Commentary on Haggai

About 85 years before Haggai’s ministry, the prophet Habakkuk had written: “O Lord, revive your work in the midst of the years; In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2).

This is the plea of someone who longs to see God’s work advance in history. The prophet Haggai was called to a specific and concrete task: To awaken the children of Israel to resume the work of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The temple, the external symbol of the religion of the God of the Covenant, occupies a central place in the development of God’s plans in history. To keep the work halted is a sign of great spiritual indolence on the part of the people who carry in their veins the call to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).

Instead of dedicating themselves to rebuilding the temple, Israel has been occupied with their own personal affairs. These tasks are not bad in themselves, but Haggai will clearly point out, “it is not the time to invest strength, time, and resources in that.” It was time to do what needed to be done; that is, it was time to advance God’s work in those times.

Haggai’s message will teach the basic foundations and reasons for resuming the work and will rebuke the children of Israel, who will correct their course of action by resuming the rebuilding work.

Will Haggai’s message resonate in our hearts, that we must do what needs to be done, that is, advance God’s work in our own times? It is our prayer that this new commentary by Calvin will encourage us to obedience in history.

Pages: 97

Dimensions: 14.7 x 22 x 0.5 cm

ISBN: 9789930531693