Bible Study

Lesson 11 Teaching Outline – Ezra 9-10

Mark Jensen – Teacher

  1. Introduction and Context
    1. Review of Ezra’s earlier ministry and return to Jerusalem with a second group bringing financial, moral, and spiritual support (Ezra 7; prior lesson review).
    2. Reminder that Ezra was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses who set his heart to study, practice, and teach God’s Word in Israel (Ezra 7:6, Ezra 7:10).
    3. Transition from prior lesson to the difficult material in Ezra 9–10, framed by prayer for God’s illumination and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
    4. Statement of the central issue in Ezra 9–10: intermarriage with peoples God had clearly forbidden Israel to marry (Ezra 9:1–2).
  2. God’s Command for Holiness
    1. Old Testament commands against intermarriage
      1. Exodus 34:13–16 commands Israel to destroy pagan worship structures and avoid covenants with the inhabitants of the land to prevent idolatry (Exodus 34:13–16).
      2. Deuteronomy 7:1–3 reiterates that Israel must not make covenants or intermarry with the surrounding nations God would drive out before them (Deuteronomy 7:1–3).
      3. These commands are clear, direct, and not difficult to understand, emphasizing separation from pagan worship rather than ethnic exclusion.
    2. Purpose of the command: holiness
      1. God expected Israel to be holy in the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob because He Himself is holy.
      2. To be holy is to be wholly devoted to God, sharing His values, obeying His will, trusting His promises, keeping His covenant, and living for His glory.
      3. Holiness is not neutrality but transformation and commitment to God, with Israel called to be a holy nation and God’s treasured possession (cf. Exodus 19:5–6 as cited).
    3. Israel’s mission as a holy people
      1. Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, mediating God’s presence and representing Him among the nations (Exodus 19:5–6).
      2. Psalm 67 and other passages show Israel’s mission to make God’s ways and salvation known to all nations (Psalm 67:1–2).
      3. God reinforced holiness by placing Israel in a holy land, giving a holy temple, appearing in the holy of holies, and setting apart the Sabbath as a holy day.
    4. The seriousness of profaning what God has made holy
      1. The worst sin is to desecrate or profane what God has made holy, such as the land, temple, and God’s name.
      2. Intermarriage with forbidden nations profaned God’s holy name by blending Israel’s worship with idolatry and disobedience (Ezra 9:1–2).
      3. Israel’s repeated disobedience showed they had not fully learned from the exile to Babylon, even after returning to the land.
  3. Sin of Intermarriage and Ezra’s Response (Ezra 9)
    1. Report of the people’s unfaithfulness
      1. After about four months in Jerusalem, Ezra is told that people, including priests and Levites, have intermarried with surrounding peoples (Ezra 9:1–2).
      2. The report lists multiple groups and notes that the leaders and officials have been foremost in this unfaithfulness (Ezra 9:2).
      3. The phrase “holy race” (holy seed, Zerah ha-qodesh) highlights Israel as a people set apart for Yahweh, echoing “holy people” language in Deuteronomy 7:6.
    2. Nature and impact of the sin
      1. The issue is religious, not racial, since the surrounding peoples were of the same broader Semitic background.
      2. Intermarriage threatened to draw Israel into pagan worship, increase idolatry, and erode distinctiveness from other nations.
      3. This sin weakened Israel’s testimony as a light to the Gentiles and compromised their mission to make the one true God known.
    3. Difficulty of dealing with the sin
      1. Intermarriage had created families, alliances, and deep emotional bonds, making correction extremely painful and complex.
      2. Addressing the sin involved not only individuals but extended kin networks and political or social ties.
      3. The magnitude of the problem required decisive but careful spiritual leadership.
    4. Ezra’s grief and public posture
      1. Ezra tears his outer and inner garments, pulls hair from his head and beard, and sits appalled, signifying deep grief and dread of divine wrath (Ezra 9:3–4).
      2. Those who tremble at God’s Word gather around Ezra as he remains appalled until the evening sacrifice (Ezra 9:4).
      3. Ezra rises from humiliation, still in torn garments, and falls on his knees with outstretched hands to pray (Ezra 9:5).
    5. Ezra’s confessional prayer
      1. Ezra confesses the iniquities and guilt of the people, identifying with the nation’s sin even though he has not personally committed this offense (Ezra 9:6–7).
      2. He recalls past judgment—sword, captivity, plunder, and shame—while acknowledging that God has shown grace by preserving a remnant and allowing temple restoration (Ezra 9:8–9).
      3. Ezra laments that the people are again breaking God’s commands and risking further judgment by repeating the sins that led to exile (Ezra 9:10–14).
    6. The remnant and undeserved mercy
      1. Ezra refers to the returned community as an “escape remnant,” survivors of exile who have experienced mercy rather than the full measure of deserved punishment (Ezra 9:8, Ezra 9:13–15).
      2. He acknowledges that God has requited Israel less than their iniquities deserve and has granted revival, protection, and space to worship in His holy place (Ezra 9:8–9, 13).
      3. The prayer underscores that no one can stand (be acquitted) before God on their own righteousness, echoing the legal language of Psalm 1:5 and Psalm 130:3.
    7. Character of the prayer and its conclusion
      1. Ezra’s prayer is heartfelt, honest, and confessional, focusing on God’s holiness and the people’s guilt rather than self-justification.
      2. Notably, the prayer ends without explicit requests, instead throwing the community entirely on God’s mercy (Ezra 9:15).
      3. Ezra’s humble posture parallels Daniel’s intercessory prayer for exiled Jews in Daniel 9:3–23.
  4. Corporate Repentance and Difficult Obedience (Ezra 10)
    1. Mourning shared by the community
      1. As Ezra prays and weeps, a growing group of Israelites joins him in mourning over the sin of intermarriage (Ezra 10:1).
      2. Shecaniah, one of the leaders, steps forward as a spokesman expressing hope and resolve to address the problem (Ezra 10:2–4).
      3. Shecaniah assures Ezra that there is still hope for Israel if they respond in obedience (Ezra 10:2).
    2. Proposal to send away foreign wives and children
      1. Shecaniah proposes a covenant to put away the foreign women and children born of these unions in accordance with God’s law (Ezra 10:3).
      2. This solution is extremely difficult and emotionally wrenching, risking bitter division among families and friends.
      3. Shecaniah’s counsel is anchored in the Word of God, urging Ezra and the people to let Scripture govern their response.
    3. Costly allegiance to God’s Word
      1. Shecaniah’s own father and five paternal uncles are involved in the sin (Ezra 10:26), yet he still advocates wholehearted obedience, placing loyalty to God above family ties.
      2. His stance mirrors the apostolic attitude of obeying God rather than human authorities, reflected later in Acts 4.
      3. His example models courage to support righteous action even when it implicates loved ones.
    4. Procedure for examining marriages
      1. The law allowed a foreign woman to marry an Israelite if she became a convert in faith, so each marriage needed careful investigation.
      2. The likely process involved questioning each man about his marriage and giving non-proselyte wives an opportunity to embrace the faith of Israel.
      3. The scale of the issue and the complexity of individual cases required a structured, time-consuming review (Ezra 10:16–17).
    5. Assembly in Jerusalem and enforcement
      1. Ezra summons all the returned exiles to Jerusalem under threat of losing their property and being excluded from the community, using authority granted by King Artaxerxes (Ezra 10:7–8; cf. Ezra 7).
      2. The assembly occurs during the rainy season, and the people stand in the rain while facing Ezra’s confrontation about their sin (Ezra 10:9–10).
      3. Because of the large numbers and harsh weather, the people request a systematic process over time rather than resolving every case immediately (Ezra 10:12–14).
    6. Agreement, resistance, and duration of the process
      1. The majority of the people acknowledge their guilt and agree it is right to deal with the sin directly, though a few oppose the plan (Ezra 10:12, 15).
      2. From the tenth month to the first month of the next year, leaders carefully investigate each case, taking about three months to complete the work (Ezra 10:16–17).
      3. This prolonged effort underscores the seriousness with which the community approaches repentance and restoration.
    7. List of offenders and offerings
      1. Ezra concludes the account by listing offenders: 17 priests, 10 Levites (including a singer and three gatekeepers), and 84 others from Israel (Ezra 10:18–44).
      2. Guilty priests bring a ram as a guilt offering according to Leviticus 5:14–15 to make atonement for their sin.
      3. Dealing decisively with this sin is necessary for restored fellowship with God and acceptable worship in the temple.
  5. Timeless Lessons on Holiness, Testimony, and Providence
    1. God is holy and commands holiness
      1. New Testament passages such as 1 Peter 1:14–16 reaffirm that believers are to be holy in all conduct because God is holy.
      2. Holiness today includes avoiding dishonor to the church as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16–17) and honoring God with our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18–20).
      3. Believers are called to cleanse themselves from dishonorable things to be useful vessels for the Master, prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21–22).
    2. Testimony and dealing with sin
      1. The church, like Israel, has a mission to be salt and light in the world, pointing people to the Savior (Matthew 5:13; broader mission theme).
      2. Our witness is tied in part to how seriously we address sin in our own lives and in the church, continually working out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
      3. Though perfection is not attainable in this life, believers are called to acknowledge sin, confess, repent, and rely on Christ’s strength for growth, following exhortations such as James’ call to confess and pray for one another.
    3. God’s providence in difficult obedience
      1. Ezra’s character—skilled in the Law, devoted to study, practice, and teaching—shows that God had prepared the right man for this crisis (Ezra 7:6, 10).
      2. God’s providence is seen in bringing Ezra and like-minded leaders to Jerusalem at the necessary time to confront and purify the community (Ezra 7–10).
      3. The same providence that guided Ezra and Israel is affirmed as active for believers today, inviting trust in God’s wise and perfect governance.
    4. God’s jealousy and seriousness about sin
      1. God is depicted as a jealous husband for His people, hating sin but loving His children, just as He was jealous for Israel (cf. Exodus 34:14; theme emphasized in the lesson).
      2. Ezra 9–10 illustrates that God is deeply serious about sin and its consequences, requiring it to be faced honestly and dealt with decisively.
      3. The account prompts self-examination about whether sin breaks our hearts as it did Ezra’s and whether it drives us to seek God’s mercy and wisdom.
    5. Application and exhortation
      1. Believers are urged to respond to sin in their own lives and in their communities by turning to God’s Word and trusting His wisdom.
      2. The example of Ezra and Shecaniah encourages men to be courageous leaders who stand for holiness even when obedience is costly (Ezra 9–10; Acts 4 allusion).
      3. The lesson closes by inviting reflection in small groups, focusing on key questions that deepen understanding and application of these truths.

