Haggai 2:1-5

Read Haggai 2:1-5

Helpful Background Information:

• Haggai was a prophet who urged the Jewish people to renew their efforts to repair the temple and complete the work they had started. By Haggai’s time, the temple had been destroyed for 66 years. 

• Soon after the Jews returned from exile, they had reconstructed the altar and laid the foundation, but had not worked on it  for more than a decade due to some intense opposition and discouragement. 

• Haggai delivered this message in October of 520 BC, during the Feast of Tabernacles (the same event that King Solomon had dedicated the original temple). The temple was restored/rebuilt in 516 BC. 

• God speaks through the prophet Haggai to encourage, strengthen, and challenge Zerubbabel and his crew with promises and reassurance to continue their work for the glory of the Lord. 
  

Reflection Questions: 

• God commands the builders to "work, for I am with you" (v. 4). What difference does it make in your daily tasks (at work, home, or ministry) to know that God is actively present with you? 

• The Lord reminded them, "My Spirit remains among you; do not fear" (v. 5). In what specific areas of your life are fear, inadequacy, or complacency causing you to hold back? In what ways does the Spirit combat fear? 

• God promises the Jews in verse 5 that His Spirit remains among them. We have an even greater promise as believers because we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us! What’s a time in your life that looking back, was only possible because of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside you?