The Basics: A Brief Overview of Haggai

The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.

The Bible is written in 66 different books. Each one is unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.

Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.

These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.

1.) Introduction

2.) Who wrote it

3.) When did they write it

4.) Key topics

5.) Key sections

6.) Books that interact with each other

7.) Analysis of the Book

As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.

BASICS COURSE:

Haggai

INTRODUCTION:

Have you ever wanted to be motivated? Have you ever wanted to know if God was orchestrating the small details in your life to bring you to Him? If so, Haggai is the book for you.

WHO WROTE IT:

The book of Haggai is named after its author. Virtually nothing is known about the author, underpinning the notion that God can use anyone for His glory anytime. Ezra mentions him in 5:1 and 6:14.

WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:

The prophet does not give a specific time frame for when the book was written. However, based on the information and the prophetic message, we are able to summarize he was part of the returning Jews from Babylon. Thus, we can assess the book to be written around 538 B.C.

KEY TOPICS:

The key topics of Haggai is God’s direct influence in their lives and His motivation for them to come back to Him. It is all about motivating the Jews to rebuild the temple.  

KEY SECTIONS:

This book can be divided into three sections, section one being chapter 1:1-2:9 which details God orchestrating their return to Him. The second section can be found in chapter 2:10-19, God’s blessing and finally, the third section in chapter 2:20-23 which shows God’s promise through Jesus.

BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:

Haggai connects rather eloquently to Revelation, Chronicles, Kings, and Daniel.

ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:

I hold the book of Haggai near and dear to my heart. Not only is this book designed around God’s personal direction in their life, but also reflects His desire to be intimidate in our lives as well. The book is a wonderful historical book, but also a deep spiritual book for great application for believers today to see the blue prints of God in our own lives. Like the Jews who God called to rebuild the temple, so to does God now call Christians to live focused on Him. The book also brings about promises of what God was planning to do through those who listened to Him. Jesus is deeply entrenched in this book if you take the time to see. If you are wanting to go deeper into the book, I would suggest my own personal work on this subject “The Haggai Project: Reorienting the Church back to its first love”. Nevertheless, Haggai is a wonderful book reminding us today that the Old Testament is still relevant and applicable. Haggai is a bold and declarative message, motivating us to righteous and Holy living with our eyes trained on Jesus Christ and His work. Haggai is a wonderful short read to help any believer see that when God says, “Consider your ways” He means it.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL