Haggai: An Expositional Commentary
Overview
As in the days of Haggai, excuses for apathy are shamelessly voiced, blind eyes are turned to the judgments of God, and defiled hearts sink into unfaithfulness. And yet the LORD Almighty remains faithful to his people and true to his word. Through repeated trials he calls the backslider to repentance, with timely encouragements and gracious promises he strengthens the downhearted, and for his own glory he transforms the sins of neglect and ignorance into the servants of his purpose. With urgency, the prophet condemns the wickedness of waiting, when duty calls today, and of lamenting the past—desiring an experience today similar to that of yesterday. And he warns of the grave peril of expecting immediate material results. It is a message that must be taken seriously by the twenty-first century church.
Top Highlights
“The main problem was not the lack of resources, but the community’s attitude to the work—any obstacle was used as an excuse for inactivity.” (Page 45)
“Because of their neglect and indifference towards the things of God, they had forfeited that coveted title. They were too busy looking after their own interests to be owned by God, too self-centred to be named as his special people. God disowns the disobedient.” (Page 26)
“The interpretation that is favoured by most modern scholars is that the wealth and treasures of the heathen nations (that is, those things which nations desire or regard as precious) would be brought to Jerusalem, either voluntarily or as spoils of war, to adorn ‘this house’. This is in agreement with such prophecies as Isaiah 60:5 and 61:6, and Zechariah 14:14 (cf. Ezra 6:8–10; 7:15–22).” (Page 50)
“The people, who had grown cold in their service of God, were arguing, not against the actual building of the house of God, a task they all agreed had to be accomplished, but about the timing. They wanted to build but not yet. The present was inconvenient; therefore, the work, important though it was, had to be postponed until a more favourable time.” (Page 26)
“This verse demonstrates two principles: God’s blessing is the only cause of fruitfulness (cf. James 1:17) and obedience to his commandments is rewarded.” (Page 64)
The book of Haggai presents a powerful challenge and provides great encouragement for the church in the twenty-first century. Tim Shenton’s lucid exposition of this dynamic book gets to the heart of the prophet’s message by carefully explaining and skillfully applying the text. Although this is a short commentary, the author’s meticulous research has enabled him to enlighten us with invaluable background information which will sharpen our understanding of its urgency and passion.
—Simon J. Robinson, Senior Pastor, Walton Evangelical Church, Chesterfield, England
This commentary is easy-to-read and accurate, offering useful practical applications. Avoiding complicated vocabulary, it meets the need of those who want a concise breakdown of the prophecy. The analysis is excellent.
—Dr. Peter Naylor, Baptist minister for forty years, now retired
- Title: Haggai: An Expositional Commentary
- Author: Tim Shenton
- Publisher: Day One Publications
- Publication Date: 2007
- Pages: 80
