Haggai

Question 1

Haggai background

Answer 1

Date: Haggai’s four oracles are dated within the book as ranging between August and December
520 BC.
Political Setting: Postexilic prophecy under the Persian rule.

Question 2

Haggai structure

Answer 2

1 The sin, judgment, and repentance of the people God

2: 1-9 The place of the rebuilt temple in the economy of salvation
2: 10-19 Who may rebuild the temple
2: 20-23 The address to the temple builder

Question 3

Haggai theme

Answer 3

The aim of this prophecy is clear: to persuade the returned exiles in Jerusalem and what remained of Judah to rebuild the temple.

Question 4

Message of Haggai

Answer 4

A. Oracle One: Israel’s Repentance (Hag 1)

B. Rebuilding of the Temple (Hag 2)

Question 5

Oracle One: Israel’s Repentance (Hag 1)

Answer 5

Summary:
(1) the traditional presentation of the people’s sin (vv 2-5)
(2) prophetic preaching in response, with attention drawn to the covenant curses which have
been operant because of national failure (vv. 6, 9-11)
(3) the repentance of the people in reaction to the prophetic word (v 12)
(4) covenant reaffirmation (v 13)

Question 6

Rebuilding of the Temple (Hag 2)

Answer 6

1. Oracle Two (2:1-9): meets the derogatory comparisons between the first temple and new one (v 3).
   a. Comparison of new and old communities (2:4-5).
   b. The depiction of pilgrimage to Zion (2:6-9).
2. Oracle Three: address to the opponents of temple building and encouragement to returnees (2:10-19).
3. Oracle Four: affirmation of general continuity with Davidic promises in the person of Zerubbabel (2:20-23).