Topical Bible: Obedience: Under the Preaching of Haggai

◄ Obedience: Under the Preaching of Haggai ►

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The theme of obedience is central to the prophetic ministry of Haggai, a prophet who ministered to the Jewish remnant in Jerusalem following their return from Babylonian exile. Haggai's message, delivered in 520 BC, was primarily focused on urging the people to resume the rebuilding of the Temple, which had been neglected due to external opposition and internal apathy. The book of Haggai, though brief, powerfully illustrates the blessings of obedience and the consequences of neglecting God's commands.

Context and Background

The historical context of Haggai's ministry is crucial to understanding the call for obedience. The Jews had returned to Jerusalem under the decree of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, around 538 BC. Initially, they began rebuilding the Temple with enthusiasm, laying the foundation in 536 BC. However, opposition from neighboring peoples and a lack of resources led to a cessation of the work. For approximately 16 years, the Temple lay unfinished, while the people focused on their own homes and livelihoods.

Haggai's Call to Obedience

Haggai's prophetic messages are recorded in the book bearing his name, consisting of four distinct oracles. The first message, delivered on the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius (Haggai 1:1), directly addresses the people's misplaced priorities. Haggai 1:4-5 states, "Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Think carefully about your ways.'"

The prophet challenges the people to consider their circumstances—drought, poor harvests, and economic hardship—as a direct result of their disobedience. Haggai 1:6 describes their plight: "You have planted much but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough; you drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but never get warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a bag with holes."

Response and Result of Obedience

Remarkably, the people, led by Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest, respond positively to Haggai's message. Haggai 1:12 records their obedience: "Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the words of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. So the people feared the LORD."

This obedience is met with divine encouragement and assurance. Haggai 1:13 states, "Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people: 'I am with you,' declares the LORD." The Lord's presence is a profound promise, signifying His approval and support for their renewed efforts.

Blessings of Obedience

The immediate result of their obedience is the resumption of the Temple's construction, as noted in Haggai 1:14-15 . The Lord stirred the spirit of the leaders and the people, and they began work on the house of the Lord. This act of obedience not only restored the physical structure but also reinvigorated the spiritual life of the community.

Haggai's subsequent messages continue to emphasize the blessings of obedience. In Haggai 2:19 , the Lord promises, "From this day on I will bless you." The prophet assures the people that their renewed commitment will lead to divine favor, reversing the previous curses of drought and scarcity.

Theological Implications

Haggai's ministry underscores the principle that obedience to God's commands is integral to experiencing His blessings. The people's initial neglect of the Temple resulted in material and spiritual deprivation, while their obedience brought about divine presence and prosperity. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing God's will and the transformative impact of aligning one's actions with His purposes.

In summary, the book of Haggai presents a compelling case for obedience as a response to divine instruction. Through the prophet's exhortations, the Jewish remnant learned that true prosperity and fulfillment are found in faithful adherence to God's commands, a lesson that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Haggai 1:12
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, 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 did fear before the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Law, and the Prophecy.
... God in his justice requires absolute obedience and purity ... Moses, when Israel was
suffering under Assyrian oppression ... from the house of David, preaching the glad ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 10 the law and.htm

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as ...
... Who commanded you to come to hear the preaching? ... While sin lodgeth under one roof
so near grace, grace must ... to the covenant of works; exact obedience, not one ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi all our righteousnesses.htm

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... the power of darkness, the affections under the power of ... please God; it is but obedience
to the ... Preaching, threatenings, convictions of conscience, are but as ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vii for the law.htm

Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ...
... reign till he have put all enemies under his feet ... we rely on him in his obedience
for us ... who take upon themselves the office of public preaching, or ministering ...
/.../articles of religion of the.htm

Christian Behavior
... Now, to be hearing when we should be preaching and doing, that is, yielding active
obedience to that under which we ought to suffer, is not good. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... of "particular" Baptists, gradually fell under a fatalistic ... the more hostile to the
preaching of the ... exhortation excepting what relates to external obedience.". ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

Saved by Grace;
... of dominion, he was Lord of all the creatures; they were under him upon ... and fear
from all creatures, was due unto him; the worship, obedience, subjection, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... Through the preaching of the apostles and their ... After the Romans under Cestius had
surrounded the ... centurion Liberalis endeavored to force obedience with his ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... Obedience to the word produces fruit of the required ... By the preaching of the word
and by personal ... Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... sorts of unbeliefs are being hatched out from under the wings ... truth of God, if we
live in obedience to His ... the Holy Ghost still works with the preaching of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm