“THE PROPHET OF THE TEMPLE” was reputed to have been born during the seventy years’ captivity in Babylon, and to have returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. He was a colleague of Zechariah  # Ezr 5:1 6:14

MAIN THEME. Sharp rebukes for the neglect to rebuild the temple, coupled with cheering exhortations and promises to those undertaking the work.

KEY VERSE
# Hag 2:4

HISTORICAL OCCASION.
The remnant that had returned from captivity were selfishly pre-occupied with their own affairs, and were more concerned in beautifying their own dwellings than in rebuilding the Lord’s house. The work had ceased for years. # Hag 1:4

THE MESSAGE.
(1) A cutting reproof, showing that God had withheld his natural blessings, because his temple was left in ruins.  # Hag 1:3-11
(2) Words of encouragement as the work of rebuilding the temple was resumed # Hag 1:12-15
(3) Inspiring promises to the older people who had seen Solomon’s Temple, and the were discouraged at the inferiority of the structure they were able to build # Hag 2:3. They were told of a coming manifestation of divine power and the appearing of the Messiah when the glory of the Lord would fill the house # Hag 2:7-9
(4) A reminder of their unworthiness to erect a house for the Lord of Hosts # Hag 2:10-14
(5) Predictions of the doom of the heathen nations, and words of commendation for Zerubbabel, as God’s chosen instrument  # Hag 2:20-23

CHOICE SELECTIONS
# Hag 2:4-9
Divine Presence, strengthening # Hag 2:4
— Power, moving # Hag 2:6
— Glory, filling # Hag 2:7
— Peace, coming # Hag 2:9