Characters

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:

Characters 

·         The Main Characters

1.     Lord  

2.     Darius 

3.     Haggai

4.     Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel

5.     Joshua the son of Jehozadak

6.     The People of Israel

·         The Meaning of the Character’s Name

1.     The Lord – The Indescribable Name or Unutterable Name; “Jehovah.”  YAHWEH is replaced for Jehovah scripted and spoken.

2.     Darius – His name is a title rather than a name; meaning “lord”.  Titles clarify their positions.   For example: Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Xerxes, Darius, Greats, Caesar, Antiochus, Herod, Emperor, etc.  Note the order in which these characters are penned here in scripture.  He is the little “lord” operating underneath the superior power and authority of the Sovereign Lord.  In other words, “Lord of lords” or “King of kings.” 

3.     Haggai – The root verb חגג (Hagag) describes a gathering up of people in order to celebrate or hold a feast; “festive.”  There are three main pilgrimages in Israel (Exodus 23:14-16). They are as follow: The Feast of Unleavened Bread or Pesach (held at the beginning of the agricultural year), The Feast of Ingathering or First Fruits (held at the beginning of the productive season) and The Feast of the Harvest or Weeks, Pentecost or Shavout (held during the end of harvest).

4.     Zerubbabel – “Conceived in Babylon” and the son of Shealtiel – “I have asked of God.”  Babel simply translates “confusion.”   There is only one man named Shealtiel in the Bible.  He is King Jeconiah’s son.  You will find all three of these characters mentioned in the ancestry of Jesus in Matthew 1:12 and Luke 3:27. These characters are simply pointing man to the Messiah who has literally been living in a state or era of confusion.  In names, the letters EL refers to God’s name being Creator.  The root verb (sha’al) means to ask, inquire, borrow or beg.  It is also associated with the word “Sheol” meaning from the pit, depth, grave or hell.  This verb is most notably used to entreat for God’s guidance or salvation and whatever the person is asking for lies buried in the story.

5.     Joshua – “Jehovah is salvation” the son of Jehozadak “Jehovah is righteous” or “Jehovah justified.”

6.     The People

·         The Mission of each Character and their distinct roles.

1.     The Lord was known as Yahweh.

2.     Darius was the King. 

3.     Haggai was the Prophet. 

4.     Zerubbabel (Second generation) the son of Shealtiel was the Governor.

5.     Joshua (Second generation) the son of Jehozadak was the High Priest.

6.     The People were the returned exiles of Israel.

·         The Message 

The Lord of lords and Kings of kings is Sovereign over all (every Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Xerxes, Darius, Greats, Caesar, Antiochus, Herod, Emperor, etc.).  Every king and lord of this earth operates underneath Jehovah’s divine decree and authority; especially, King Darius.  King Darius, as well as, Haggai are used to bring an ingathering of people to Jerusalem to commemorate the three main pilgrimages that will again take place in Israel; the Feast of Unleavened Bread, First Fruits and Shavout.  What was once conceived in Babylon (Zerubbabel) and asked of God their Creator by Shealtiel (a question asked from the depth of his being while confused, exiled and in a pit of captivity…questions regarding hope for the next generation) is the very one who leads them out of exile bringing answers of their future salvation and deliverance traced through Jesus the Messiah.  THE MESSIAH is what is buried within this historic story.  He becomes the exile’s (those banished because of their sin, rejected in bondage, graved and in hell) salvation and redemption.  He is the long awaited one who is found righteous.  He justifies Jehovah’s plan and purpose for ALL people.  His earthly mission is satisfied in each of these distinct roles found in Haggai.  He is Lord over all governing with divine authority.  He fulfills the messianic hope of Israel in his threefold office of prophet, priest and king.  His name is Jesus.  This is the prophetic word uttered by the prophet!

This study places importance upon the characters found in chapter one.  Our main emphasis is upon the LORD. He is the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah.  His name is an "Indescribable Name or an Unutterable Name."  In the book of Haggai, we find He has a specific and sovereign plan.  From the erection of the tabernacle to the rebuilding of the second Temple, His goal was to point man to the Messiah. God’s plan was filled with immense purpose.  Yes, a plan devised on purpose and with purpose!  The Messiah would bring glory to the Temple and the earth would be filled with His presence.  The second Temple had to be fully constructed and built.  It wasn’t complicated.  There was a divine order.  This included explicit placements of people, places and things orchestrated by the hand of God.  

