GOD also knew that within a single month of working that the people would live in the past.

 

If you live in the past you are paralyzed in the present and can’t live by faith for the future.

I want to examine what Israel was experiencing.

 

            Ezra 3:10-13

[10] And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. [11] And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. [12] But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: [13] So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

 

The younger generation rejoiced as the older generation wept.

When the older generation compared this new temple to the old one, they were discouraged.

 

            Because we talk of the “glory days” of the past we can’t enjoy the blessings of today.

            If we are not careful we will be a real discouragement to the younger generation.

            I know we must practice standards, but we must also enjoy the blessings GOD has given us today!

 

            I also wonder if the older generation was prideful. The temple Solomon built was elaborate.

* “If we can’t build like Solomon, lets not build at all.”

           

In verse 4, GOD gives encouragement 3 times to “be strong.” Do not be disheartened! Rely on GOD!

GOD wants the people to continue the work of building GOD’s House.

 

Ephesians 6:10

[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 

Don’t live in the past, don’t live in pride of how it used to be and don’t live by criticizing comparisons.

GOD wants to encourage the people to work and GOD will be with them.

How can they be strong? Because the LORD is with them.

How can they complete this project? Because the LORD is with them.

 

Philippians 4:13

[13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

In verse 5, GOD reminds the people of His promising words to them when they came out of Egypt.

 

Exodus 29:45-46

[45] And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.
[46] And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.

           

            GOD also tells them to “fear ye not.”

            GOD knew the people had a desperate foe, a frightful economy and a fought doubt daily.

           

Romans 8:31

[31] If GOD be for us, who can be against us?

 

What is the secret of doing the work of GOD? It is the presence of GOD!

Courage comes from knowing GOD is present.

 

In verses 6 and 7, GOD says “I will shake all nations and the desire of all nations shall come.”

Haggai speaks of a future day when Jesus becomes the desire of all nations. He is the Treasure.

 

In verse 7, GOD promises to fill the new temple with His glory.

Remember Ezekiel recorded the glory of the LORD departing, but GOD promises a returning glory.

 

In verse 8, GOD says don’t be worried about the economy; I have all the resources you will need.

GOD provides the resources, He just wants willing hands to work.

 

In verse 9, GOD promises that “the glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former.”

Around 500 years later, this Temple they are building would be improved upon by Herod.

The Disciples admired the Temple (Mark 13:1).

Also in verse 9, GOD says “in this place will I give peace.”

Just over 500 years later, Jesus the Son of GOD was born of a virgin.

8 days later Jesus was brought to Jerusalem to be presented to GOD and that sacrifice might be given.

 

Luke 2:25-33

[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.[26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, [28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, [29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, [31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; [32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. [33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

 

Many times Jesus would stand in the Temple and teach words of Peace. Jesus is Peace!

 

John 18:20

[20] Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

 

Jesus healed the lame man who had lain for 38 years and Jesus found him in the temple.

 

John 5:14

[14] Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

 

We know that Jesus overthrew the merchants and moneychangers twice in the temple (Mt 21:12).

 

John 2:16

[16] Make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

 

Jesus also spoke about His body being the Temple.

 

John 2:19-21

[19] Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.[20] Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?[21] But he spake of the temple of his body. [22] When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

 

 

Haggai 2:[10] In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, [11] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, [12] If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No. [13] Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. [14] Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. [15] And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD: [16] Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty. [17] I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD. [18] Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD's temple was laid, consider it. [19] Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.

 

3. The Message of Caution               (2:10-19)

           

On the 24th day of the 9th month Haggai is given another word from the LORD for the people.

            This is 3 months and 23 days after Haggai’s initial message.

 

            Haggai was instructed to ask the priests:

If that which is holy touches that which is unholy, will it make the unholy holy? The answer is no.

If that which is unclean touches that which is clean, will it make the clean unclean? The answer is yes.

 

Is holiness contagious? No, holiness is not contagious.

Is impurity contagious? Yes, impurity is contagious.

This message of cleanliness is based on the principle of transmission.

* A sick child cannot catch “health” from a healthy child.

* But a healthy child can catch “sickness” from a sick child.

* But a sinner can be saved by faith in Jesus, the sick can be cleansed by the touch of Jesus.

 

Israel is not cleansed by having returned to the Promised Land and living in the “Holy Land.”

If they neglect obedience in building the House of GOD, their sacrifices are polluted.

The people think GOD will bless if they just go through the motions.

But GOD will only bless obedience when the heart is right with GOD.

* Going to church does not save you. Going through the Bible does not save you.

* Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will save the sinner. Hearts must be turned to GOD!

The believer should be willing to live a clean and godly life so they will not be defiled in worship

 

GOD wants the people to remember how He allowed tough times to come in order to get their attention.

GOD disciplined Israel with wind, mildew and hail for their uncleanness.

Yet, the people did not learn from it. Disobedience brings discipline and obedience brings blessing.

GOD says if you will consider your ways and repent, I will bless you.

 

 

Haggai 2:[20] And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying, [21] Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth; [22] And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their  riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother. [23] In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.

 

 

4. The Message of Comfort              (2:20-23)

 

            On the 24th day of the 9th month Haggai is given another word from the LORD for the people.

            This message is for the governor of the people, Zerubbabel.

 

            GOD promises to overthrow the powerful nations surrounding Israel.

            I believe this day is still to come, probably in the Tribulation.

            GOD will make Zerubbabel as a signet.

The signet is a seal, the mark of authority and identification of royalty. It was a very prized possession.

Zerubbabel is the symbol that GOD restored Israel and the Temple.

He is the symbol that God is going to fulfill “in that day” His promise to David and restore the kingdom.

 

GOD says that He has chosen Zerubbabel.

GOD’s promise is that the Messiah will not only come through David but through Zerubbabel.

Matthew 1:12 & Luke 3:27 both point out the ancestry of Christ through Zerubbabel.

Through Zerubbabel GOD is reaffirming and guaranteeing His promise of the Messiah.

 

Just as Zerubabbel was chosen, so is the individual believer chosen.

 

 

John 15:16

[16] Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you

 

Ephesians 1:4

[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

 

Zerubbabel was active to build GOD’s House and GOD will build Zerubbabel a house.

If you chose to serve Christ, Christ will build you a house, a mansion at that.

 

In conclusion, we know from Ezra 6:14-15 that the House of GOD was completed 4 years 6 months and 2 days after Haggai first delivered GOD’s message to Israel.

 

Ezra 6:14-15

[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. [15] And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

 

Friend, I am persuaded that what GOD has begun in the believer He will complete.

 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

[19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

 

Philippians 1:6

[6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: