Introduction to Haggai

Name

The book of Haggai is named for its author, Haggai. Haggai means “festival” or “festive.”

Author

Haggai, the prophet, received the word of the Lord (v. 1). He is the first of three prophets (Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi) who prophesied after the return of the exiles from Babylon.

Genre

Prophecy (the tenth of twelve books commonly referred to as the “Minor Prophets”). Note also the use of the “messenger formula” in 1:2, 1:7, 1:13; 2:4, 2:6-9, 2:11, 2:14, 2:23. The messenger formula takes the form of “Thus says the Lord…”, “messenger of the Lord,” and “declares the Lord” as Haggai’s way of emphasizing that he is simply conveying an important message from the Lord.

Literary Form

Primarily prophetic prose except for two short sections of poetry in chapter 1 (v. 6, and vv. 10-11).

Time Frame

Haggai specifically dates the book as the second year of King Darius, which was 520 B.C.

Emphasis

Haggai’s emphasis is for the returned exiles to honor God by putting Him first in their lives. Secondarily, Haggai was exhorting the people to glorify God by rebuilding the temple. In this work, they should not worry about their own needs, or get discouraged, but focus on putting God first.

Outline

Haggai is laid out in chronological order beginning on September 1, 520 B.C., and concluding on December 24, 520 B.C.

1. A call to the people to rebuild the temple of God (1:1-1:15)
2. Discouraged people receive encouragement from the Lord (2:1-2:9)
3. An explanation of the Law to the people (2:10-2:19)
4. Israel’s restoration is promised (2:20-2:23)