Daily Devotions
Haggai
INTRODUCTION
Text: Haggai
INTRODUCTION
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
1. Israel in Exile
Israel was destroyed as a nation in 722 BC by the Assyrians. Judah was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The nations of Israel and Judah ceased to exist. The children of Abraham lived in exile, scattered in many different countries. The words of warning by Moses, and many other prophets were fulfilled. Israel paid a high price for forsaking the LORD their God.
2. The Persian King Cyrus
Isaiah prophesied that Cyrus would be God’s special shepherd. He would allow the Israelites to return to their homeland (Isaiah 45:1-8). He was succeeded by his son, Cambyses who was probably assassinated by his enemies.
3. King Darius
He ascended the throne after the death of King Cambyses. Darius was an army official who seized the opportunity to become the next ruler of the Persian empire.
He continued to support the decree made by King Cyrus for the Jews to rebuild their land. The re-building program included the erection of the Wall of Jerusalem and the Second Temple.
4. Many problems
The return of the Jews to their homeland was fraught with difficulties:
a) The books of Ezra and Nehemiah highlighted the problems that had to be overcome.
b) Some problems highlighted:
i) Strong resistance from enemies.
ii) They sought to block every effort of Ezra and Nehemiah to rebuild the Wall and the Temple.
5. Special servants of God raised up:
a) Haggai was one of the prophets God sent to help His people.
b) Zechariah was another prophet God raised up to strengthen the faith of the people of Israel.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BOOK OF HAGGAI
1. Haggai may be called a post-exilic prophet.
2. God continued to raise and send His servants, the prophets to speak on His behalf.
3. Haggai preached powerfully the messages he received from the LORD.
4. Some of the lessons that must resonate with us:
a) Courage to trust in God amidst tough circumstances in life.
b) Commitment to build the house of God.
c) Challenged to live as the chosen people of God!
Let us read Haggai prayerfully and humbly, seeking the wisdom of the Lord!