Introduction to Haggai: God Wants Us To Rebuild Our Hearts
Introduction to Haggai: God Wants Us To Rebuild Our Hearts Collin Leong. September 8, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1. Author and His Background Name Meaning: Haggai means “festal” or “my feast,” possibly indicating he was born on a feast day. Identity: Haggai was a prophet of God, active during the post-exilic period. He is one of the few prophets whose messages are precisely dated. Background: Though little is known of his genealogy, Haggai may have been elderly during his ministry—Haggai 2:3 suggests he had seen Solomon’s temple before its destruction in 586 BC. Contemporaries: He ministered alongside Zechariah , another prophet who encouraged the rebuilding of the temple (cf. Ezra 5:1; Zechariah 1:1). Haggai and Zechariah were active during this time, both urging the people to rebuild the temple and renew their covenant with God. 2. Audience Primary Audience: The Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. Le...