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:
Haggai 1:3 Then the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the
prophet…
Haggai 1:12 Then Zerubbabel the son of
Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the
remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their
God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD.
Haggai 1:13 Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, spoke to the people
with the LORD’s message, “I am with you, declares the LORD.”
Haggai 2:1 In the seventh month, on the
twenty-first day of the month, the word
of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet…
Haggai 2:10 On the twenty-fourth day of the
ninth month, in the second year of Darius,
the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet…
Haggai 2:20 The
word of the LORD came a second time to Haggai on the
twenty-fourth day of the month...
(If you are among those color-coding in this study, please highlight the above passages and phrases with the color brown to represent prophecy in your Bible.)
The Call Accentuated – "The word of the LORD came by
the hand of Haggai the prophet,"
The above phrase, "The word of
the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet," places our attention
upon God who speaks through the prophet rather than the prophet himself.
It places emphasis upon the "WORD" of God as the prophet penned
and prophesied it and not simply upon the "words" of the prophet.
An easy way to remember is "One who speaks in God's stead or on His
behalf." Behind these prophesies was God's allegories hinting to a
revelation and time that lends credibility to the Jewish interpreter.
Remember, there were many prophets. Not all prophets spoke accurate
words of God. Prophecies were tried and tested. Prophesies that are
not 100 % accurate 100% of the time are considered false.
2 Peter 1:21 – NIV - "For no
prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they
were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Jeremiah 23:21 NLT - "I have
not sent these prophets, yet they run around claiming to speak for me. I
have given them no message' yet they go on prophesying."
The Call Announced – “Then the word of the LORD came
by the hand of Haggai the prophet,” (Haggai 1:3). Jehozadak, the brother of Ezra the scribe,
was the last High Priest to serve Solomon’s Temple. He was exiled with Judah and Jerusalem to
Babylon. (1 Chronicles 6:15) He returned
to Jerusalem to rebuild the Second Temple.
·
Specific Call to the Prophet - Individual
1. The word of the LORD
came by the hand of Haggai the prophet. (Haggai 1:1,3: 2:1,10,20)
2. And the words of Haggai
the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him.(Haggai 1:12)
·
Strategic Call to the People - National
1. The first generation – 1st Temple – Shealtiel and Jehozadak
2. The second generation –
2nd Temple – Zerubbabel and Joshua
Had these two generations forgotten their individual and
national call? No. Both generations knew the laws, statues and
decrees of the Lord even their priests, prophets and Kings who were taken
captive to Babylon. (Ezra 2
lists the men of Israel who returned; priests 973, Levites 74, Singers or
Musicians 28, gatekeepers 39, records define many temple servants and
descendants.) The point is their roles were defined. Ezra
3:8 speaks of their return by name.)
They remembered the words recorded in Deuteronomy 7:6 (ESV) "For
you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen
you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are
on the face of the earth."
Daniel was a testimony of this verse each time he was tested
in his faith by the kings of Babylon, Medes and Persians (Daniel 1:1, 2; 6:28).
It began with a fast, praying three times a day, not bowing down to their
gods, thrown into a fiery furnace and lion’s den etc. Furthermore, it was
Daniel who led the next generation of Magi to the Messiah (Daniel 1:20, 21;
5:11, 12, 16; 6:3). The Magi were
experts in their knowledge of science, astrology, mathematics, history,
agriculture, economics, religion and politics. Their influence made them
the most prominent and powerful group of advisers in the Babylonian and
Medo-Persian Empire. This is where the term "wise men" derives
its meaning. Many laws of the Empire were founded upon their teachings.
Historians explain that no Persian could be enthroned without their
discipline, mastering skills, counsel or approval.
We even learn from the book of Daniel that the Magi were
among the highest ranking officials in Babylon. Daniel was given the gift and
ability to interpret dreams above those "wise men" of Babylon. He was
"ruler over the whole province of Babylon" (Daniel 2:24). He was
highly regarded by the Magi. Because of his high position, respect, immense
wisdom and knowledge, it seems certain the Magi learned about the one true God
of Israel and the hope of their long awaited Messiah. They were taught
about His plan and future through the coming glorious King. Many Jews
remained in Babylon after the exile. A remnant returned, but those who
stayed intermarried among their neighbors (a Mosaic Law forbidden by God.)
Therefore, it is likely that Jewish Messianic influence remained
prevalent in that region until New Testament times.
