Haggai 1:1

KJV

¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

In the second {H8147} year {H8141} of Darius {H1867} the king {H4428}, in the sixth {H8345} month {H2320}, in the first {H259} day {H3117} of the month {H2320}, came the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} by {H3027} Haggai {H2292} the prophet {H5030} unto Zerubbabel {H2216} the son {H1121} of Shealtiel {H7597}, governor {H6346} of Judah {H3063}, and to Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Josedech {H3087}, the high {H1419} priest {H3548}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

In the second year of Daryavesh the king, on the first day of the sixth month, the following word of ADONAI came through Hagai the prophet to Z'rubavel the son of Sh'alti'el, governor of Y'hudah, and to Y'hoshua the son of Y'hotzadak, the cohen hagadol:

Berean Standard Bible

In the second year of the reign of Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, stating

American Standard Version

In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of Jehovah by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 1:1 meticulously introduces the prophet Haggai's divine commission, precisely dating the "word of the LORD" to the second year of Darius I, the sixth month, and the first day. This inaugural verse identifies the specific recipients of God's urgent message: Zerubbabel, the civil governor of Judah, and Joshua, the high priest. It establishes the immediate historical context for the prophecy, highlighting God's direct intervention to address the returned exiles' neglect in rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate prologue to the book of Haggai, a concise prophetic work. As the very first verse, it immediately grounds the subsequent prophecies in a specific historical moment and identifies the key human agents involved in receiving and implementing God's message. The precise dating and naming of leaders signal the urgency and directness of the divine communication that follows, which will primarily focus on God's displeasure with the people's delay in rebuilding His temple and the consequences of their misplaced priorities. The entire book flows directly from this opening declaration of divine initiative and authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Haggai is set in the post-exilic period, specifically in 520 BC, approximately 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned from Babylon to Judah following the [decree of Cyrus the Great](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree"). While the initial returnees under Zerubbabel and Joshua had laid the Temple's foundation, opposition from local peoples and internal apathy had caused the work to [cease for many years](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - Work on the Temple Ceases"). The people had instead focused on building and decorating their own homes. Darius I Hystaspes, the Persian king mentioned, reigned from 522-486 BC, providing a firm historical anchor for the events. The addressing of both the civil governor (Zerubbabel, a descendant of David) and the high priest (Joshua) underscores the dual leadership structure of the post-exilic community and God's expectation for both spiritual and temporal authorities to collaborate in His work.
* **Key Themes:** Haggai 1:1 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the book. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as the message explicitly "came the word of the LORD," highlighting God's active engagement with His people and His precise timing. Secondly, the verse establishes **Prophetic Authority**, identifying Haggai as "the prophet," thereby validating the divine origin and binding nature of the words he delivers. Thirdly, it underscores **Leadership Accountability**, as the message is specifically directed to Zerubbabel and Joshua. Their prominent roles mean they bear significant responsibility for guiding the people to obey God's command to prioritize the rebuilding of His house, a theme central to the entire book, as seen in the subsequent call to [consider their ways](/haggai/1-5 "Haggai 1:5 - Consider Your Ways"). The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **God's Presence and Blessing**, which is contingent upon the people's obedience in restoring His dwelling place, a concept echoed in later prophetic promises like those found in [Zechariah 8](/zechariah/8 "Zechariah 8 - God's Promises to Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term signifies more than just spoken sounds; it denotes a matter, a thing, an affair, or a decree. When used in conjunction with "of the LORD," it carries the weight of divine authority, purpose, and action. It is a direct, authoritative revelation from God, not merely human counsel or opinion, emphasizing God's active and intentional communication with His people.
* **high (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** (H1419) While often translated as "great" or "mighty," its use here in "high priest" points to the elevated and significant status of Joshua. This highlights his preeminent role in the spiritual life of the community, underscoring the importance of God's message being delivered to both the highest civil and spiritual authorities.
* **by (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) Literally meaning "hand," this preposition indicates agency or instrumentality. The phrase "came the word of the LORD by Haggai" means the divine message came *through the hand* or agency of Haggai. It signifies that Haggai was the chosen vessel, the human instrument through whom God's authoritative word was conveyed, reinforcing his role as a true prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month":** This precise chronological marker, a hallmark of prophetic literature, firmly anchors the prophecy in a specific historical moment (520 BC). It indicates God's deliberate and timely intervention, emphasizing that His message is not vague or general but delivered at a divinely appointed time for a specific purpose.
* **"came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet":** This is the core declaration of divine origin and prophetic mediation. "The word of the LORD" (Hebrew: _dabar Yahweh_) is a powerful formula signifying direct, authoritative revelation from the covenant God, Yahweh. Haggai is explicitly identified as "the prophet," confirming his role as God's chosen messenger, through whom the divine will is communicated to humanity.
* **"unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,":** This identifies the dual leadership to whom the message is directed. Zerubbabel, representing the civil and Davidic royal line, and Joshua, representing the spiritual and priestly line, are held jointly accountable. Their specific naming underscores the personal and direct nature of God's address to those responsible for guiding the community, setting the stage for the commands that follow.

