The people of Judah had been in captivity in Babylon when God graciously brought them out of bondage and back into their own land. When the first group, headed up by Zerubbabel, arrived in Jerusalem, they found nothing but ruins. They were responsible to rebuild the city and the temple and restore the true worship of God. Though the work was begun, in a short while it stopped; and for several years nothing was done about the temple. About this time, God raised up Haggai to proclaim the necessity of again being committed to the service and worship of the Lord. His prophecy consisted of reproof as well as promise and hope.
Chapter One. Here is a stinging rebuke to the people of God, vv. 2-15. They were indifferent to the things of God, so Haggai severely rebuked them for their spiritual carelessness. He told them that while they were diligent to take care of their own houses, the temple remained in a ruined condition (v. 4). It was for this reason, therefore, that all of their efforts to sow and reap resulted in failure upon failure. Learn this lesson: when we ignore the worship and service of God, we will suffer the consequences of that behavior. Read verses 6-11 and see the temporal judgments that God sent upon the people. It is a sad fact that even blood-bought sinners sometimes lose sight of that which is all-important, the worship of God. We forget the command, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." In the midst of this reproof, Haggai gives to the Lord's children this word from their Savior, "I am with you, saith the LORD." Despite our unfaithfulness, the Lord has declared never to leave or forsake us. The words of Haggai were applied by the Spirit, and the people were stirred to labor again, v. 14.
Chapter Two. One month later there was a work stoppage. The newer temple was not going to be as large as the original, and that led to discouragement and the building came to a halt. Again Haggai reminded the people that the Lord was with them, according to His covenant promises, vv. 4-5. Then, he predicted the coming of Messiah Whose presence in the temple would fill the house with glory (vv. 6-7). Christ is "the Desire of all nations," not for everyone in every nation, but for a chosen people out of each nation on earth; for He is the One we are made to desire with all our hearts. By His substitutionary death on the cross, Christ would build a more glorious temple, a spiritual house, the church of God. Though man is spiritually diseased and incapable of accomplishing salvation (see vv. 11-17), the Lord is mighty to build His church. He will save His people, destroy every enemy (v. 22) and exalt His Son (v. 23).