Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of Haggai
Haggai is a short, pointed call to the returned exiles to stop neglecting the house of God and to put first things first. Its searching phrase, 'consider your ways,' still probes the priorities of every believer, and its promise, 'I am with you,' still meets those who obey. This commentary walks through it verse by verse.
About This Commentary
The Book of Haggai records the ministry of the prophet Haggai in 520 BC, in the second year of the Persian king Darius, to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem. They had laid the foundation of the temple but, discouraged by opposition, had left it unfinished for years while completing their own comfortable homes. In a series of brief, dated messages, Haggai called them to reorder their priorities, finish God's house, and trust His presence.
This commentary covers Haggai verse by verse, with the Hebrew words that sharpen the meaning, verified background, and an Apostolic reading. Haggai's call to put God first, and his promise that the glory of the latter temple would exceed the former (2:9), point beyond the rebuilt temple to Christ, in whom the fullness of God's glory dwelt. References are given at the foot of each chapter.
Both chapters of Haggai are complete, from the call to consider your ways and rebuild God's house, to the promise of a latter glory greater than Solomon's in the coming of the desire of all nations, Jesus Christ.
Author
Haggai the prophet, a contemporary of Zechariah.
Setting
Jerusalem, 520 BC, among the returned exiles.
Key Themes
Right priorities, rebuilding God's house, and His presence.
Famous Phrase
'Consider your ways' (1:5, 7).
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
Haggai Commentary
The chapters below are available now. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
Haggai 1:1-15
Consider Your Ways
God confronts the returned exiles for building their own paneled houses while His house lies in ruins, calls them to consider their ways, and meets their obedience with the promise, 'I am with you.'
Read Chapter 1 →Haggai 2:1-23
The Desire of All Nations Shall Come
Encouragement to the discouraged builders, 'be strong... for I am with you,' and the promise that 'the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory... the glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former'; the lesson of holiness and uncleanness; 'from this day will I bless you'; and Zerubbabel made a signet, preserving the line to the Messiah.
Read Chapter 2 →