Lesson 10 Outline – Ezra 7:1 – 8:36

Brett Cushing – Teacher

  1. Introduction
    1. Gathering in the name of Jesus and centering worship on Him
    2. God’s Word is ultimately about Jesus and points to His redemptive work
    3. Warning against “stealing the spotlight” by making Scripture about ourselves instead of Christ
    4. Call to “keep the spotlight on the Light” as Ezra 7–8 is studied
  2. Ezra’s Identity and God’s Sovereign Work
    1. Ezra as a Levite and scribe in the lineage established by God
      1. Priestly role tied to God’s original design
      2. Eight hundred years of spiritual heritage
    2. God initiating and shaping Ezra’s heart
    3. The significance of spiritual ancestry and divine purpose
    4. Believers as priests through Christ
      1. Jesus as our High Priest
      2. Direct access to God through Him
  3. The Trustworthiness of God’s Word
    1. Ezra’s devotion to the Word
      1. Studying the Law
      2. Doing the Word
      3. Teaching the Word
    2. Faith developed through God’s initiative, not human effort
    3. Recognition of God’s promises and unchanging character
    4. From comprehension to transformation and obedience
  4. God’s Hand and Favor
    1. Repeated emphasis on God’s favorable hand on Ezra
    2. God’s power over earthly rulers
      1. Stirring the heart of the king
      2. Directing decisions for His purposes
    3. Provision of resources, authority, and protection
    4. Ezra’s public acknowledgment of God’s work
  5. God’s Work Is All That Is Needed
    1. God supplying every need for the mission
    2. Ezra’s dependence rather than self-reliance
    3. God addressing what Ezra overlooked
      1. Provision of additional Levites
      2. Filling every gap
    4. Safe passage and successful arrival in Jerusalem
  6. Strength Through Word and Community
    1. Strength drawn from witnessing God’s activity
    2. Encouragement through God’s people and shared testimony
    3. Community as a catalyst for faith and perseverance
  7. Conclusion and Reflection
    1. Ezra as a model of dependence, discernment, and devotion
    2. Personal examination
      1. Doing for Christ versus depending on Christ
      2. Striving versus resting
    3. Peace as fruit of trust, not achievement
    4. Final call to keep the spotlight fixed solely on Jesus

God’s Attributes as Praise

This prayerful list of God’s attributes draws directly from Scripture and turns His character into worship. Each declaration is rooted in biblical truth and offered as praise to God for who He is.