The wise men who came seeking the Messiah were not
idolaters; they were upright men of character and integrity. They sought
the Hebrew scripture and sacred scrolls. They were familiar with the
great occultist Balaam who prophesied, "A Star shall come out of Jacob; a
Scepter shall rise out of Israel" (Numbers 24:17). They observed the
Jewish New Moons, Appointed Times and Seasons. Therefore, the timing of
Daniel's prophecy was impeccable regarding the First Advent of the Messiah.
The question presents itself, "What's the
problem?"
The Claim Asserted – “Is it a time for
you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in
ruins?” (Haggai 1:4)
· Problem - Israel had not forgotten their
own beliefs, customs, traditions, practices or statues and laws in regards to
following God. There was a generation of unanswered, as well as,
unresolved questions. As a Rabbi stated to me, "A question is a
question when a person really wants to know an answer." I am not
convinced they were concerned with answers at this point. They had grown
complacent sitting only upon a foundational truth with no structure for these
past eighteen years. The opportunity was initially afforded through King
Cyrus to allow the people to return and rebuild. However, the response
was stagnating even unto King Darius. Again, the remnant of Israel set
eighteen years upon the idea of the Messiah and Second Temple, but resigned to
believe that it would take place within them. Smug and arrogant, some of
these remnants threw up questions like roadblocks. Now, as the Rabbi
continues, "For one who has already made up his or her mind that prophecy
and predictions are no longer needed, no amount of evidence will be
convincing." The characters found in the book of Haggai had a
daunting task ahead of them. Later in history, Jesus himself said a
prophet has no honor in his own home. He also said the road is narrow
that leads to life. Many of the remnants did not return nor walk that
road. Only 50k returned and they still needed persuaded. Why do we
need a Messiah? Who is the Messiah? Why build a Second
Temple? When will He come? They are the same questions being asked
today.
·
Prophecies
Adam’s original sin made it
necessary for man to make atonement through a Redeemer. Sin separated man
from God and His holiness. Sin broke fellowship. Adam’s sin nature
passed from generation to generation. A sacrifice was required in order
to bring man into a relationship and right standing with God. That
sacrifice and atonement would come through a kinsman Redeemer.
Jewish tradition refers to a
redeemer or anointed one being called the “Messiah.” This term has
meaning in Jewish religion' tradition and culture. The Anointed One is involved
in delivering the Jewish people from exile and ushering in the long-awaited
Messianic era. In Jewish teaching, there are two advents and purposes of
the Messiah. The first advent refers to the Messiah from Joseph’s lineage
(Messiah ben-Yosef).
He is to prepare the world for the
coming of the kingdom of the Lord. His coming would be through the
"virgin birth" according to Isaiah 7:14 which results in a
supernatural event." The Bible teaches in both Covenants that God
intervenes in human history overruling the natural course of events for His own
plans and purpose. Jews require signs, miracles and wonders in order to
believe (John 4:48; 1 Corinthians 1:22). The Hebrew word for sign
"ot" means an extraordinary event that demonstrates and calls
attention to God's direct involvement in human affairs. This happens.
His advent results in a battle (Battle of Armageddon) during a time
preceding the fulfillment of the Messianic Kingdom. During this advent,
the Messiah atones for the sins of Israel and the nations. The
Messiah’s death, burial, resurrection and ascent quickly turns into rejection
and tragedy broke out resulting in the destruction of the Second Temple.
The nation was forced into a long period of deportation and the Jews were
nationally dispersed. Since 70 AD no temple has stood on Mount Moriah
where atonement was made for Israel’s sins.
The second advent of the Messiah is
to restore the Temple, re-gather the exiles of Israel, unite the Gentile
nations, finalize sin and evil, resurrect the dead, and set up the New
Jerusalem. During this advent, the Messiah brings judgment upon the
unjust (unbelievers) and restores the kingdom back to Israel. There is a
false theology teaching that God is no longer interested in Jews as a nation
supposing that the New Testament cancels His promises in giving Israel their
allotted land. The New Testament does not alter any of the Old Testament
promises to the Jewish people. He fulfills each remaining covenant and
promise made to Israel. He will reign as King. The Second Advent
refers to the Messiah from David’s lineage (Messiah ben-David). These two
prophecies are both “past and future” fulfillments. Messiah ben Yosef and
Messiah ben-David is the same Messiah with two distinct and separate
roles. Israel rejected Messiah ben Yosef and sought only Messiah
ben-David’s role. Jews still reject Him today because they failed to see
the first advent.
·
Predictions and Fulfillments
Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I send my
messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you
seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in
whom you delight, behold,
he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
In order to proceed, let’s observe
the predictions that foreshadow Jesus who would be the fulfillment of both.
There are 333 predictions concerning the first advent of the Messiah.
