Haggai 1:15

KJV

In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the four {H702} and twentieth {H6242} day {H3117} of the sixth {H8345} month {H2320}, in the second {H8147} year {H8141} of Darius {H1867} the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This was on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month of the second year of Daryavesh the king.

Berean Standard Bible

on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius.

American Standard Version

in the four and twentieth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 1:15 serves as a precise chronological marker, detailing the exact date—the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius's reign—on which the people of Judah, spurred by the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah, finally resumed the crucial work of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse signifies a pivotal moment of renewed obedience and commitment after years of neglect and misplaced priorities, marking the culmination of God's stirring of the people's hearts to action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Haggai 1:15 concludes the first prophetic message delivered by Haggai, which began in [Haggai 1:1](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - The Word of the Lord Through Haggai"). The preceding verses ([Haggai 1:2-11](/haggai/1-2-11 "Haggai 1:2-11 - Rebuke for Neglecting the Temple")) contain God's sharp rebuke to the people for prioritizing their own paneled houses while the Lord's house lay in ruins, attributing their economic struggles to this spiritual neglect. [Haggai 1:12](/haggai/1-12 "Haggai 1:12 - The People Obey") records the people's immediate and humble response of obedience, and [Haggai 1:13-14](/haggai/1-13-14 "Haggai 1:13-14 - God's Presence and Stirring") reveals God's encouraging promise of His presence and His powerful act of "stirring up the spirit" of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the entire remnant. Thus, [Haggai 1:15](/haggai/1-15 "Haggai 1:15 - The Resumption of Temple Work") is the tangible outcome of this divine stirring and human obedience, providing the exact timestamp for the recommencement of the Temple construction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "second year of Darius the king" refers to Darius I Hystaspes, the Persian emperor, placing this event around 520 BC. This period was approximately 16 years after the initial return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon under the decree of Cyrus the Great ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). While the foundation of the Temple had been laid shortly after their return ([Ezra 3:8-13](/ezra/3-8-13 "Ezra 3:8-13 - Laying the Temple Foundation")), opposition from local adversaries ([Ezra 4:1-5](/ezra/4-1-5 "Ezra 4:1-5 - Opposition to Rebuilding")) and a subsequent royal decree halting the work ([Ezra 4:21-24](/ezra/4-21-24 "Ezra 4:21-24 - Artaxerxes Halts the Work")) led to a prolonged cessation of construction. The people, in the interim, had become complacent, focusing on their own affairs. Haggai's ministry, alongside Zechariah's, was strategically timed by God to re-ignite the spiritual fervor and commitment necessary to complete the sacred task.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Haggai and the broader post-exilic narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**, as God orchestrates the precise moment for His work to resume, aligning prophetic word with human action. It underscores the theme of **Obedience and Prioritization**, demonstrating that when God's people heed His call and prioritize His kingdom, He empowers them for the task. The verse also highlights **God's Faithfulness**, as He remains committed to His covenant people and their spiritual restoration, even when they falter. The resumption of the Temple building, as marked by [Haggai 1:15](/haggai/1-15 "Haggai 1:15 - The Resumption of Temple Work"), is a tangible expression of the people's renewed commitment to **Worship and God's Presence**, which is central to the entire book of Haggai and the restoration period.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Darius (Hebrew, _Dârᵉyâvêsh'_):** H1867, of Persian origin. This is a specific historical title, rather than a personal name, referring to Darius I Hystaspes, the Persian king who reigned from 522-486 BC. His reign was significant for the Jewish exiles, as it was under his authority that the Temple rebuilding was eventually completed and officially sanctioned, as recorded in [Ezra 6](/ezra/6 "Ezra 6 - Completion of the Temple"). The mention of Darius anchors the prophecy firmly in a verifiable historical period, lending credibility to the narrative.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** H3117, from an unused root meaning "to be hot." This term refers to a literal day, emphasizing the precise nature of the chronological record. In the context of Haggai 1:15, the specific "four and twentieth day" highlights the immediate and decisive response of the people to God's word, signifying that there was no further delay once their hearts were stirred.
* **month (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** H2320, from _châdash_ (to be new). This word refers to the new moon and, by implication, a month. The "sixth month" (Elul in the Jewish calendar) was a time often associated with preparation for the autumn festivals. The precision of the month, combined with the day and year, underscores the meticulous record-keeping of this pivotal moment, indicating its importance in the historical and theological narrative of the post-exilic community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the four and twentieth day":** This clause provides the specific day of the month. The precision of this date emphasizes the immediate and decisive obedience of the people and their leaders. It marks the exact point in time when the stirring of their spirits, mentioned in the preceding verse, translated into concrete action, signaling an end to the period of apathy and delay.
* **"of the sixth month":** This specifies the month in the Jewish calendar (Elul), which typically falls between August and September. This detail further narrows down the exact timing of the recommencement of the Temple work. The inclusion of the month, along with the day and year, highlights the historical accuracy and importance of this event for the chronicler.
* **"in the second year":** This refers to the second regnal year of King Darius I. This chronological marker firmly places the event within a known historical period, allowing for cross-referencing with other historical records and biblical books like Ezra. It signifies that the work resumed relatively early in Darius's reign, after a significant pause under previous Persian rulers.
* **"of Darius the king":** This identifies the specific monarch whose reign is being referenced. Darius I was a powerful and influential Persian king who eventually issued a decree that supported and protected the Jewish efforts to rebuild the Temple ([Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1-12 "Ezra 6:1-12 - Darius's Decree")). The mention of his name underscores the broader political and imperial context in which the divine work of rebuilding was taking place.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Haggai 1:15 is **Chronological Precision**. The verse is entirely composed of specific temporal markers: day, month, and year, anchored by the name of a historical king. This meticulous dating serves to emphasize the historical veracity and significance of the event. It is not merely a general statement but a specific, verifiable moment in time. This precision also creates a sense of **Narrative Progression** and climax, as the preceding verses detail the divine rebuke and the people's repentance, leading directly to this moment of resumed action. The strong emphasis on exact timing highlights the **Divine Orchestration** of events, implying that this resumption was not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 1:15, though a simple chronological statement, carries profound theological weight, marking a turning point from spiritual stagnation to active obedience. It demonstrates that God's prophetic word is not merely for instruction but for transformation, stirring His people to align their priorities with His. The precise dating underscores the importance of immediate and decisive action when God calls, revealing that genuine repentance leads to tangible steps of faith and service. This verse is a testament to the power of God's Spirit to move hearts, even after prolonged apathy, enabling His people to accomplish His purposes.

