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,

In the seventh {H7637} month, in the one {H259} and twentieth {H6242} day of the month {H2320}, came the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} by {H3027} the prophet {H5030} Haggai {H2292}, saying {H559},

On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, this word of ADONAI came through Hagai the prophet:

On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet, saying:

In the seventhmonth, in the one and twentiethdayof the month, came the word of Jehovah by Haggai the prophet, saying,

Commentary

Haggai 2:1 serves as the precise introduction to the second of four prophetic messages delivered by Haggai to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Judah from Babylon.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse meticulously dates the divine message: "In the seventh [month], in the one and twentieth [day] of the month." This specific date corresponds to the 21st day of Tishrei, which is the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This festival was a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and a remembrance of God's provision during Israel's wilderness wanderings, when they lived in temporary shelters.

The historical backdrop is significant: after returning from seventy years of Babylonian exile, the people had begun rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem but had stopped for about sixteen years due to opposition and their own apathy (as seen in Haggai 1:4). Haggai, along with Zechariah, was called by God to stir them to resume the work. This second message, coming just a short time after Haggai's initial prophetic call in Haggai 1:1, was particularly timely, delivered during a significant national festival, underscoring its importance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Origin of the Message: The phrase "came the word of the LORD" highlights that Haggai's message was not his own opinion but a direct, authoritative revelation from God. This emphasizes the divine backing for the call to action that follows.
  • God's Timeliness: The specific dating during the Feast of Tabernacles shows God's intentionality in delivering His word at a moment when the people were gathered and reflecting on His faithfulness. It was a time of introspection and anticipation of future blessings.
  • Prophetic Authority: Haggai is clearly identified as the messenger, reinforcing his role as God's chosen instrument to communicate with His people. This established his credibility and the urgency of his message.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "the word of the LORD" is davar YHWH. Davar means "word," "matter," or "thing," indicating a concrete, active communication, while YHWH is the sacred, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His personal involvement and faithfulness to His people.

Practical Application

Haggai 2:1 reminds us that God speaks to His people with purpose and precision. Even when circumstances are discouraging or efforts have stalled, God's word arrives to provide clarity, encouragement, and direction. For us today, it underscores the importance of listening for God's voice, particularly through His inspired Word, and responding to His call for spiritual rebuilding and dedication. Just as God encouraged the post-exilic community to resume building the physical Temple, He calls us to build His spiritual house and live lives that reflect His glory, trusting in His promises for a greater future, as detailed later in Haggai 2:9.

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Cross-References

  • Haggai 1:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • Haggai 1:15 (2 votes)

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

  • Haggai 2:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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,

  • 2 Peter 1:21 (2 votes)

    For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.