The Book of Haggai is a collection of brief messages that came from the Lord through the prophet Haggai in 520 b.c. The people had returned from exile and had lived in Jerusalem for some years, but the Temple still lay in ruins. The messages urge the leaders of the people to rebuild the Temple, and the Lord promises prosperity and peace in the future for a renewed and purified people.
Outline of Contents
The command to rebuild the Temple (1.1-15)
Messages of comfort and hope (2.1-23)
After many of the Jews had returned to Judah from exile in Babylonia, they built themselves expensive houses but had to struggle to make a living. Haggai told the people that if they put God first and rebuilt the Temple, God would richly bless them.