In chapter one, we examine His divine order.  Scripture introduces us to a king, prophet, governor and High Priest.  These primary characters are formerly introduced before gaining an instance of knowledge pertaining to the remnants who have returned to their homeland.  A spiritual shift among the people had to take place.  Spiritual leadership must be established in order to launch the people forward and get them building.  It wasn’t simply a mindset that was solely needed.  A nation of complacent hearts needed re-positioned in a direction that faced forward unflinching before God.  The Lord chose leaders that would turn the nation of Israel around.

Each of these leaders had a distinct call from God upon their lives.  Darius was a king.  Haggai was a prophet. Zerubbabel was a governor.  Joshua was the High Priest.  God sought crucial leaders with great character and competencies.  Their effectual leadership brought stupendous consequences and results.  Their history and lineage was a part of this.  For example, if a prophet father’s name was recorded along with his own he was considered a second generation prophet.  If the father was famous or righteous then appending his name to his son’s name lent honor to the SON.  The later was worthy of his heritage.   (Whoa!   You better pull over your vintage bicycle or petal real hard.)  Although, we observe this here it allegorically points us to something more meaningful.  Allow this to resonate in your spirit.  Reflect upon the description of Jesus our Messiah.  We are told that He is the “Son of God.”  Indeed, the Father’s name lends honor and credibility to the Son. Christ is worthy of His Kingdom and heritage!

 

We find this in the name of Zerubbabel and also Joshua too.  Yet, little is known regarding the background of Haggai.  Scripture does not mention the name of this tribe or the name of his father.  All we discover is His name.  Yet, names were extremely important during biblical times.  Parents selected good names for their children because names acquaint people with a story.  They also carried authority.  Hebrew names had explicit meaning.  A name was descriptive of who the person was suggesting traits of that particular individual.  Yet, there were many instances in which the parents did not choose a good name.  A ghastly name signified a particular period of state of mind that was rather pessimistic; a name also prophetical (Ruth 1:20, 21).  However, there were instances in which a person would and could be given a “NEW” name instead.  Each of these name changes were done for a reason.  Their new name signified something important.  God was transforming and developing that person for something more.  He was creating them to be who HE originally formed them to be.  John writes about this while imprisoned on Patmos Isle.  He stated that there was a reward promised for believers who would be given a new name (Revelation 2:17).  A transformation has taken place before John’s eyes from what they once were to who God created or intended them to be.  

Solomon penned this in a proverb, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).”  So, when we are introduced to the characters in Haggai we simply discover that their “names” are prophetic.  It is similar to having cliff notes to the Bible.  Their name tells the story.  Haggai means “festival or festival gathering” in Hebrew.  This name was prophetical of who he was, as well as, an event soon to take place in Jerusalem.  Zerubbabel renders “conceived in Babylon.”  Shealtiel translates “I have asked of God” in Hebrew.  Joshua conveys “Yahweh is Salvation.”  Jehozadak translates “Jehovah is righteous.”  Now, if you chronologically place these names together it renders a prophetic message.  SEE ABOVE.  We learn from history that once the Temple is built (from a period of former exile and captivity) there comes a great festival and gathering of God’s people celebrating prayers of salvation and deliverance from 70 years past.  The people encounter the righteousness of Jehovah.  Yes, the ONE who holds a title that is “Indescribable and Unutterable.”  Oh, THE ONE who Israel places all her emphasis upon!  

These leaders were chosen and each one took into account His will.  They were led by His purpose. They were responsible for transporting people from this present state to a futuristic Godly state.   Although natural men, they operated in the supernatural power of the Spirit of God.  These men clearly understood that it was impossible to achieve the rebuilding of the Temple apart from God.  They were solely dependent upon Him.  They influenced mankind. They promoted God's agenda.  Eventually, it caught on.

These leaders were radical.  They obeyed God.  They persevered.  They adjusted their personal lives to promote the work and life of the kingdom.  Hardship, crises, criticism, failure and personal struggles became their strength and success.  They were desperate for God.  Zerubbabel found himself leaning constantly upon God’s Spirit. It wasn’t by might nor by power in which he prevailed (Zechariah 4:6).  