  1. THE ONLY GOD. God, I praise You because, “You are the LORD, and there is no other; apart from You there is no God” (Isaiah 45:5).
  2. GOD THE CREATOR. Creator God, I praise You because “You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship You” (Nehemiah 9:6).
  3. THE ALMIGHTY GOD. “O Lord God Almighty, who is like You? You are mighty, O Lord, and Your faithfulness surrounds You” (Psalm 89:8).
  4. THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE ANCIENT OF DAYS. I praise You, Lord, as the “Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9) and the “Everlasting Father” (Isaiah 9:6), who lives forever and ever.
  5. A LOVING GOD. I praise You because “You are a loving God, whose very nature is love” (1 John 4:16).
  6. A GOD OF JUSTICE. “Lord, I praise You and magnify You, who are just, and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:26).
  7. A FAITHFUL GOD. Heavenly Father, I give You my praise and adoration because “You are a faithful God, keeping Your covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love You and keep Your commands” (Deuteronomy 7:9).
  8. A MERCIFUL GOD. “You are a gracious and merciful God,” and I praise You for Your great mercy (Nehemiah 9:31).
  9. GOD, MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS. I praise You, Lord, for “You are my rock, my refuge” (Psalm 62:7).
  10. A PATIENT, PERSEVERING GOD. Father, I praise You because “You are patient toward us, not wanting any to perish, but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Thank You for Your patience with me.
  11. THE ONLY GOD AND OUR SAVIOR. I give praise to You, Father, “the only God our Savior. To You be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore” (Jude 1:25).
  12. THE HOLY ONE. “Holy, holy, holy, are You Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).
  13. A PERSONAL GOD. I praise You, God, because You are a personal God who gives me the honor of knowing You personally, even inviting me to feast at Your kingdom table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Matthew 8:11).
  14. A GIVING GOD. All praise and honor be Yours, O God, because “You are a generous God, who did not even stop short of giving Your own Son” (John 3:16).
  15. A PROVIDER GOD. I praise You today, Lord, as my “Jehovah-Jireh” (The Lord Will Provide), who makes all grace abound to me and generously provides all I need (2 Corinthians 9:8).
  16. GOD, MY SHEPHERD. I bless Your Name and praise You as my “Jehovah-Rohi” (The Lord My Shepherd), who will shepherd me and guide me in the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake (Psalm 23:1–3).
  17. GOD, MY VICTORY. Praise to You, my God, because You are my “Jehovah-Nissi” (The Lord My Banner), my victory, who “always leads me in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
  18. GOD, MY PEACE. I praise You with all my heart, Lord, because You are my “Jehovah-Shalom” (The Lord Our Peace), the “God of peace” who will soon crush Satan under my feet (Romans 16:20).
  19. THE GOD WHO HEALS. Father, I praise You because “You are the Lord who heals me” (Exodus 15:26).
  20. THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).
  21. A FORGIVING GOD. I bless You with praise, Father, because “You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” (Nehemiah 9:17).
  22. THE BURDEN BEARER. Praise be to the Lord, to God my Savior, who daily bears my burdens (Psalm 68:19).
  23. A FAITHFUL GOD. I praise You because “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies” (Psalm 36:5), and “great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:23).
  24. KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. All honor and praise be to You, my God, “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:15–16).
  25. GOD THE LIBERATOR. I will praise You because “You are my help and my deliverer, O Lord” (Psalm 70:5).
  26. THE LIFTER OF MY HEAD. Father God, I praise You because “You are a shield around me, O Lord. You bestow glory on me and lift up my head” (Psalm 3:3).
  27. GOD OF LIGHT. I praise You, Lord, because “You are my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27:1) and because “You know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with You” (Daniel 2:22).
  28. GOD OF JOY. I give You praise, O Lord, because “You have granted me eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of Your presence” (Psalm 21:6).
  29. THE GOD WHO ANSWERS PRAYER. I praise and honor You, Father, because “You are a God who loves to answer prayer and who begins to answer even before I pray” (Isaiah 65:24).
  30. THE GOD OF ALL THE EARTH. I praise and adore You, Lord, as “the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth” (Isaiah 54:5).

This list is intended to be used as a guide for praise, reflection, and worship in both personal and corporate prayer time.

List provided by Dan Dahlman – Source unknown.

The Attributes of God

Scripture reveals the nature and character of God in many ways. The attributes below provide a clear and biblical picture of who God is.

ETERNAL

God has no beginning and He has no end. He is not confined to the finiteness of time or man’s reckoning of time. He is, in fact, the cause of time.

Deuteronomy 32:40; Isaiah 57:15; Revelation 1:8

FAITHFUL

God is always true to His promises. He can never draw back from His promises of blessing or judgment. Since He cannot lie, He is totally steadfast to what He has spoken.

Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 146:6; 2 Timothy 2:13

GOOD

This attribute of God causes Him to give to others in a way that has no motive and is not limited by what the recipients deserve.

2 Chronicles 5:13; Psalm 106:1; Nahum 1:7

GRACIOUS

Our God is a forgiving God. His goodness and compassion cause Him not to treat us as our sins deserve, but instead to provide the way for our salvation.

Nehemiah 9:31; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 1:6

HOLY

God is morally excellent and perfect, pure in every aspect of His being.

Leviticus 19:2; Isaiah 47:4; 57:15; 1 Peter 1:15

IMMUTABLE

God is always the same in His nature, His character, and His will. He never changes and He can never be made to change.

Numbers 23:19; Psalm 102:25–27; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8

IMPARTIAL

The Lord of the universe does not show favoritism or partiality. He does not treat any of us as our sins deserve, but freely offers His grace to all.

Deuteronomy 10:17; Job 34:19; Romans 10:12; 1 Peter 1:17

INCOMPREHENSIBLE

Because God is God, He is beyond the understanding of man. His ways, character, and acts are higher than ours. We only understand what He chooses to reveal.

Job 11:7; Isaiah 55:8–9; Romans 11:33

INFINITE

The realm of God has no limits or boundaries whatsoever.

1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 145:3

JEALOUS

God is unwilling to share His glory with any other creature or give up His redeemed people. His holiness does not tolerate competitors or those who sin against Him.

Exodus 20:5; Exodus 34:14; Joshua 24:19

JUST

In all of His actions, God acts with fairness. Whether He deals with man, angels, or demons, He acts in total equity by rewarding righteousness and punishing sin. Since He knows all, every decree is absolutely just.

Numbers 14:18; Psalm 89:14; Romans 3:24–25

LONG-SUFFERING

God’s righteous anger is slow to be kindled against those who fail to listen to His warnings or obey His instructions. His eternal longing for the highest good of His creatures restrains His holy justice.

Exodus 34:6–7; Psalm 78:38; 2 Peter 3:9

LOVING

The attribute of God that causes Him to give Himself for another, even to the laying down of His own life. He desires the highest good for others without any thought for Himself. This love is not based on the worth, response, or merit of the one being loved.

1 Chronicles 16:34; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:7–11

MERCIFUL

God is an actively compassionate being. In His actions, He responds in a compassionate way toward those who have opposed His will in pursuit of their own way.

Deuteronomy 4:31; Psalm 62:12; Micah 7:18; Romans 9:14–16

OMNIPOTENT

God possesses all power. He is able to bring into being anything that He has decided to do, with or without the use of any means.

