Haggai 1:1

¶ 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,

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},

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:

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

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,

Haggai 1:1 serves as the precise introduction to the prophetic book of Haggai, setting the stage for God's urgent message to the returned exiles in Judah. This verse meticulously dates the divine communication and identifies its specific recipients, establishing the authority and immediacy of the forthcoming prophecy.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophecy delivered by Haggai is set in the post-exilic period, approximately 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned from Babylon under the decree of Cyrus the Great. The "second year of Darius the king" refers to Darius I Hystaspes of Persia, dating this event to 520 BC. While initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem was high, opposition and apathy had caused the work to cease for many years. The people had prioritized their own homes over God's house.

The message is directed to two key leaders: Zerubbabel, the civil governor of Judah and a descendant of David, representing the royal line; and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, representing the spiritual leadership. This joint address underscores the need for both civil and spiritual authority to unite in carrying out God's will, particularly concerning the rebuilding of the Temple.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Initiative and Timing: The verse emphasizes that the message "came the word of the LORD," highlighting God as the initiator. The precise dating—"in the sixth month, in the first day of the month"—underscores the meticulousness of God's timing and His direct involvement in human affairs. This was a specific, divinely appointed moment for action.
  • Prophetic Authority: Haggai is identified as "the prophet," signifying that the words he speaks are not his own but are directly from the LORD. This establishes the divine authority behind the call to resume the Temple reconstruction.
  • Leadership Accountability: By addressing Zerubbabel and Joshua, God holds the leaders responsible for guiding the people in obedience. Their positions of influence meant they were crucial to inspiring and organizing the renewed building efforts.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" is a common prophetic formula in the Old Testament (Hebrew: dabar Yahweh). It signifies a direct, authoritative revelation from God Himself, distinguishing it from human opinion or counsel. This emphasis on Yahweh, God's covenant name, reinforces His faithfulness and His active engagement with His people even in their post-exilic state. The specific dating also points to a very deliberate and timely communication, not a vague spiritual impression.

Practical Application

Haggai 1:1 reminds us that God's messages often come with specific timing and through designated channels. For believers today, this verse highlights:

  • The importance of discerning and responding to God's specific callings, especially when priorities have become misplaced.
  • The role of leadership, both spiritual and secular, in aligning with God's purposes and encouraging God's people to faithful action.
  • That God is precise and intentional in His communication, often providing clear direction when His people need to return to neglected duties or prioritize His Kingdom. Just as He called His people to rebuild the physical temple, He calls us to build His spiritual house and prioritize His will.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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