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Look at the Book: Haggai [Infographic]

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“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Writing from Jerusalem after returning from exile, the prophet Haggai urges his follow returnees to prioritize rebuilding the temple above all else. 

Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below. 

Summary

Haggai’s primary message was on the consequences of disobedience and obedience and the blessings the people would receive if they gave priority to God and rebuilding his house, the temple. 

  • Category: Prophets 
  • Theme: Rebuilding 
  • Timeline: Written around 520 BC 
  • Written: Attributed to Haggai 

Key Verse

“’The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty.” — Haggai 2:9 (NIV) 

The Ruined Temple

The place where God chose to dwell among his people was in shambles and to make matters worse, the people didn’t seem to care. The ruined temple served as a symbol of the ruined spiritual state of God’s people. 

Haggai was the first of three Minor Prophets who ministered to the exiled Jews who had returned to the land of Israel. It is possible that he witnessed the destruction of Solomon’s temple and was in his seventies at the time of his ministry. 

7 Day Reading Guide

Here is a seven-day guide to the prophets Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai. 

(See 30-day guide with all Minor Prophets below.) 

God’s Dwelling Place 

To Haggai, the rebuilding of the temple was not an end in itself. The temple represented God’s dwelling place, His manifest presence with His chosen people. 

Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.   

Infographic depicting major themes and content from Haggai
Chris Fann headshot

Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya. 

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