Introduction to the Book of Haggai These words of the prophet Haggai changed
Jerusalem.
In 520 B.C., Haggai encouraged the 50,000 Jewish exiles who had returned from
captivity in Babylon to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
The work had begun but stopped.
Fifteen years had passed, and only the Temple foundation was complete.
For four months, Haggai challenged the priorities of the people.
He asked them why they were living in nice houses while the Temple, the center of
worship, was still in ruins.
They listened and obeyed, and in four years, the Temple was finished and
dedicated.
Although the Temple they were building would not look as splendid as Solomon's
Temple, which had been destroyed, the Lord promised through Haggai that the
glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, ultimately
because Jesus Christ, the Messiah, would visit this Temple.