FORRMAL Inductive Bible Study

Haggai 1:1-15
Roy D Arbogast Jr
Crossroads School of Ministry
June 12, 2023
 Introduction

The setting of the book of Haggai is the exiled Jews returning from Babylon. The first temple

was destroyed by the Babylonians but now, by decree of Cyrus the Great of Persia, they are

allowed to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple (house of the Lord).

Finding the Units

My text is from Haggai 1:1-15. This section begins with a clear demarcation of a date, “on the

first day of the sixth month” (Hag 1:1) and ends with “on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth

month (Hag 1:15) clearly marking the end of this period. The second Chapter picks up with

clear marking off of a new starting point of time, “twenty-first day of the seventh month” (Hag

2:1). (NIV)

Outline

1 God Speaks

2-4 God’s complaint

5-6 Call to reflect

9-11 God chastises

2 Haggai speaks to the people

12-14 The people return

 Researching the words/Relate the parts

God’s house was to be “rebuilt” which is the Hebrew word banah which means to

rebuild damage whereas is the word for “ruin” which is the Hebrew word chareb (1:4) all this is

mentioned in contrasted with the word “paneled” which is the Hebrew word caphan which

means to hide or cover up damage. (1:4) They had turned their efforts to their own houses and

had neglected the house of the Lord. God admonished them and asks that they “consider their

ways” which is the Hebrew term of suwm lebab , the term means to take to heart and commit

their considerations with their innermost thoughts. (1:5) The people were finding themselves in

a situation where they had “sown” much Hebrew word zara but “harvested” little Greek word

bow. They also would “eat” Hebrew word akal which means consume, but they would never

“have enough” Hebrew word sabah which means to be satiated. The section goes on to touch

on the fact that they were “drink”ing Hebrew word shathah which meant to imbibe but they

could never have their “fill” Hebrew word shethah which meant becoming tipsy. (Strong 1996)

It was obvious by all this narrative, that they were about pleasing themselves. So, for

their disobedience, God caused their wages to “blow” away, Hebrew word naphach which

means to inflate and cause to lose. (1:9) God caused the heavens to withhold the dew and its

produce. (1:10) (Strong 1996)

The people returned to God and “obeyed” His voice Hebrew word shama which means

to carefully consider. (1:14) They then “worked” on the house of the Lord Hebrew word asah
which means to be busy. (1:14) In response to their obedience, God promises to be “with”

them Hebrew word eth meaning nearness. (1:12) (Strong 1996)

The people’s problem with money was not a lack of it, since they had paneled houses

and earned wages (4, 6). Rather, it was that their money quickly lost its value. The damaging

effect of inflation is seen here as having a spiritual origin, a fact which is often ignored today

when attempts are made to deal with inflation without investigating its underlying cause.

9 
“You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away.

Why?” declares the LORD Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of

you is busy with your own house. 10 Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their

dew and the earth its crops. (Haggai 1:9–10) Even the dew stopped watering the land.

Contrast this scenario with how David expressed concern for building a house for the

Lord “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” 2 Samuel 7:2

(NIV)

Also, the Bible shows how God can supernaturally make provisions for his people in

keeping their resources from waste and ruin and disrepair. Such as the section of scripture in

(Deuteronomy 29:5) where it says, “Yet the LORD says, “During the forty years that I led you

through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.” (NIV)

This also reminds me of the section of scripture where God says, “But seek first his kingdom and

his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) (NIV)
 Summary Statement

God had given his people the charge to build his house. They chose to neglect his charge

and spent their time and resources on indulgence and lavished living with all luxury. God

rebukes them for their sin and causes all they do to not satiate their appetites and to come to

nothing. They finally come to their senses and obey the charge and God promises to be with

them always.

Apply to Life

I believe God’s call to all of His children is to build His kingdom first and not to neglect

His call. Then, we ought to not look to indulge to the point of taking our resources and efforts

from the building of God’s kingdom and make luxurious livings for ourselves. Especially to the

detriment of God’s kingdom. We should note His rebuke when we see his judgement on us and

renew our commitment to serve Him and build His kingdom once again. We should also

remember that He promises to be with us always. We should serve when we can serve, build

when we can build and see to it that God’s priorities are ours. As we do this, God will bless us

and never leave us.

 References

Pennant, David F. (1994). New Bible Commentary: 21 st Century Edition, 4th ed. Leicester, England;

Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press

Strong, James (1996). The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words

Thomas Nelson Publisher

The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011)