* [Ezra 5:1-2](/ezra/5-1-2 "Ezra 5:1-2 - Prophets Stirring the Work")
* [2 Chronicles 36:22-23](/2_chronicles/36-22-23 "2 Chronicles 36:22-23 - Cyrus's Decree to Rebuild")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seeking God's Kingdom First")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 1:15 serves as a powerful reminder that God's call to action is often accompanied by a specific timing and requires a prompt, obedient response. For us today, this verse challenges us to examine our own priorities: Is God's "house"—His kingdom, His glory, His purposes—truly paramount in our lives, or are we, like the Israelites, more focused on our own comfort and security? The precision of the date implies that there was no further delay once the people's spirits were stirred. This prompts us to consider areas where God might be calling us to immediate obedience, whether it's in our service, our giving, our relationships, or our personal spiritual disciplines. Just as God empowered the Israelites to resume the Temple work, He promises to empower us for the tasks He sets before us, reminding us that His enablement follows our willingness to obey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "house" or area of God's work might I be neglecting in my life due to misplaced priorities or fear?**
* **In what specific area is God calling me to a more immediate and decisive act of obedience today?**
* **How does the knowledge that God "stirs the spirit" encourage me when facing daunting tasks or personal spiritual apathy?**

### FAQ
**Why is the exact date so important in Haggai 1:15?**

Answer: The exact date in [Haggai 1:15](/haggai/1-15 "Haggai 1:15 - The Resumption of Temple Work") is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the historical veracity of the events, grounding the prophecy in a specific, verifiable timeline. This precision lends credibility to the divine message and the people's response. Secondly, it highlights the immediacy of the people's obedience. After God's strong rebuke and promise of presence, the people did not delay; they began the work on a specific day. This emphasizes the theme of prompt obedience. Lastly, it marks a significant turning point in the post-exilic community's history, signaling the end of a long period of stagnation and the beginning of renewed commitment to God's work, leading to the eventual completion of the Second Temple.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Haggai 1:15 records the resumption of building a physical temple, its ultimate fulfillment points to Christ and the spiritual temple He builds. The physical Temple in Jerusalem, which the Israelites were tasked with rebuilding, was a shadow of the true dwelling place of God, which is found in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to [the temple of His body](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple"). Just as God stirred the spirits of Zerubbabel and Joshua to build a house for His presence, so too does He empower believers today, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to become living stones in [the spiritual house that is the Church](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House"), with Christ as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). The precise timing in Haggai 1:15 foreshadows God's perfect timing in sending His Son, for [when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time"), to accomplish the ultimate work of redemption and establish a new covenant where God dwells not in buildings made with hands, but in the hearts of His people. The King Darius mentioned here ultimately points to Christ, the true King who reigns eternally and whose kingdom is being built not with bricks and mortar, but with transformed lives.

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

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,

Haggai 2:20

¶ And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth [day] of the month, saying,

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 2:1

¶ In the seventh [month], in the one and twentieth [day] of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,