Genesis 18:14; Job 42:2; Jeremiah 32:27; Ephesians 3:20–21

OMNIPRESENT

God is present everywhere in all the universe, at all times, in the totality of His character.

Psalm 139:7–10; Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 23:23–24; Hebrews 4:13

OMNISCIENT

God knows all. He has perfect knowledge of everything that is past, present, or future.

Job 37:16; Psalm 139:1–6; Proverbs 5:21; Romans 11:33

RIGHTEOUS

God is always good. Righteousness is essential to His character. He always does what is right. His actions are perfectly consistent with who He is, which is love.

Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 119:142; Hosea 14:9; Matthew 5:48

SELF-EXISTENT

There is nothing upon which God depends for His existence. The whole basis of His being is within Himself. He added nothing to Himself through creation.

Exodus 3:14; John 5:26

SELF-SUFFICIENT

Within Himself, God is able to act and bring about His will without any assistance. It is His choice, not His need.

Psalm 50:7–12; Isaiah 40:14; Acts 17:24–25

SOVEREIGN

God is totally, supremely, and preeminently over all His creation. There is not a person or thing that is not under His control and foreknown plan.

Job 9:12; Psalm 99:1; Daniel 4:35; Acts 4:24–28

TRANSCENDENT

God is above His creation and would exist even if there were no creation. His existence is completely apart from His created order.

Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 55:8–9

TRUTHFUL

All that God says is reality. Whether believed by man or not, whatever God speaks is truth.

1 Samuel 15:29; Psalm 31:5; Titus 1:2; 1 John 5:20

WISE

God’s actions are based on His character, which allows Him to choose righteous ends and make fitting plans to achieve them.

Job 12:13; Isaiah 40:28; Daniel 2:20; James 3:17

WRATHFUL

There is within God a holy hatred for all that is unrighteous and a sure resolve to judge sin. Whatever is inconsistent with Him must ultimately be consumed.

Exodus 34:6–7; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Romans 1:18; Hebrews 10:30–31

Adapted from “Lord, Heal My Hurts” by Kay Arthur

Lesson 9 Outline – Ezra 5:1–6:22

Lesson 9 – Scott Neubauer

This outline follows the flow of the Lesson 9 teaching on Ezra chapters 5 and 6 and highlights how God’s sovereign plans, both large scale and personal, are carried out through His word, His prophets, kings, and ordinary people.

  1. Introduction and Opening Prayer

    1. Purpose of the lesson: viewing Ezra 5 to 6 as a narrative of God’s sovereign plan in action
    2. Prayer for understanding and focus on God’s word rather than the teacher’s words
    3. Brief recap of the last three lessons in Zechariah to reset the storyline after time away from Ezra 4
  2. Resetting the Historical Context

    1. Quick review of Ezra 4: adversaries halt the temple work through political pressure and bureaucracy
    2. The decisive pause: Ezra 4:24 and the long halt in temple construction during changing Persian administrations
    3. Why this matters: during the delay the people had drifted into self focus, which Haggai later rebukes
  3. The Storyline of Ezra 5 to 6

    1. Simple chronology of events

      1. Rebuilding begins again under the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah
      2. Bureaucratic opposition returns with Tatnai and associates
      3. Escalation to Darius and divine protection as God’s eye rests on His people
      4. Search of the archives and discovery of Cyrus’s decree in a remote Persian fortress
      5. Completion and celebration of the temple after roughly five years of labor
    2. Central lesson: God’s plans will be accomplished

      1. God’s sovereign plan over world history, nations, kings, and empires
      2. God’s sovereign plan over every believer’s life down to each numbered day
  4. God’s Sovereignty Displayed in Ezra 5

    1. Prophets as God’s instruments

      1. The ministry of Haggai and Zechariah

        1. Calling the people to consider their ways and turn from self focus
        2. Daily encouragement and presence among leaders and workers throughout the building years
      2. Transformation among the people

        1. Rapid turnaround from complacency to committed obedience within a short span of time
        2. Unified alignment to God’s purpose rather than personal priorities
    2. Opposition and God’s protection

      1. The bureaucratic challenge

        1. Tatnai’s inspection and escalation to King Darius with a formal inquiry
        2. The strategy echoes the earlier successful effort that stopped the work for many years
      2. God’s eye on His people

        1. Key meaning of Ezra 5:5: divine oversight ensures that the work does not stop
        2. The people keep building while political and legal questions are handled above them
    3. God’s purpose prevails

      1. Discovery of Cyrus’s decree in a distant archive after many years of obscurity
      2. Darius’s ruling: approval, restitution of temple vessels, and full government funding for the project
  5. Theological Reflections and Pastoral Applications

    1. Parallels to the first Exodus where Pharaoh’s opposition could not thwart God’s purposes
    2. Comfort for parents of prodigals who wait through long seasons of suffering and unanswered questions
    3. The world is broken but God is not reacting to chaos; He is executing His plan with perfect wisdom
    4. Believers must anchor themselves in Scripture when circumstances appear to be spinning out of control
  6. Completion and Celebration in Ezra 6

    1. Temple finished through God’s word delivered by the prophets and supported by pagan kings
    2. Darius’s decree invokes judgment on anyone who would alter the plan or harm the house of God
    3. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread celebrated in the first month after completion
    4. Joy attributed not to human achievement but to the Lord who made them joyful and turned the king’s heart
  7. Contemporary Application: God’s Providence in Every Believer’s Life

    1. Encouragement to know Christ personally rather than chase a bare idea of “God’s plan”
    2. Reflection question from the study guide: seeing God work providentially through unlikely people and circumstances
    3. Trusting the God who numbered each day before one came to be and who holds our future in His hands
    4. Living daily in faith that God is sovereign over every detail of life, large and small
  8. Conclusion and Closing Prayer

    1. Summary: God’s plans, both big and personal, will be accomplished and He uses kings, prophets, enemies, and ordinary people to fulfill His purpose
    2. Closing prayer asking God to help His people seek Him, know Him, and walk in trust as they live out the days He has planned

Lesson 8 Outline – Zechariah 8 (God’s Plan for Israel)

Lesson 8 – Mark Jensen

  1. Introduction

    1. Opening prayer emphasizing God’s graciousness, patience, and lovingkindness.
    2. Analogy: Highway construction on I-494 illustrates trusting a plan we cannot fully see.
    3. Parallel: God’s redemptive plan for Israel is known to Him though not yet fully revealed to us.
  2. Context and Overview

    1. Zechariah 7 – A call to repentance.
    2. Zechariah 8 – A call to restoration leading to rejoicing.
    3. Structure:
      1. Verses 1–17: Message of restoration.
      2. Verses 18–23: Message of rejoicing.
    4. Key truths:
      1. God loves Israel.
      2. God is not finished with Israel.
      3. God is trustworthy.
  3. Structure of Zechariah 7–8

