Chronology

Haggai  1:1 - IN the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest:

CHRONOLOGY - The prophecy of Haggai begins with the word "IN." This tiny word "IN" is a foundational corner word to which we build the rest of the chapter upon.  If defined it simply means - "expressing a period of time during which an event takes place or a situation remains the case." It sets the stage and builds a foundation for what's to come.  It informs us that there is a precise time in history in which Israel historically marks the calendar.  These prophecies provide an actual date.  However, in order to understand this prophecy or even prepare for Israel's future it is imperative to look back historically where the nation has been.  We must establish a biblical timeline in order to understand where Haggai's prophecy fits.  There are 8 covenants and 8 dispensations/timelines throughout the Bible.  Both (covenants and dispensations) complement each other.  The Covenants are as follow: Edenic, Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, Land and the New.  The Dispensations include: Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law, Grace, Tribulation/Millennium and also the New. Haggai's prophecy is historically written after the Law of Moses, Judges (Judges 21:25 - In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.), during the midst of Prophets and Kings.  Throughout this prophecy we discover the Old Testament concealed is the New Testament revealed.  The Bible constantly points us to THE MESSIAH.  It is the only book in the world that predicts and fulfills the intricate details of his life.  It traces Him from the seed of woman, seed of Abraham, seed of David, coming through the tribe of Judah, at a specific time, place in Bethlehem, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, return, kingdom and eternal reign. 

The best way to remember the ministry of the Messiah is through learning these 5 acronyms:

1.     Viable Word of God

2.     Virgin birth

3.     Vicarious death/burial

4.     Victorious resurrection/ascension 

5.     Visible return (2nd Coming of Christ)

Haggai's vision and goal was to build the Second Temple.  He was familiar with the Messianic prophecies.  He awaited the coming of the Lord and HE could not come until the 2nd Temple stood.

• Prophecy is announced with a timeline and purpose.  The phrase: "An appointed time" is often used throughout scripture.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1,14-15 - Isaiah 42:8 - Isaiah 48:3 - Daniel 4:35 - Psalms 115:3) Israel has been and will become enslaved to the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonian, Medes, Persians, Grecians and Romans.  This book falls under the period and timeline of the Babylonians.  Israel has been exiled for 70 years.  She has just been given permission to return to Jerusalem.

• Prophets predict and foretell.  (Deuteronomy 18:15-18) Just like Abraham foretells of the impending slavery in Genesis 15:13 to the Egyptians for 400 years...Jeremiah predicts the 70 year Babylonian exile and their return in Jeremiah 29:10-14.  There is a prophecy sent forth from these men of God about Israel going into exile, slavery, bondage and also a prediction of them coming out!  He knew that blessings awaited them.  Haggai prophesied the Second Temple standing before it ever stood.  His prophecy coincides with the same time as Darius' decree to build.  Both events were issued simultaneously by Divine Providence.  This destruction took place 18 years after the rise of Babylon.  There was 18 years before the Jewish settlers returned to Jerusalem.

• Prophetic date and event significance and meaning. - In the second year, in the sixth month and on the first day of the month.  Haggai marked the calendar!  This is the time of Rosh Chodesh Elul which became very significant to every Jew.  First, it was the day Moses ascended Mt. Sinai to receive the second set of tablets after the first had been shattered.  Second, Haggai received instructions for the Second Temple to be built on this exact date.  (Let's park our bicycle here.  Do you see the symbolism here?  When Moses went up and got that first set of law from God man could not adhere to them nor keep them.  They were shattered and broken.  While he was on the mountain making intercession and communing with God on behalf of Israel they were below that place of holiness lost in their own sins worshiping the golden calf of idolatry.  Now, we find history repeating itself. The Temple that was once erected by the heart of Solomon was ripped apart, burned down, broken and shattered.  The Temple was completely desecrated and destroyed.  Afterwards, God provided a second set of tablets.   Moses brought them before the people.  These were laws that showed us love forgiveness, grace and mercy. This Second Temple would be where the long awaited Messiah would show the same.  No more dealing with the Old Adam, we are being introduced to the last. (1 Corinthians 15:45 - Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.")

• During the month of Elul, it is pent in preparation for the High Holy Days - Rosh Hashanah (Day of Judgment) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).  Man is required to search his heart in repentance beseeching forgiveness from God.    It is customary to blow the shofar in order to awake man's spirit inspiring him to search his soul in preparation for these High Holy Days.  The Talmud writes that the Hebrew word "Elul" can be an acronym for "Ani L'dodo V'dodi Li" which is "I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine." Song of Solomon 6:3). This is what God is after in the relationship; His Beloved. This is the entire theme to the book of Haggai revealed in the very first verse!

REVIEW/APPLICATION: Observation, Interpretation and Application

1. Chronologically, there is a record and date that you became "IN" Christ or either that date awaits you.  Is HE a foundation in which you are building upon or your desecration?  Can you recall the day?
2. Fill in the blank: (Acts 4:11) This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the ____________.  
3. Historically, where does Haggai's prophecy fit into the biblical timeline?  
4. Does the Bible point "you" directly to the Messiah?
5. Are you prepared for the actual second coming of the Messiah?  Do you know what to look for and anticipate?  Do you have a vision of Him?
6. Are you enslaved?  If so, who holds you captive?  Have you been exiled or in exile?  Where? Why? How long? God has granted you permission to return to Him.  Don't become like Israel and stay longer than your release date.  Move toward the blessing!  Remember, just as there was a prediction of Israel going into exile there was also one of them coming out!
7. Do you recognize God's Divine Providence in your life and the people He has you connected to?  
8. True or false.  The first shattered tablets of God are symbolic of man who can't adhere to the law of God. 
9. True or false.  The second tablets of God issued at Sinai are a symbol of God's grace and mercy.
10. Is Christ the last Adam?
11. During the month of Elul, why is the shofar blown?  Are you ready for what comes next - Judgment and Atonement?
12. Which passage in the Bible foreshadows the entire book of Haggai?
13. Are you in love with the Beloved?  Can you honestly say, "I AM HIS AND HE IS MINE?!"