There is a distinct and lucid teaching that He will come. Yet, there were
400 years between the last of the Messianic predictions of the Old Testament
and their fulfillment in the New Testament. The Old Testament predicts HE
WILL COME. The New Testament fulfills ONE WHO CAME. He that has
been concealed is now revealed. There were numerous false Messiahs throughout
history in Israel, but not a single one fulfilled prophecy to establish his
claim. Jesus did and we can see this through the types found in Messiah
ben Yosef.
JOSEPH
- Yosef -
|
JESUS
- Yeshua -
|
Rachel
was barren and her pregnancy was the result of a divine
intervention. (Genesis 30:2)
|
Mary
was a virgin and her pregnancy was the result of a divine intervention.
(Matthew 1:18)
|
Joseph
would remove Israel’s reproach. (Genesis 30:23)
|
Jesus
removed the reproach of Israel and the world. (Luke 2:32; John 3:16-17)
|
The
name Joseph means “MAY HE ADD,” given by Rachel expressing her hope for more
children. (Genesis 30:24)
|
The
name Yeshua means “Jehovah saves” and Emmanuel means “God with
us.” (1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 3:26)
|
Joseph
was the firstborn son of Rachel. (Genesis 30:23-24) She is considered
Israel’s matriarch.
|
Jesus
was Mary’s firstborn and considered the Church’s matriarch. (Luke 2:7;
John 19:26)
|
Joseph’s
birth marks an end of exile (Genesis 30:25)
|
Jesus
marks the end of all exile (Luke 2:29-32)
|
Joseph
was a shepherd. (Genesis 37:2)
|
Jesus
was the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11)
|
Joseph’s
reported his brothers to his father. (Genesis 37:2)
|
Jesus
reported his brothers’ evil to the Father. (John 7:7)
|
Joseph
was beloved of his father. (Genesis 37:3)
|
Jesus
was beloved of His Father. (Matthew 17:5)
|
Jacob
loved, favored and anointed his son. (Genesis 37:3)
|
God
the Father loved, favored and anointed His son. (John 3:35;
Hebrews 1:9)
|
Joseph
hated without a cause by his brothers (Genesis 37:4)
|
Jesus
was hated without a cause by his brothers (John 1:11)
|
Joseph
was a child dreamer. (Genesis 37:5)
|
Jesus
was a gifted child filled with dreams of heaven. (Luke 2:42-51)
|
Joseph
prophetically understood his role as deliverer. (Genesis 37:5-11)
|
Jesus
prophetically came as deliverer. (John 6:35)
|
Joseph’s
brothers refused his rule. (Genesis 37:8)
|
Jesus
brothers (Israel) refused his rule. (Luke 19:14)
|
Joseph
was envied by his brothers. (Genesis 37:11)
|
Jesus
was envied by his brothers (Mark 15:10)
|
Joseph
was sent forth by his father. (Genesis 37:12-14)
|
Jesus
was sent forth by His Father. (John 5:30-36)
|
Joseph’s
brothers conspired to kill him. (Genesis 37:18)
|
The
elders conspired against Jesus and sought his death. (Matthew 27:1)
|
Joseph’s
brothers did not believe him. (Genesis 37:19-20)
|
Jesus’
brothers did not believe in Him (John 1:11)
|
Joseph’s
brothers stripped and mocked him. (Genesis 37:19, 23)
|
Jesus
was stripped and mocked by Israel. (Matthew 27:28)
|
Joseph
was cast into a pit. (Genesis 37:24)
|
Jesus
was cast into a pit. (Matthew 12:40)
|
Joseph’s
life was ransomed. (Genesis 37:26-27)
|
Jesus’
life was ransomed. (1 Timothy 2:6)
|
Joseph
was sold for 30 pieces of silver. (Genesis 37:28)
|
Jesus
was sold for 30 pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:15)
|
Joseph
was raised from the pit. (Genesis 37:28)
|
Jesus
was raised from the pit. (Ephesians 4:8-10)
|
Joseph
was a servant before his promotion. (Genesis 37:28)
|
Jesus
was a servant before His exaltation. (Philippians 2:6-9)
|
Joseph
was taken into Egypt to avoid being killed. (Genesis 37:28)
|
Jesus
was taken into Egypt to avoid being killed by Herod. (Matthew 2:13-14)
|
Joseph’s
coat was covered by blood. (Genesis 37:31)
|
Jesus’
robe was covered with blood. (Revelation 19:13)
|
Joseph
grew with wisdom and favor. (Genesis 39:2, 4)
|
Jesus
grew in wisdom and favor. (Luke 2:40)
|
Joseph
was made an overseer. (Genesis 39:4)
|
Jesus
was made an overseer. (1 Peter 2:25)
|
Joseph
