Haggai 1:15

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Haggai 1:15 provides a precise chronological marker within the book of Haggai. It states the exact date—"the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king"—on which the people of Judah, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, finally resumed the work of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This date follows a period of approximately 16 years during which the construction had ceased due to opposition and the people's misplaced priorities, as highlighted in earlier verses of Haggai.

The "second year of Darius the king" refers to Darius I Hystaspes, the Persian emperor (c. 520 BC). His reign marked a significant period for the returning exiles, as it was under Persian decree that the rebuilding of the Temple was initially permitted (see Ezra 1:2). However, despite the initial enthusiasm, the work stalled due to local opposition and the people's focus on their own houses rather than God's house (Haggai 1:4). Haggai, along with Zechariah, was raised up by God to stir the people to action, resulting in the obedience marked by this verse.

Key Themes and Significance

  • Obedience to God's Call: This verse signifies the culmination of God's prophetic word through Haggai. After hearing the prophet's challenge and rebuke, the people, including Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua, responded in obedience. It marks a turning point from apathy to action.
  • Divine Timing and Empowerment: The precise dating underscores that this was a divinely orchestrated moment. Just as God had stirred the spirits of the leaders and the remnant of the people (Haggai 1:14), He also provided the opportune time for them to resume the crucial work.
  • Prioritizing God's House: The resumption of Temple building was a tangible expression of the people's renewed commitment to God and their spiritual priorities. It emphasized that God's glory and presence among them were paramount.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text of Haggai 1:15 is straightforward, focusing on the exact chronological details. The emphasis is on the precision of the date, indicating a specific, historical event. There are no complex linguistic nuances in the individual words themselves that radically alter the meaning here; rather, the significance lies in the fact that this date marks the beginning of the end of the delay. The Hebrew phrase for "sixth month" (chodesh ha-shishi) and "four and twentieth day" (b'arba'ah v'esrim yom) simply denotes the meticulous record-keeping of this pivotal moment in the post-exilic community's history.

Practical Application

Haggai 1:15, though a simple date, carries profound lessons for believers today:

  • Prompt Obedience: When God calls us to action, whether individually or corporately, it's vital to respond promptly. Delay can lead to missed blessings and neglected responsibilities.
  • Prioritizing God's Work: Just as the Israelites were called to prioritize the Temple, we are called to prioritize God's kingdom and His will in our lives (Matthew 6:33). This might involve dedicating time, resources, or talents to spiritual pursuits.
  • God's Empowerment for His Purpose: The fact that God "stirred" their spirits reminds us that when God calls us to a task, He also empowers us to accomplish it. We are not left to our own strength, but rely on His divine enablement.
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Cross-References

  • Haggai 1:1 (4 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 (2 votes)

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

  • 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,

  • Haggai 2:1 (2 votes)

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