    1. Chiasmic form: ideas presented then mirrored in reverse order.
    2. Central verse (8:8b): “They will be My people, and I will be their God.”
    3. Phrase “Thus says the Lord of hosts” occurs seven times (vv. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 14).
    4. Each occurrence introduces an authoritative declaration from God.
  4. Message of Restoration (Verses 1–17)

    1. God’s Jealous Love (vv. 1–3)
      1. God is fiercely protective of His people.
      2. He promises to return and dwell in Jerusalem.
      3. The city will be called the City of Truth and the Holy Mountain.
    2. Transformation of Jerusalem (vv. 4–8)
      1. Peace and safety for old and young alike.
      2. Complete fulfillment will occur in the millennial reign of Christ.
      3. God will regather His people from east and west.
      4. Promise of restored relationship: “They will be My people, and I their God.”
    3. Encouragement to Rebuild (vv. 9–13)
      1. Past disobedience brought adversity and drought.
      2. Renewed obedience brings peace, fruitfulness, and blessing.
      3. Israel will become a blessing among the nations.
    4. Call to Righteous Living (vv. 14–17)
      1. God’s future blessings are as certain as His past judgments.
      2. He desires truth, justice, and peace rather than empty ritual.
      3. Command: Do what God loves and avoid what He hates.
  5. Message of Rejoicing (Verses 18–23)

    1. Transformation of Fasts into Feasts (vv. 18–19)
      1. Fasts that mourned Jerusalem’s destruction will become celebrations.
      2. Symbolizes millennial joy and restoration.
    2. Universal Worship (vv. 20–23)
      1. Nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s favor.
      2. Israel will become a channel of blessing to the world.
      3. “Ten men from all nations will grasp the garment of a Jew,” signifying submission and recognition of God’s presence.
  6. Three Key Truths

    1. God Loves Israel
      1. His covenant love is constant and unchanging.
      2. Scriptural examples: Deuteronomy 14:2; Psalm 135:4; Romans 11:1–2.
    2. God Is Not Finished with Israel
      1. He has a continuing plan for national restoration.
      2. Supporting passages: Deuteronomy 30; Romans 8–9; Isaiah 60; Isaiah 62.
    3. God Is Trustworthy
      1. Fulfilled prophecies concerning the Messiah prove His faithfulness.
      2. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies about Christ were fulfilled precisely.
      3. Therefore, God will also fulfill His promises to Israel.
  7. Application and Exhortation

    1. Many prophecies in Zechariah 8 await future fulfillment during Christ’s millennial reign.
    2. Believers must recognize God’s continuing plan for Israel.
    3. Anti-Semitism has no place in the church or the life of a Christian.
    4. We are called to stand with and support Israel’s right to exist.
    5. God’s purpose is to bless the world through Israel — ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
  8. Closing Reflection

    1. Salvation is from the Jews (John 4:22).
    2. Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, is the source of salvation for all nations.
    3. Believers should walk in gratitude, support Israel, and trust God’s redemptive plan.

Lesson 7 Outline – Zechariah 4 to 6 (Focus on Vision 5)

Lesson 7 – Jeremy Thomas

  1. God Uses Visions to Shape How We See Reality

    1. Zechariah’s reaction matches ours: “What is happening here?”
    2. God’s goal was not to give charts or tidy diagrams but to form spiritual imagination.
    3. Visions leave impressions and provoke questions, which is part of God’s intent.
    4. Of the eight visions, lesson 7 narrows in on vision 5.
  2. The Setting of Vision 5: Zechariah 4

    1. The angel returns and rouses Zechariah as one awakened from sleep.
    2. This awakening mirrors Zechariah 2:13 where God rouses Himself to act.
    3. God awakens His prophet so that he will see what God is doing among His people.
  3. What Zechariah Saw

    1. The golden lampstand/menorah with a bowl on top and seven lamps, each with seven spouts.
    2. Two olive trees, one on the right and one on the left of the lampstand.
    3. The angel presses Zechariah to admit his lack of understanding.

      1. Zechariah asks, “What are these, my lord?”
      2. The angel replies, “Do you not know what these are?” to make him feel his dependence on revelation.
      3. Zechariah humbly answers, “No, my lord.”
    4. Principle: Even God-given visions require God-given explanations.

      1. We cannot interpret reality rightly without God’s Word.
      2. Believers must practice “inquisitive humility.”
  4. The Meaning of the Lampstand

    1. The lampstand in Scripture represents God’s people as a light to the nations.
    2. The light signifies God’s presence and wisdom among His people.
    3. Contrast with the tabernacle lampstand.

      1. In Exodus the lamp had to be supplied by priests with pure oil daily.
      2. In Zechariah 4 the oil is supernaturally and continuously supplied.
      3. There are no human attendants in the vision because God Himself sustains the light.
    4. Big idea: God ensures His own ongoing presence and power among His people.

      1. He does not depend on human refill.
      2. He supplies through His Spirit.
  5. The Two Olive Trees

    1. Immediate identification.

      1. The two trees represent two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of all the earth (Zech. 4:14).
      2. In the historical setting these are Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor.
    2. Their line matters.

      1. Joshua stands in the priestly line of Aaron.
      2. Zerubbabel stands in the royal line of David.
      3. This shows that God’s covenant promises did not die in exile.
    3. Theological trajectory.

      1. Priest and king work side by side again, but not yet in their final form.
      2. This anticipates the coming of one Anointed One who unites both offices.
      3. Fulfillment is found ultimately in Jesus the priest king who pours out the Spirit.
  6. The Central Word to Zerubbabel

    1. The key sentence: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

      1. This was God’s word to a discouraged leader.
      2. The work of rebuilding the temple had stalled.
    2. The mountain imagery.

      1. The “great mountain” represents the obstacles before Zerubbabel.
      2. Before God that mountain will become a plain.
      3. God promises divine assistance, not an easy path.
    3. The outcome.

      1. Zerubbabel will bring out the topstone and finish the temple.
      2. The people will shout, “Grace, grace to it.” The glory goes to God.
    4. Application threaded through the teaching.

      1. We distort Scripture when we make the Christian life about our strength for God rather than His strength in us.
      2. God looks for those who rely on His Spirit.
      3. Our greatest problem is not the mountain before us but the failure to see the mountain moving God above us.
  7. Grace at the Finish

    1. God will complete His work through human hands empowered by His Spirit.
    2. No monument is built to Zerubbabel. The shout is to grace.
    3. New Testament echoes.

      1. Philippians 1:6 God finishes what He starts.
      2. Psalm 127:1 God must build or labor is vain.
      3. Philippians 2:12-13 We work out what God works in.
      4. Colossians 1:29 We toil with His energy.
      5. 1 Corinthians 15:10 We work hard, yet it is grace at work.
  8. The Glove Illustration

    1. The gloves were made to be filled.
    2. They can “play” only when animated by a living person.
    3. Spiritual point.

