Haggai, Zechariah (NIV Application Commentary | NIVAC)

Top Highlights

“Temple theology is an essential part of New Testament theology as well. Christ is the One in whom the manifest presence of God now dwells (John 1:14; 2:18–22). It is not surprising that the apostolic community pictures the church (which is ‘the body of Christ’) as also the arena of God’s manifest presence and thus as the temple of God and Christ (1 Cor. 3:16–17; 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21; 1 Peter 2:4–10).” (Page 97)

“While the temple lies in ruins, the people are living in nicely decorated homes.” (Page 89)

“They are experiencing curses at the hand of Yahweh, who is displeased with their lack of attention to rebuilding the temple. The prophet is calling them to action and warning that inaction will mean further curses. However, this human action is linked to God’s purposes and activity. The ultimate purpose of this project is the pleasure and glory of God. Ultimately they are not to do it for relief from curse but for the pleasure and glory of God.” (Page 87)

“As we have already noted, the prophet is not suggesting that every experience of suffering or hardship is automatically a sign of God’s discipline in our lives. However, many within the church today have moved to the opposite extreme, where there is little sense or expectation of the intrusion of God into their everyday affairs.” (Page 100)

“The people’s offerings were defiled because the people were defiled. Both in the second scenario and the community’s experience, defilement is contagious and disqualifies worship.” (Page 145)