Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryHaggai 1

A Call to Rebuild the Temple This section describes how God called the people of Judah to rebuild His temple after they returned from exile in Babylon. The people had focused on building their own homes and neglected God’s house. Through the prophet Haggai, God challenges their priorities and promises to bless them if they put Him first. v. 1: In the second year of King Darius, during the sixth month, on the first day, the word of the Lord

v. 2: God says, “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord

v. 3: The word of the Lord

v. 4: God pointed out the selfishness of the people. They had made their own homes beautiful and comfortable, but had ignored the condition of God’s temple. This showed that they cared more about themselves than about honoring God.

v. 5: God tells the people to “consider your ways.” They needed to think carefully about their lives and choices. God wanted them to see that their troubles were connected to their neglect of His house.

v. 6: God explains that, even though the people worked hard, they never had enough. They planted much but harvested little; they ate and drank but were never satisfied; they earned money, but it disappeared quickly. This was because they had not put God first.

v. 7: Again, God tells the people to “consider your ways.” He wants them to understand that their problems are a result of their wrong priorities.

v. 8: God commands them to go up into the mountains, bring wood, and rebuild the temple. If they obey, He will be pleased and honored. God makes it clear that rebuilding His house is their main task.

v. 9: God says that although they expected much, it turned out to be little. When they brought their crops home, God blew it away. This happened because His house was in ruins while everyone was busy with their own houses.

v. 10: Because the people neglected God’s house, He kept the sky from giving dew and the earth from producing crops. Their actions affected the whole community and brought hardship to all.

v. 11: God called for a drought on the land, the mountains, the grain, the wine, the oil, and everything the ground produced. Even the people and animals suffered. This was all because the people had not honored God by rebuilding His house.

The People's Obedience.This section shows how the people responded well to the prophet Haggai’s message from God. The leaders and all the people listened carefully to God’s warning and acted on it. When God’s word is received with an obedient heart, it brings blessings and encouragement. The story teaches us that true obedience often starts with respect and fear of God, and that God helps and encourages those who listen to Him.v. 12: The leaders and people responded to God’s message. Zerubbabel, the governor, did not ignore the prophet’s warning, even though he was important and had done good things in the past. Joshua, the high priest, also listened and accepted correction. The rest of the people, though only a small remnant of Israel, all obeyed the voice of the Lord

v. 13: God responded with encouragement. Haggai brought them a comforting message: I am with you, saith the Lord

v. 14: The Lord

v. 15: The people acted quickly. From the first day Haggai spoke until the twenty-fourth day of the month, only about three weeks passed (Haggai 1:15 ). They did not wait or make excuses. They hurried to catch up for lost time and began working on God’s house with all their strength and unity.