      1. Believers were made to be filled with the Spirit.
      2. When the Spirit fills us, God’s music can be heard in our lives.
      3. A watching world needs to see Christians living not by might or power but by God’s Spirit.
  9. Closing Prayer Emphasis

    1. Request for a Spirit filled, Spirit moved people.
    2. Confession that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
    3. Recognition that the Spirit is the anointing oil pictured in Zechariah 4.

Lesson 6 Outline — Zechariah 1–3

Lesson 6 — Brett Cushing

  1. Introduction: God’s Guarantees Amid Guilt

    1. Contrast with human guarantees

      1. Worldly guarantees are conditional and contractual.
      2. God’s guarantees meet guilty people with mercy and help, not indifference or vengeance.
    2. Big idea of Zechariah 1–3

      1. In captivity and guilt, God guarantees His guy, His grit, His guard, His gift, and His grace.
      2. These guarantees move the story from despair to hope in God’s presence and plan.
  2. Setting and Messenger

    1. Historical context

      1. Judah in exile and return era; about 70 years of captivity fulfilled.
      2. People fear God has forgotten them, yet God speaks again.
    2. Zechariah’s identity and names

      1. Zechariah born in Babylon, functions as priest and prophet.
      2. Names preach hope:
        1. Zechariah means the Lord remembers.
        2. Berechiah means the Lord blesses.
        3. Iddo means at the appointed time.
      3. Message summary: the Lord remembers and blesses at His appointed time.
    3. Canonical significance

      1. Heavily quoted in the New Testament and rich in first and second coming prophecy.
      2. Zechariah’s martyrdom noted in Matthew 23:35.
  3. God’s Guy

    1. Immediate agent and ultimate fulfillment

      1. God raises Zechariah as His spokesman to a discouraged remnant.
      2. Zechariah foreshadows God’s ultimate Guy, Jesus the Messiah.
    2. Purpose of the messenger

      1. Announce that God has not forgotten His people.
      2. Call them to hear, hope, and return.
  4. God’s Grit

    1. Divine initiative in chapter 1

      1. God comes to Zechariah, calls His people, and commands the hosts of heaven.
      2. Hope rests in God’s action for the helpless.
    2. Invitation and enablement

      1. Call to return to Me and repent from evil ways.
      2. Lessons from the fathers whose disobedience brought covenant curses.
      3. God enables the return they cannot effect by themselves.
        1. Shepherd imagery illustrates God doing the restoring work.
        2. Parallel language in Jeremiah 50:19 and Lamentations 5:21.
  5. God’s Guard

    1. The heavenly army at work

      1. The Angel of the Lord appears as commander and Word of the Lord.
      2. Patrol report shows the earth at a coerced rest, not true shalom.
    2. Christ’s intercession and the Father’s response

      1. The Angel of the Lord pleads how long for mercy on Jerusalem.
      2. God’s jealous compassion is stirred and cruel nations are rebuked.
      3. God promises to return and for His house to be rebuilt.
  6. God’s Gift

    1. Plan, presence, and protection in chapter 2

      1. Measuring line signals ownership and intentional rebuilding.
      2. God Himself a wall of fire around and the glory within.
      3. Promise to come and live among His people.
    2. Joyful summons

      1. Shout and be glad, for I am coming.
      2. Presence is the gift God gives to the guilty who return.
  7. God’s Grace

    1. Courtroom scene in chapter 3

      1. Joshua the high priest stands in filthy garments representing the people’s guilt.
      2. Satan accuses; the Lord rebukes the accuser.
      3. God removes filth, clothes Joshua in clean garments, and restores his service.
    2. Promise of the Branch and the Stone

      1. My Servant, the Branch, foretells the Messiah.
      2. Stone with seven eyes and engraved inscription signifies God’s omniscience and the wounded cornerstone.
        1. God removes the land’s iniquity in a single day.
        2. Exchange motif points to Christ giving His righteousness for our guilt.
    3. Recommissioning

      1. Joshua charged to walk in God’s ways and keep His charge.
      2. Grace restores purpose after guilt is removed.
  8. Reflection and Response

    1. Worship and trust

      1. What keeps you from worshiping this God who guarantees mercy in guilt.
      2. Believe Christ intercedes, guards, and gifts His presence to you.
    2. Ministry overflow

      1. Freely give to the guilty what you have freely received in Christ.
      2. Rely on God’s grit, not your own, as you serve others.

The Second Exodus — Commentary on Haggai

Haggai 1:1–11

Haggai 1:1–11 presents a prophetic message delivered by Haggai to Zerubbabel and Joshua during a time of political and economic instability in the Persian Empire. The people of Judah, having returned from exile, are neglecting the rebuilding of the temple, claiming it is not yet time. Haggai challenges this attitude, questioning how they can live in luxurious homes while God’s house lies in ruins. He urges them to reflect on their circumstances, highlighting their agricultural struggles as a consequence of their misplaced priorities. The Lord has withheld blessings, resulting in drought and poor harvests, as a direct response to their neglect of the temple.

Haggai emphasizes the importance of the temple as a symbol of God’s presence and glory among His people. He calls for action, instructing the community to gather materials and rebuild the temple for God’s pleasure and honor. The message serves as a reminder that their hardships are linked to their failure to prioritize God’s house over their own comforts. Haggai’s prophetic call is not merely about physical rebuilding but about aligning the community’s priorities with God’s purposes.

The text underscores themes of divine discipline, the significance of the temple, and the connection between human behavior and circumstances. It invites contemporary readers to reflect on their own priorities and the importance of seeking God’s glory in all aspects of life, urging a shift from self-centeredness to a focus on God’s kingdom.

Original Meaning

Haggai’s prophetic message emerges during a tumultuous period in the Persian Empire, following the death of Emperor Cambyses and the rise of Darius. The Jewish community, grappling with economic hardship and a lack of resources, is called to action by Haggai to rebuild the temple, which had previously been initiated but abandoned. His message, delivered in August 520 B.C., coincides with the New Moon offering and the harvest season, highlighting the community’s concerns over poor agricultural yields.

Haggai addresses the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, emphasizing their representative roles and the need for unity in the rebuilding effort. He employs rhetorical techniques to challenge the people’s complacency regarding their luxurious homes while God’s house lies in ruins. Haggai urges the community to reflect on their circumstances, linking their economic struggles to their neglect of the temple. He asserts that their inaction has led to divine displeasure, resulting in curses that affect their harvests and livelihoods.

The prophet’s call to rebuild the temple is framed as an act that will bring pleasure and glory to God, transcending mere relief from curses. Haggai’s message culminates in a direct appeal for action, urging the people to prioritize God’s house over their own. The narrative emphasizes the connection between the community’s spiritual and material well-being, reinforcing the idea that their fortunes are tied to their faithfulness to God and the covenant.

