came through Haggai the prophet,
Haggai is identified as the prophet, a spokesperson for God. Prophets in the Old Testament served as intermediaries between God and the people, often calling them back to faithfulness and obedience. Haggai's ministry occurred during the post-exilic period, around 520 BC, when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity. His role was crucial in encouraging the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed. The historical context is significant, as the people were struggling with discouragement and apathy towards the reconstruction efforts.

saying:
This introduces the specific message that follows. In prophetic literature, the word "saying" often precedes a direct quotation from God, indicating that what follows is the exact message intended for the audience. It sets the stage for the divine instructions or revelations that are to be delivered, highlighting the importance of listening and responding to God's directives.

“Then the word of the LORD came…” (Haggai 1:3)

• “Then” roots the verse firmly in the flow of events. Judah had returned from exile and laid a foundation for the temple, yet sixteen years of indifference followed (Haggai 1:2).

• The timing signals God’s immediate response to their excuses, echoing moments such as Nathan confronting David “after” his sin (2 Samuel 12:1) and Elijah appearing “suddenly” before Ahab (1 Kings 17:1).

• Scripture often links God’s fresh word to a specific turning point—think of Acts 13:2 where, “As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said…” The divine intervention always comes right on time.

• This phrase appears repeatedly—from Jeremiah 1:4 to Jonah 1:1—underscoring that what follows carries God’s full authority.

• Isaiah 55:11 promises that His word “will not return to Me empty,” so the command about rebuilding the temple would be both effective and unavoidable.

• Unlike human opinions, “the word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25), assuring readers that the instruction in Haggai is neither optional nor outdated.

• God chooses real people as conduits. Just as “the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel” (Ezekiel 1:3) and to “Zechariah son of Berechiah” (Zechariah 1:1), it now comes through Haggai.

• 2 Peter 1:21 explains that “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit,” safeguarding the message from error while preserving the prophet’s personality and context.

• The verse highlights partnership: divine origin, human delivery. Amos 3:7 adds, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”

• The title reminds listeners that Haggai is more than a concerned citizen; he occupies the divinely appointed role described in Deuteronomy 18:18.

• In biblical economy, the prophet’s tasks include:

– Calling God’s people back to covenant faithfulness (2 Chronicles 24:19)

– Interpreting current events through God’s lens (Jeremiah 25:4–5)

– Pointing to future fulfillment (Isaiah 7:14)

• Hebrews 1:1 notes that “God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,” so hearing Haggai is hearing God Himself.

• The verse ends on the brink of God’s actual speech, stressing that revelation is verbal, clear, and intended for action (James 1:22).

• When God “says,” creation happens (Genesis 1), covenants are established (Genesis 12:1–3), and history changes (Acts 9:4–6).

• Here, the forthcoming words will awaken a lethargic nation, much like Jesus’ admonition, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9).

Haggai 1:3 is a hinge verse: at a precise moment, God issues His authoritative, enduring word through His chosen prophet, inviting immediate obedience. Every phrase underscores divine initiative and human responsibility. When the Lord speaks, delays end, excuses dissolve, and His people are called to align their priorities with His purposes.