This king, prophet, governor and High Priest were given a tremendous assignment.  These leaders were confronted with the overwhelming task of rebuilding a massive temple that had been demolished by war, conquered by their enemy and decimated in ruin. The Spirit's anointing equipped them for their unique role.  They exercised faith. They spread vision.  It was vision based upon God's revelation and accompanied by His promises.  They trusted those promises and deeply relied upon them.  

Their leadership was persuasive and inspiring.  They were successful communicators.  They led in such an extraordinary way that it compelled people to follow.  It wasn't about their position, power or personality.  It was about being transparent, authentic and consistent.  Their goal was to bring glory to God and point the people to the Messiah. These men were ardently aware of what God had done in the past, doing presently before the people and promised to accomplish in their future.  

These were ordinary individuals carrying out extraordinary exploits for God.  They were leaders who impacted their society.  Perhaps, these men were classified as society’s original "World Changers?!"  Yet, God chose to reveal His purpose and plan through Darius, Haggai, Zerubbabel and Joshua to reach and impact the world. These leaders placed a mark on the pages of history and man!  Yet, they received the stamp of approval and authority from an Almighty God (Haggai 2:23). 

·         Mandatory Jewish Teaching of Names

1.     Beginnings - In the beginning, God and Adam are the sole namers.  Adam is granted the privilege to name all the cattle, birds and wild beasts according to Genesis 2:20.  Adam and Eve have birthed each other in complimentary ways.  Adam means “Earth.”  He in turn names his wife Eve derived from the Hebrew word “Chai” meaning “Life” (Genesis 3:20).  Adam’s sleep emerges Eve; from Eve’s awakening, Adam’s future. After Eve was created, she shared in this process.  From this point on, both provide names which identify their children’s destiny and the children endure the consequences.  Therefore, names in the Bible often contain their parents’ dreams and their children’s burdens.  Names reflect a person’s character, destiny and a parent’s hope.  Again, both fathers and mothers bestow names – as does God.  In names, much of Jewish history is discovered in its roots.  The book of Genesis or “beginnings” revolves around the giving of names.  For example, an angel told Hagar that the child she was carrying would be called Ishmael because he had “heard” (shama) her suffering.  God changed Abraham and Sarah’s names to reflect their new status as progenitors of the Jewish nation.  Jewish mothers teach that women are bystanders in the drama of divine naming.  The course set for a child by its parents during his first days and early years is worth the most serious reflection and attention.

2.     Blessings - Names are associated with blessings.  Few women in the Bible receive a unique blessing; especially from their mothers.  Rebecca is one.  Rebecca’s pronounced blessing was that she would grow into thousands of myriads and that her offspring would seize the gates of their foes.  It is true that her descendants (Israel) grew into a mighty nation that seized its enemies’ gates. 

3.     Burdens – One vital measure of a wife’s worth was her ability to bear sons.  One, for the hope of birthing the Messiah.  Two, for honor and legacy.  It was the custom in the Ancient East for the sons to tend the fields, herd the flocks and defend the land.  These men would carry on the honor and family’s name.  Sons represented security.  They also captured a husband’s heart.  An example, Leah versus Rachel.  Our hearts break as we hear this litany of aggravation and longing. To endure seven pregnancies (counting Dinah) in an attempt to gain her husband’s favor is excruciating while also allowing another woman in her husband’s bed.  Let’s observe the names of her children:

a.     Reuben: Literally, “See a son” “YHVH has seen my affliction.” 

b.    Simeon: “Because YHVH heard.” (He heard that she was unloved.)

c.     Levi: “Attached” (This time she hoped that her husband would become attached because she has born him three sons.)

d.    Judah: “Praise”

e.     Gad: “Fortune or luck” (A surrogate born by Zilpah)

f.     Asher: “Happy One”  (Another surrogate born by Zilpah)

g.    Issachar: “Reward or recompense”

h.     Zebulon: “Gift” (The last son was Leah’s hope that her husband would exalt her because she had born him six sons.)