Detailed Analysis

Haggai’s message begins by addressing the community’s leadership, Zerubbabel and Joshua, who represent the Davidic line and the priestly lineage, respectively. Their roles legitimize the temple rebuilding project, echoing themes from earlier prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah. Haggai establishes his prophetic authority by linking his message to "the LORD Almighty," emphasizing God’s might and power. He confronts the people’s claim that it is not yet time to rebuild the temple, suggesting their hesitation may stem from theological expectations or political pressures.

Haggai employs rhetorical techniques to challenge the people’s priorities, contrasting their luxurious homes with the neglected temple. He urges them to reflect on their circumstances, highlighting their unfulfilled needs as a consequence of their misplaced priorities. The prophet directly calls for action to rebuild the temple, emphasizing that this endeavor will please God and restore His glory.

As Haggai connects the people’s poor material conditions to their neglect of the temple, he reveals that their struggles are a result of divine discipline. The drought and lack of harvest are portrayed as God’s response to their self-centered focus. Haggai’s message culminates in a reminder that their agricultural failures are linked to their spiritual neglect, reinforcing the covenant relationship with Yahweh. Ultimately, Haggai calls the community to prioritize God’s house, promising that their obedience will lead to blessings and restoration.

Bridging Contexts

Haggai’s prophetic message aims to awaken the people of God to the connection between their actions and their circumstances, urging them to prioritize the rebuilding of the temple over their own homes. This call to action is framed within the context of their current hardships, such as drought, which Haggai interprets as a consequence of their neglect of God’s house. The text emphasizes the importance of the temple as a symbol of God’s presence, tracing its significance from the tabernacle in Exodus to its eventual establishment by Solomon. The temple represents God’s manifest presence and is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Additionally, the themes of blessing and cursing are explored, rooted in the Sinai covenant, where obedience leads to blessings and disobedience results in curses. This retribution theology is contrasted with the unconditional blessings of the Abrahamic covenant. The New Testament continues to reflect these themes, associating blessings with Christ’s redemptive work and emphasizing both present and future spiritual rewards for believers.

Haggai’s message, therefore, serves as a reminder for contemporary Christians to align their priorities with God’s will, recognizing the temple’s significance in their faith and the ongoing relevance of blessing and cursing in their spiritual lives. The text encourages a balanced understanding of these themes, cautioning against the extremes of prosperity theology while affirming God’s care and discipline in the lives of His people.

Contemporary Significance

The text discusses the relevance of Haggai 1, particularly in the context of church building projects, while emphasizing the importance of understanding its core values. It highlights themes of discipline, misplaced priorities, and the pursuit of God’s glory. Haggai’s message serves as a reminder that hardships can prompt spiritual reflection and should lead to genuine acts of repentance rather than mere words. The prophet critiques the people’s focus on personal comfort over God’s priorities, urging a reevaluation of their financial and time management in light of God’s kingdom.

The text argues that the church must prioritize God’s glory above human needs, framing the meeting of those needs as a means to glorify God. It warns against an anthropocentric approach, advocating for a theocentric perspective that places God at the center of all activities. The author encourages believers to assess their contributions to the kingdom by asking whether they bring pleasure and glory to God.

Additionally, the text illustrates the necessity of aligning personal and communal priorities with God’s desires, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from pursuing God’s glory. It concludes with a metaphor about tree swallows, emphasizing that just as birds are designed to fly, humans are created to glorify God, which is the ultimate purpose of their existence.

Haggai 1:12–15

Haggai 1:12–15 recounts the response of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people to the prophet Haggai’s message from God. They obeyed and feared the Lord, marking a significant step of faith as they began work on the temple after a long period of inactivity. This passage emphasizes the importance of God’s promise, "I am with you," which reassures the people as they undertake this task amidst external threats. The term "remnant" signifies a purified group that has emerged from God’s discipline, embodying the true Israel.

The people’s initial responses of obedience and fear reflect a deep covenant relationship with God, paralleling the reverence shown by the Israelites at Sinai. Haggai’s role as a prophetic mediator is highlighted, equating his message with God’s voice. The passage illustrates that God’s presence and stirring of the people’s spirits are essential for their actions, emphasizing divine provision in fulfilling His priorities.

The text serves as a reminder for contemporary Christians to respond to God’s Word with reverence and obedience, drawing parallels to the early church’s experience of the Spirit. It calls for a renewed respect for Scripture and a recognition of God’s active role in empowering His people. Ultimately, it encourages believers to seek God’s presence and guidance in their endeavors, echoing the prayer for divine intervention and renewal in the church today.

Detailed Analysis

The passage analyzes the people’s reaction to the prophet Haggai’s message, highlighting a shift in their identity from "these people" to the "whole remnant of the people," indicating a closer relationship with God. This remnant concept signifies a group that emerges from divine discipline, sanctified for service. The people’s initial responses are obedience and fear, with "obey the voice" reflecting a positive covenant response, while "fear" indicates a recognition of God’s judgment. Haggai’s message is equated with God’s voice, positioning him as a new Moses delivering divine instruction. God’s assurance, "I am with you," reassures the people as they undertake the task of rebuilding the temple, paralleling David’s desire to build the first temple. The passage transitions to God’s active role in stirring the spirits of the people, emphasizing His influence in their response. This reflects the new covenant vision where God writes His law on their hearts and moves their affections. The text concludes with the people beginning their work on the temple, underscoring the significance of the "LORD Almighty" and marking the start of their renewed commitment to God’s project.

Bridging Contexts

The passage discusses the response of an ancient community to Haggai’s prophetic message, highlighting themes of covenant faithfulness, God’s presence, and the authority of prophecy. It draws parallels between this community and contemporary Christians, suggesting that lessons from the past can guide modern believers in fulfilling God’s kingdom priorities. The term "remnant" is significant, representing a purified community that remains faithful to God’s covenant, as seen in Haggai 1:12. This concept connects to the Old Testament prophetic tradition, indicating that God’s promises persist through a remnant that embodies both continuity and transformation.

The remnant theme extends into the New Testament, particularly in Acts, where the early church is portrayed as a purified remnant receiving God’s Spirit. The church is called to emulate the covenant faithfulness exemplified in Haggai, responding with awe and obedience to God’s Word. God’s promise of presence, emphasized in both Haggai and the New Testament, assures believers of His continual support as they engage in kingdom work.

Additionally, the passage underscores the role of the prophet as a mediator of God’s message, equating the prophet’s voice with God’s authority. The people’s reverent response to Haggai mirrors the Israelites’ reaction to God’s word at Sinai, reinforcing the importance of heeding prophetic messages. Overall, the text illustrates the enduring relevance of covenant faithfulness, divine presence, and prophetic authority for both ancient and modern communities of faith.

