The command to build God’s house
April 11, 2021
Commentary
The opening verses of Haggai delivered a message by the prophet, from the Lord, to a nation who had failed to rebuild the temple. The Jews who had returned from Babylon in 538 B.C. to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem were not able to finish their job because they were hindered by their enemies. Zerubbabel, governor of Judah and Joshua, the high priest had been the key leaders in rebuilding the temple (v. 1). After this opposition put a halt to progress, no further work was done for 15 years.
The people’s excuses are exposed, and their present miseries, both material and spiritual, are traced directly to a lack of right priorities. The leaders, as well as the people, had lost their vision for the completed temple and needed this rebuke from God through His prophet. God asked His people how they could live in luxury when His house was lying in ruins (vv. 2-6). Instead of rebuilding the temple, the people had put their energies into beautifying their own homes. The harder the people worked for themselves, the less they had, because of their selfishness.
Essentially the excuse amounted to confused priorities and procrastination. When a more convenient time came, they would consider resuming the task, but not now. Perhaps they were waiting for improved economic conditions (1:6, 11) or the opposition from unfriendly neighbors to stop. Whatever their reasons, the people were neglecting the one task to which they had been commissioned by God and Cyrus. With stinging force, the Word of the Lord came through Haggai to refute the people (vv. 7-15). If it is not time to build the Lord’s house, how have you managed to construct your own paneled houses. Selfishness is stressed by the pronoun “for you yourselves.”
Application
Like Judah, our priorities involving occupation, family and God’s work are often confused. Jobs, homes, vacations and leisure activities may rank higher on our priority list than God. What is most important to me? Where is God on my list of priorities?
Haggai 1:1– 15 (NET)
1 On the first day of the sixth month of King Darius’ second year, the Lord’s message came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak:
2 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said: “These people have said, ‘The time for rebuilding the Lord’s temple has not yet come.’” 3 The Lord’s message came through the prophet Haggai as follows: 4 “Is it right for you to live in richly paneled houses while my temple is in ruins? 5 Here then, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said: ‘Think carefully about what you are doing. 6 You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but are never filled. You drink, but are still thirsty. You put on clothes, but are not warm. Those who earn wages end up with holes in their money bags.’”
7 Moreover, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said: “Pay close attention to these things also. 8 Go up to the hill country and bring back timber to build the temple. Then I will be pleased and honored,” says the Lord. 9 “You expected a large harvest, but instead there was little. And when you would bring it home, I would blow it right away. Why?” asks the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Because my temple remains in ruins, thanks to each of you favoring his own house! 10 This is why the sky has held back its dew and the earth its produce. 11 Moreover, I have called for a drought that will affect the fields, the hill country, the grain, new wine, fresh olive oil, and everything that grows from the ground; it also will harm people, animals, and everything they produce.”
12 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, along with the whole remnant of the people, obeyed the Lord their God. They responded favorably to the message of the prophet Haggai, who spoke just as the Lord their God had instructed him, and the people began to respect the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the Lord’s announcement to the people: “I am with you,” decrees the Lord. 14 So the Lord energized and encouraged Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the whole remnant of the people. They came and worked on the temple of their God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 15 This took place on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month of King Darius’ second year.
Illustration: Carey Six Faithful Partners
William Carey, the Father of modern missions told his churches, If you will hold the ropes, I will go down to look for the lost.” He started out with only six supporters but ended up staying 47 years in India and setting in motion the entire modern missionary movement because of those six faithful partners. “Expect great things from God attempt great things for God.” Little becomes much when we place it in the Master’s hands.” (Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).