was tempted but did not sin. (Genesis 39:7-10)
|
Jesus
was tempted but did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
|
Joseph
was falsely accused by his authority. (Genesis 39:11-20)
|
Jesus
was falsely accused by authorities. (John 19:4)
|
Joseph
offered no defense. (Genesis 39:19-20)
|
Jesus
offered no defense. (Luke 23:9; Matthew 27:14)
|
Joseph
was imprisoned with two criminals. (Genesis 40:2-3)
|
Jesus
was imprisoned with two criminals. (Luke 23:32)
|
Joseph
promised deliverance to a condemned man. (Genesis 40:13)
|
Jesus
promised deliverance to a condemned man. (Luke 23:43)
|
Joseph
was an interpreter. (Genesis 40:5-41:32)
|
Jesus
was an interpreter. (John 4:19-29)
|
Joseph
was vindicated and exalted over the world. (Genesis 41:40-42)
|
Jesus
was vindicated and exalted over the world. (1 Peter 3:22)
|
Joseph
was clothed in new garments. (Genesis 41:40-42)
|
Jesus
was clothed in new garments. (Revelation 1:13-17)
|
Others
bowed their knees before Joseph. (Genesis 41:43)
|
Every
knee will bow and tongue confesses Jesus. (Romans 14:11)
|
Joseph
was given a gentile bride. (Genesis 41:45)
|
Jesus
is given a gentile bride. (Revelation 22:17)
|
Joseph
was 30 years old when he began his public ministry in Egypt (type of the
world). (Genesis 41:46)
|
Jesus
was 30 years old when he began his earthly ministry. (Luke 3:23)
|
Joseph
distributed bread to the people. (Genesis 41:55)
|
Jesus
was sent to be the Bread of Life to the people. (John 6:35, 48-51)
|
Joseph
allowed his brothers to suffer a period of tribulation. (Genesis 42:6 –
44:34)
|
Jesus
allows his brothers to suffer a period of tribulation (Matthew 24:21)
|
Joseph’s
brothers did not recognize him. (Genesis 42:8)
|
Jesus
was not recognized by his brothers. (John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 3:14)
|
Joseph
interceded on behalf of his brothers. (Genesis 43:0; 44:16-34)
|
Jesus
intercedes on behalf of Israel. (Hebrews 7:25)
|
Joseph
revealed himself to his brother as Savior. (Genesis 45:1-15)
|
Jesus
reveals Himself to Israel at the Second Coming. (Romans 11:26)
|
Joseph
was “alive from the dead” for Israel. (Genesis 45:26-28)
|
Jesus
is “alive from the dead” for the world. (Matthew 28:6)
|
Joseph
leads Israel back to their homeland. (Genesis 46:28)
|
Jesus
will lead Israel back to their homeland.
|
Joseph
brought Israel before Pharaoh and Jacob bless the Pharaoh. (Genesis
47:7)
|
Jesus
will present Israel to the Father and Israel will bless the Father.
(1 Corinthians 15:28)
|
Joseph
conquered the entire world by faith. (Genesis 47:23)
|
Jesus
will conquer the entire world by faith. (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2)
|
Joseph
was crowned with glory and honor. (Genesis 41:39-45)
|
Jesus
is crowned with glory and honor. (Hebrews 2:9)
|
Joseph’s
(Gentile) descendants were grafted into the tribe of Israel. (Genesis
48:5) Ephraim and Manasseh
|
Jesus
incorporates Gentile believers into the covenants and blessing of the sons
and daughters of Israel the same. (Ephesians 3:6)
|
Joseph
was given the blessing of the firstborn son. (Genesis 49:22-26)
|
Jesus
is the “firstborn of creation” and given the blessing. (Colossians
1:16-18)
|
·
Proof
Proof
1. Credentials - Every Jewish family kept public
records of their genealogy stored within the city archives. Genealogies were
established as credentials proving the coming Messiah’s authenticity.
Accuracy was demanded when recording the person’s name, genealogy, and address.
Although, Judah had been deprived of their national sovereignty during their 70
year captivity to Babylon they did not lose their identity, ethnicity,
lawgivers or judges. These men could accurately identify the
Messiah. There were certain criteria and specifications that had to
be met for the people to accept The Anointed One. He was to be direct
seed of woman coming through the line of Shem and the seed of Abraham. That
seed would be traced through Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Jesse and finally David.