4.     Bestowals (upon those who bear seed and give birth) - Jewish tradition teaches that giving birth is a religious experience.  Women come in intimate contact with their divine Creator and divine creation connecting a woman distinctively with both life and death.

a.     The male child will one day “seed” a child himself.

b.    The child passing through the shedding of blood symbolizes holiness.  There is such spiritual symbolism in this.  The daily Morning Prayer taken from the Talmud says it concisely: “O my God, the soul which you gave me is pure, you created it, you fashioned it, you breathed it into me.”  They recite, “Blessed shall you be in your coming in” (into this world) as stated in Deuteronomy 28:6. 

c.     The child is defined by its mother.  Jewish law considers a child Jewish if the mother is Jewish.  Rabbis teach that the rule was established because one can be sure who gave birth to the child, whereas the paternity is sometimes questionable.  It was in the case with the Virgin Mary even though there was the prophecy predicted in Isaiah 7:14.  This is why there is the listing of her genealogy establishing His birthright and Messianic Credentials.  Most Jews reject the Virgin Birth entirely. 

d.    Brit Milah or CIRCUMCISION – Biblical law requires that every son of a Jewish woman be circumcised on the eight day after his birth.  It honors and fulfills the covenant associated with Abraham (Genesis 17:2).  The “brit” is the most important religious event in the life of a Jewish boy, and it is appropriate that his naming take place during the circumcision ceremony.  Again, there is blood that is associated with this covenant.  (Note: I would like to recall Luke 2:21-23 (KJV) “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.  And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; as it is written in the law of the LORD, every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.” This was the first shedding of blood from Jesus that ratified the covenant through Abraham and his naming establishes WHO he was as the hope for Israel and the world.

5.     Birthright – A male child is named during the ceremony of their brit milah; a female child is name in the synagogue the week following her birth when the father is called up to read Torah and offer a prayer.  It is the Hebrew NAME that is used for all religious purposes, religious documents and prayers.  It is by this name that a person can offer prayers, read Torah, draw up contracts, etc. but also the legal name of the child to be recorded in the civil birth records, the name by which he or she will really be known to all.  This too has spiritual symbolism and meaning.

REVIEW/APPLICATION: Observation, Interpretation and Application

1.     What is your main daily emphasis upon?

2.     Is your goal to point others to the Messiah?

3.     Do you believe that God has a plan for you devised “on purpose” and “with purpose?”

4.     Are you aware of God’s divine order in which He has placed around you?  This includes the placement of people, places and things orchestrated by His hand.

5.     Do you feel a spiritual shift taking place around you?  Your home?  Your peers?  Your community?  Your church?  Or do you need re-positioned in a direction that catapults you face forward unflinching before God?

6.     Is there a distinct call for leadership from God upon your life?

7.     Do you exert great character, integrity, humility and find yourself to be competent?

8.     Is your name associated with the name of God or man?

9.     Does your name tell a story?  Does it leave behind a legacy?

10.   Are you responsible for transporting people from this present sinful state to a futuristic Godly state?

11.  Dr. Bill Purvis once stated to me, “Traci, if you raise a man or woman up in the power of the flesh all you will find as a result is the power of their flesh.  Yet, if you raise a man or woman up in the power and Spirit of God the results you will encounter will be a powerful man or woman walking in the Spirit of God.”  Do you agree or disagree?

12.  Whose agenda are you promoting?

13.  Do you have the power of influence?

14.  Are you adjusting your personal life to promote the work and life of God’s kingdom?

15.  Do you allow hardship, crises, criticism, failure and personal struggles to become personal strengths and your successes?  

16.  Are you desperate for God?

17.  Are you confronted with an overwhelming task that seems impossible for man but possible for God?  Are you exercising faith? 

18.  Is your vision based upon God's revelation and accompanied by His promises?  Do you trust those promises and deeply rely upon them?

19.  Are you a successful communicator?  Do you challenge others?  Do you lead in such an extraordinary way that it compels people to follow?  Or, are you more concerned about your position, power and driven by personality?

20.  Are you keenly aware of what God has done in your past, doing presently before you and others and promises to accomplish in their future?

21.  How do you define yourself?  Are you an ordinary individual carrying out extraordinary exploits for God?

22.  How can you reach and impact the world around you placing a mark on the pages of history and man?