The Book of Haggai

I. God’s Warning to Judah, 1.1-.11

II. Judah’s Reaction, 1.12-.15

III. God’s Response, 2.1-.23

Once the Jews returned to their land, their first priority was to rebuild the temple of YHWH. Persian officials who were willing to put up with the kings edict though they disagreed with it, saw the reconstruction project a waste of time and resources. Threatened with legal injunctions, the Jews stopped the construction and began to rebuild the rest of the nation. This went on for 15 years before God said, “Enough! Finish my temple.” God saw the Persian threat as an excuse to enjoy the good life, rather than a reason to discontinue the building project.

This first word from the Lord came from Haggai, and it’s effect was evidenced by the people’s renewed efforts in completing the temple project, which took four more years. Haggai’s message was more that a command to re-engage the building program, however, he carried with it a stern warning for continued disobedience. The people heard and obeyed God’s word, for which they were rewarded by the King of Kings, who took care of the threats and lawsuits and once again dwelt among his people.

If this building program of old had a slogan, much like our current Gateway to the Future program does (“Not Equal Giving, Equal Sacrifice”), it would have to be, “Consider Your Ways.” With the wrong priorities the Jews enjoyed 15 years in their homeland. It wasn’t until God challenged them, and the people once again followed God’s priority, that they were restored not just as a nation, but in their relationship with God Almighty. Such an event draws question to the reader in every age, “Have I considered my ways? What are my priorities?”

The Book of Zechariah

I Introduction, 1.1-.6

II. Zechariah’s Night Visions, 1.7-6.8

III. Zechariah’s Four Messages, 7.1-8.23

IV. Zechariah’s Two Burdens, 9.1-14.21

The first six verses of Zechariah call the people to remember their recent history. They and their forefathers had suffered through the exile because of their sin. Now, providing the people returned to YHWH, rather than their sins, Judah would once more experience God’s blessing.

The Night Visions. One sleepless night Zechariah received all eight of the following visions:

• The Vision of Gentile Domination

• The Vision of the Four Horns and the Four Craftsmen

• The Vision of the Man with the Measuring Line

• The Vision of the Cleansing of the Priesthood and Israel

• The Vision of the Golden Lampstand and Two Olive Trees

• The Vision of the Flying Scroll

• The Vision of the Woman in the Basket

• The Vision of Four Chariots and the High Priest’s Crowning

Each vision is highly symbolic and reveals much regarding Israel’s future. For instance, the first, fourth and final visions tell of Israel’s subjection to the Gentile nations, with the assurance that one day they would be honored by all peoples of the Earth; that God had already begun a great work to restore righteousness to Israel, her priests, and all the people of Earth; and prophecy regarding the judgment of the Earth at the end of time, including the crowning of the high priest, seen as Joshua in the vision but which will undoubtedly be the Great High Priest Jesus Christ.

Question and Answer. While the Jews enjoyed their new found freedom as a nation, many wondered if they should keep the Fast of Deputation, a custom that had begun during the exilic period to remember the fall of Jerusalem (which had happened in the fifth month of 586 B.C.). Zechariah rebuke’s them for their ignorance; it is not so important to remember the day of Jerusalem’s fall as it is to remember why she fell! If the people would keep themselves from sin all her days of fasting would be turned into celebrations!

Two Burdens. This section of the book details future days for the Jews and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. The first burden focuses on the Messiah’s first advent (among the peoples of the first century A.D.), while the second the Messiah’s second advent (which is yet to come).

All in all Zechariah follows the pattern set forth by the Major Prophets, telling of Daniel’s Times of the Gentiles, the tribulation period, the coming of Messiah and the era of God’s kingdom. How comforting these words must have been to a broken people starting over. How gracious God is to encourage his people, after he had them down-trodden. How holy is God, who sets up rulers and powers and every authority under heaven to accomplish his purposes. Mighty is YHWH!