The Book of Haggai, part of the American Standard Version of the Bible, offers a powerful message of encouragement and urging for the people of Israel to rebuild the temple. The prophet Haggai delivers a direct and clear message from God, reminding the people of their covenant with Him and calling them to prioritize the work of rebuilding the temple.

The book is short but impactful, with Haggai providing guidance on the importance of putting God first and seeking His blessings. Throughout the text, the prophet emphasizes the consequences of neglecting God's house and encourages the people to turn back to Him with repentance and dedication.

Overall, the Book of Haggai is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that challenges readers to examine their priorities and align them with God's will. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our relationship with God, and the blessings that come from putting Him first in all aspects of our lives.

Book Description:

The Book of Haggai is a book of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and of the Old Testament, written by the prophet Haggai. It was written in 520 BC some 18 years after Cyrus had conquered Babylon and issued a decree in 538 BC allowing the captive Jews to return to Judea. He saw the restoration of the temple as necessary for the restoration of the religious practices and a sense of peoplehood after a long exile. It consists of two brief, comprehensive chapters. The object of the prophet is generally urging the people to proceed with the rebuilding of the second Jerusalem temple in 521 BC after the return of the deportees. Haggai attributes a recent drought to the peoples’ refusal to rebuild the temple, which he sees as key to Jerusalem’s glory. The book ends with the prediction of the downfall of kingdoms, with one Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, as the Lord’s chosen leader. The language here is not as finely wrought as in some other books of the minor prophets, yet the intent seems straightforward.