They were acquainted with the scripture stating that there would be a specific
time for his arrival. The Messiah was prophesied to appear while the
second Temple was still standing according to the prophets and writings (Hag
2:7, 9; Mal 3:1; Zech 11:13; Dan 9:26; Psalms 118:26). This was proof for
Haggai, Zerubbabel, and Joshua. It was time to begin rebuilding the
Temple in Jerusalem.
2. Certainty – Jesus fulfilled every credential
and specification predicted regarding his lineage, birthplace and appointed
time of arrival (Isa 7:13-14). His glory would be demonstrated within the
Second Temple as Haggai prophesied. After that era, it was destroyed by
the Romans. The Jewish priesthood ceased to exist. Sacrifices were
eradicated and genealogies annihilated. The people were dispersed from
their homeland to the four corners of the world. The Messiah must
reach unto the end of the earth (Isa 49:6). Therefore, Israel’s despise
and rejection became the world’s enlightenment and acceptance. His first
advent was to appear as Savior and his second advent as Judge.
The Counsel’s Advice – “Now, therefore, thus says the LORD
of hosts: Consider your ways.” (Haggai 1:5)
There were specific Messianic
prophecies concerning The Messiah the people were to consider. The people
were to be acquainted with his arrival, name, address, origin, roles, One of many was His role as prophet, priest
and king. The prophet represented God to the nation presenting His word
and message. The High Priest was chosen
by God and represented the people. He
made atonement for their sins. The king
supervised both the individual and society through government. Those ways and offices were not being
measured by the remnant. The foundation was set but the remaining
structure of their religious belief system simply stood still. It had not
yet been built. Moses had presented the law ceremonially, civilly and
morally to the people. This law was being compromised. They had grown
comfortable living among the Samaritans. The judges were no longer being
heard. The writings were not being read or kept. So, this was an
era where their spirits needed restored and hearts recommitted. After
all, the prophecy Haggai was heralding through Jerusalem was “The Messiah is
coming!” Haggai was sent to move them
into action.
1. Haggai’s First Prophecy - Haggai is
instructed to tell Zerubbabel and Joshua that they should inform the nation
that the time for rebuilding the Temple has arrived. (Individual Call)
2. Haggai’s Second Prophecy - Haggai
addresses the nation to rebuild. (National Call)
3. Haggai’s Third Prophecy – Haggai
confronts the nation’s discouragement and enthusiasm urging the nation to
disregard their emotions and continue pursuing the construction with zeal.
(National Call)
4. Haggai’s Fourth Prophecy – Haggai
tests the priest regarding the laws of ritual purity. These laws were essential to the functioning
of the Temple. They may have been forgotten while in living in Babylon because
of relevancy. (Individual Call)
5. Haggai’s Fifth Prophecy – Haggai’s
last prophecy (there were two) foretold of their final redemption…the
Messiah.
Just as Haggai was pointing the
remnant to the long awaited Messiah we too can often miss His Advent. It
does not matter how many times the scripture has been accentuated, announced or
asserted when we compromise and grow complacent we ignore the Holy Spirit’s
Counsel. We no longer adhere to His advice. We fail to see the
importance of God’s agenda because we are too busy with our own. There is
a specific and strategic call upon God’s people even today. It is both
individually and nationally. Yet, we often have the same problem as the
remnant. We fail to consider the foretold prophecies and
predictions. Just like Israel, we demand proof of their existence while
contemplating their fulfillment. We do not accept the credentials and
creeds before us. Instead, we insist upon certainties. We require
OUR own proof and certainties! God is no longer being heard. His
Word is not read or kept. We are in an era and cultural where our spirits
need restored and hearts recommitted. After all, The Messiah is coming
again. We must adhere to the individual
and national call.
REVIEW/APPLICATION:
Observation, Interpretation and Application
1.
How does the Word of God reveal itself to
you?
2. Who do we place our attention upon? Is it God or the motivational speaker?
3. Are there false prophets among us
today? If so, how do we tell the
difference between truth and error?
4. Is there an individual call upon your life?
5. Has our generation been lost in the midst of our ways, errors
and sins?
6. Is your testimony as compelling as Daniel’s as recorded
in 6:26 “Every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of
Daniel?”
7. What are the differences between the two advents?
8. Name two men that the Jewish people portrait as the
Messiah yet they fulfill two different periods and roles.
9. Do Messianic credentials still matter? If so, why?
10. What is the counselor’s advice throughout the book of
Haggai?
11. Are we in an era and cultural where our spirits need
restored or recommitted?
12. Do you believe in the Second Coming of the Messiah?
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