Questions

Scriptural Reflection
Haggai 2:1–9

This week, we shall finish the study of the book of Haggai and begin studying the book of Zechariah in the Old Testament.

(1) When is the next message given by the Lord to Haggai? (2:1)

(2) Since the people began to rebuild on the 24^th day of the 6^th month in the 2^nd year of Darius, what have they likely encountered by the time of this second message? (see Ezr. 5:3-4)

(3) Now, with the rising of opposition, the Lord urges them to be strong (v. 4): Why does the Lord choose to address them separately and urge them with the same command?

(4) In order to encourage them, the Lord draws their attention to the following (vv. 3-5):

a. The temple (v. 3)

1. What do they see now?
2. What do those who have seen the former temple (some 67 years ago before it was destroyed in 586 B.C.) remember?
3. What does the Lord wish to achieve by drawing attention to the former glory of the temple?

b. Who He is (v. 4)

1. What reason does He give for this command or encouragement?
2. How does the Lord address Himself?
3. Why?

c. His unchanging faithfulness (v. 5)

1. Which historical event does the Lord draw their attention to?
2. What promise does He now make to help them not to fear and be strong?

(5) The promise of a more glorious future (vv. 6-9)

a. What does He promise to do “in a little while”?

b. When did He last shake the heavens and the earth? (Exod. 7-10; 19:16ff )

c. The promise of a greater glory (vv. 8-9)

1. Physically, what makes the temple look glorious? (v. 8a; 1 Chr. 29:2, 7)
2. But what really makes the temple more glorious than before is the coming of the one “desired of by all nations” (v. 7):

1) Who is He?
2) What will He bring to this place? (2:9b; Mic. 5:2-5a)

(6) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Scriptural Reflection
Haggai 2:9–23

(1) How long after the last message was this one delivered? (v. 10)

(2) A reminder of their defilement (vv. 11-19)

a. Can “things” be consecrated through contact? (v. 12)

b. Can “things” be defiled through contact? (v. 13)

c. How has their own defilement affected whatever they do and in particular their offerings to the Lord in the temple? (v. 14)

d. What evidence does the Lord use to prove the impact of their defilement on “whatever they do”? (vv. 14, 16-17, 19)

e. Why does the Lord choose this moment in their history to remind them of their defilement? (vv. 15, 18. Note the foundation of the temple was first laid in 538 B.C.; see Ezr. 3:10.)

f. What does the Lord now promise? (v. 19b)

g. What is the implied condition of this promise?

(3) The second message on the same day (vv. 20-23)

a. The Lord has promised to shake the heavens and the earth (v. 6): What in particular is He referring to? (vv. 21-22; see Joel 3:12-16)

b. What will happen to Zerubbabel, the governor? (v. 23)

c. What does Zerubbabel point to in this Messianic promise? (Matt. 1:1, 12)

(4) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?