#### Literary Devices
Haggai 1:1 employs several literary devices to establish its authority and context. The most prominent is **Precision in Dating**, which grounds the divine message in a specific historical moment, lending credibility and urgency to the prophecy. The meticulous detail of "second year," "sixth month," and "first day" creates a sense of immediate relevance and divine intentionality. The phrase "came the word of the LORD" is a classic **Prophetic Formula**, serving as a divine imprimatur, immediately signaling that the following content is not human opinion but an authoritative revelation from God Himself. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** by addressing both the civil leader (Zerubbabel) and the spiritual leader (Joshua), highlighting the dual spheres of authority God holds accountable and the comprehensive nature of His call to the community. Finally, the repeated phrase "the son of" (e.g., "son of Shealtiel," "son of Josedech") acts as **Genealogical Identification**, firmly establishing the identity and lineage of these key figures, reinforcing their legitimate positions of leadership within the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 1:1 powerfully asserts God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, even amidst His people's spiritual apathy and material struggles. It demonstrates that God initiates communication, not merely reacts to human pleas, and that His word is precise, timely, and authoritative. The direct address to both civil and spiritual leaders underscores the theological principle of leadership accountability before God, emphasizing that those in positions of influence bear a significant responsibility for guiding God's people in obedience to His will. This verse sets the stage for the profound truth that God's presence and blessing are intrinsically linked to His people's prioritization of His Kingdom and His dwelling place, whether a physical temple or a spiritual one.

* [Jeremiah 1:1-2](/jeremiah/1-1-2 "Jeremiah 1:1-2 - The Word of the LORD Came to Jeremiah"): Similar prophetic formula indicating divine origin.
* [Ezra 5:1-2](/ezra/5-1-2 "Ezra 5:1-2 - Haggai and Zechariah Prophesy"): Shows Haggai and Zechariah acting on God's word to spur the rebuilding.
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose"): Emphasizes the power and effectiveness of God's spoken word.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 1:1 serves as a potent reminder that God's call to action often comes with specific timing and through designated channels, demanding a response from His people and their leaders. For contemporary believers, this verse challenges us to consider our own priorities: are we diligently pursuing God's purposes, or have we, like the exiles, become complacent, prioritizing our own comfort and material gain over the advancement of God's Kingdom? The precision of God's timing in this verse encourages us to be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives, recognizing that God's invitations for service and obedience are often specific and time-sensitive. It also highlights the critical role of spiritual and civil leadership in fostering an environment where God's will is discerned, communicated, and faithfully executed, reminding us to pray for and support those in authority as they seek to align with divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing my own comfort or projects over God's stated will or the needs of His Kingdom?**
* **How can I better discern and respond to God's specific timing and invitations for action in my personal life and within my community?**
* **What is my responsibility in supporting or encouraging leaders (both spiritual and secular) to prioritize God's purposes, as Zerubbabel and Joshua were called to do?**

### FAQ

**Who was Darius the king, and why is his reign important for dating this prophecy?**

Answer: Darius refers to Darius I Hystaspes, who reigned over the Persian Empire from 522 to 486 BC. His reign is crucial for dating the prophecy because it firmly places Haggai's message in the post-exilic period, specifically 520 BC. This precision helps historians and biblical scholars understand the exact socio-political and religious context in which God's word came to His people, a time when the returned Jewish exiles had neglected the rebuilding of the Temple despite having been back in Judah for over a decade, as detailed in [Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - The Work on the House of God Ceased").

**Why were Zerubbabel and Joshua specifically addressed by the word of the LORD?**

Answer: Zerubbabel and Joshua were the two most prominent leaders of the Jewish community in Judah during the post-exilic period. Zerubbabel was the civil governor, a descendant of King David, representing the royal line and civil authority. Joshua was the high priest, representing the spiritual and priestly authority. God addressed them directly because they held positions of immense influence and responsibility. The divine message was intended to stir them to action and, through their leadership, to inspire the entire community to resume the crucial work of rebuilding the Temple, which they had neglected, as highlighted in [Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - Is it Time for You to Dwell in Your Ceiled Houses?"). Their joint address underscores the need for both civil and spiritual leadership to be aligned with God's will for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 1:1, by establishing the divine origin of the "word of the LORD" and directing it to the civil and spiritual leaders of Israel, foreshadows the ultimate coming of God's Word in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Haggai was the prophet through whom God's message came, Jesus is the living Word, the full and final revelation of God, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The call to rebuild the physical Temple in Haggai's day finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who declared Himself to be the true Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:20 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), referring to the temple of His body. Furthermore, the roles of Zerubbabel (the Davidic governor) and Joshua (the high priest) are perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, who is both the promised King from David's line, the true "[Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")," and our eternal High Priest, "[who ever liveth to make intercession for them](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest"). The urgency to rebuild God's house in Haggai's time transforms into the New Testament imperative to build God's spiritual house—the Church—with Christ as the "[chief corner stone](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")," where believers are living stones, fulfilling God's desire for a dwelling place among His people, a reality fully realized in the person and work of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 2:2

Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

Ezra 3:8

¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.

Ezra 3:2

Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as [it is] written in the law of Moses the man of God.

Haggai 2:10

¶ In the four and twentieth [day] of the ninth [month], in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,

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.

Nehemiah 7:7

Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, [I say], of the men of the people of Israel [was this];

Ezra 6:14

And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished [it], according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.