Context of Haggai

(Here is what I understand :) Let me know if something is blindingly wrong!?)

The timing of this book is around 520BC when the Israelites who had been exiled to Babylon were allowed to come back to their home land. But their home land was in ruins (that's what happens when enemies kick you out!) and there was the call to begin rebuilding the temple of God in Jerusalem. Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah at the time and they began by building the Altar in 536BC. However the work on the temple slowed because people/workers were more concerned about building their own homes than finishing God's work. Haggai was sent by God (along with Zechariah and Malachi, the other two post-exilic prophets) to encourage the leaders to continue building and finish the task!

When I write this, what immediately comes to mind is Matt 6:33 and the parallel between the Lord saying through Haggai:

"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Hag 1:4) and

".. seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matt 6:33)

Parallels because in 520BC and Jesus's time on earth and right now (our time on earth!) we should be seeking first God's kingdom.. It's about the focus of the exiled people then and our focus now. Is our focus on our own houses and comforts or is it on God and what He wants?

1st Post 1st Thoughts

Haggai is short yet sharp with strong connections to other books in the Old Testament as well as recurring themes in the New.

Looking forward to fleshing it out!