Contemporary Significance

The text discusses the importance of obedience to God’s Word, as exemplified by the "remnant" in Haggai 1:12–15, who responded with reverence and action. This obedience stems from a deep covenant relationship with God, facilitated by Christ’s sacrifice and the Spirit’s empowerment. The author emphasizes that true obedience involves both an internal reverence for God and external actions that reflect that reverence, echoing James 1:22–25, which warns against merely listening to the Word without acting on it.

The text highlights contemporary challenges to the authority of Scripture, including the accessibility of Bibles, skepticism about their veracity, and debates over interpretation. To recover respect for God’s Word, individuals and communities must reshape their approach, incorporating prayerful engagement with Scripture and rituals that honor its authority. Examples from church practices illustrate how communal reverence can foster a deeper respect for the Word.

Additionally, the text underscores that God’s provision empowers human response, as seen in Haggai’s message. The church must prioritize seeking God’s presence and Spirit in its endeavors rather than relying solely on human efforts. The author concludes with a call for churches to pray for God’s presence, echoing Martin Lloyd-Jones’s assertion that true knowledge of God will lead to transformation and renewal. This prayer for divine intervention is essential for fulfilling the church’s mission today.

Haggai 2:1–9

Haggai 2:1–9 conveys a message from God to the people of Judah through the prophet Haggai, addressing their discouragement during the temple rebuilding efforts. On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, Haggai questions those who remember the former glory of the temple, highlighting their feelings of inadequacy regarding the current state of the reconstruction. God encourages Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people to be strong and work, assuring them of His presence and the promise of His Spirit among them.

God declares that He will shake the heavens and the earth, bringing the desired treasures from all nations to fill the temple with glory, which will surpass that of the former temple. The passage emphasizes that the silver and gold belong to God, reinforcing His sovereignty over resources. The glory of the present house will be greater, and God promises peace in this place.

Haggai’s message combines rhetorical questions and imperatives to motivate the people, urging them to overcome their fears and discouragement by focusing on God’s promises. The text reflects on the importance of God’s presence and action in their lives, encouraging the community to work with renewed strength and faith, while also foreshadowing a future where God’s glory and prosperity will manifest through their obedience and efforts in rebuilding the temple.

Original Meaning

The events in Haggai 1 occur in October 520 B.C., with the initial prophetic message delivered on the first day of the sixth month and a response on the twenty-fourth day. After a month of rebuilding, the people are discouraged, particularly as they celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles amidst the ruins of the temple. Haggai’s second oracle, delivered on the twenty-first day of the seventh month, addresses this discouragement, drawing comparisons to the former glory of Solomon’s temple and the current lack of progress.

Haggai speaks to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people, using rhetorical questions to empathize with their frustrations. He encourages them to "be strong" and "work," linking these commands to God’s presence and action. Haggai assures them that God will shake the nations, bringing resources for the temple’s rebuilding, and promises that the latter glory of the temple will surpass the former.

The message emphasizes God’s sovereignty over the nations and the material resources they will provide. Haggai concludes with a promise of peace, linking the temple’s glory to the community’s prosperity. This assurance of God’s presence and action serves to motivate the people to overcome their fears and discouragement, instilling hope for the future as they work on the temple. Ultimately, Haggai’s message is one of encouragement, urging the community to recognize God’s ongoing support and the significance of their task.

Identification of the Issue (2:1–3)

In Haggai 2:1–3, Yahweh instructs Haggai to address Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant who responded to the call to rebuild the temple. Haggai uses rhetorical questions to engage the community, particularly those who had seen the former temple’s glory before its destruction in 587 B.C. He emphasizes the comparison between the past and present glory of the temple, focusing on the spiritual significance rather than the physical structure. Haggai acknowledges the skepticism of the remnant, creating rapport with them and identifying their discouragement. He aims to encourage the community to overcome their doubts by relying on God’s resources for the rebuilding effort.

Encouragement for the Task (2:4–9)

In Haggai 2:4–9, the prophet offers encouragement to the people and their leaders as they work on the temple project. He begins with a transition phrase, urging them to "be strong" and "work," while also instructing them not to fear. This encouragement is rooted in two key reasons: God’s promise of presence and His assurance of action on their behalf. Haggai recalls God’s past presence during the Exodus, emphasizing that strength comes from this divine companionship. He also addresses the people’s fear of surrounding nations, assuring them that God will intervene dramatically, reminiscent of His actions at Mount Sinai.

Haggai describes a forthcoming "shaking" of the cosmos and nations, which will lead to the "desired of all nations" coming to the temple, interpreted as material resources for its rebuilding. This shaking signifies God’s authority over the nations and their treasures, which ultimately belong to Him. The promise that the latter glory of the temple will surpass the former serves to uplift the people’s spirits, countering their discouragement about the temple’s current state.

Finally, Haggai assures them that God will grant peace in the temple, linking divine presence with prosperity. This message of hope encourages the community to recognize God’s ongoing involvement in their lives and the significance of their work on the temple, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and strength amidst their challenges.

Bridging Contexts

Haggai 1 highlights the predicament of God’s people due to their disobedience in not rebuilding the temple, but by Haggai 2, they are recognized as a remnant community that has repented. The chapter addresses their discouragement stemming from comparing the current temple’s state to its former glory. Haggai emphasizes the importance of rebuilding the temple as it represents God’s manifest presence, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament. The promise of God’s presence, "I am with you," serves as encouragement for the people to continue their efforts.

The text also discusses the material adornment of the temple and the prosperity of the people, which can be challenging for modern interpreters. Haggai prophesies that God will provide resources for the temple’s beautification, which historically occurred during his generation. The temple’s significance is further underscored by its role in the New Testament, where it is seen as essential for the remnant community and the Incarnation.

The passage also touches on the eschatological shaking mentioned in Hebrews, linking it to God’s sovereignty and the call for faithfulness among believers. Overall, Haggai’s message encourages the community to remain steadfast in their rebuilding efforts, assuring them of God’s presence and provision, while also foreshadowing the broader participation of nations in God’s redemptive plan.

Contemporary Significance

The passage from Haggai 2:1–9 emphasizes God’s resources for those who respond to His call, as seen in Haggai 1. The people’s initial obedience is met with the promise of God’s presence, which is further elaborated in this passage. Many individuals, particularly older generations, often compare their current experiences with past spiritual encounters, leading to dissatisfaction. This sentiment is echoed in personal anecdotes from a family camp, where older attendees lamented the perceived decline in spiritual fervor among younger generations.

Haggai acknowledges this longing for past glory but urges the community to focus on God’s ongoing presence and action. He emphasizes the importance of internal motivations over mere duty, advocating for a passionate commitment to God’s kingdom. The message encourages believers to seek God’s resources and presence, rather than relying solely on past paradigms or cultural adaptations for renewal.

Haggai’s call to action is not about human effort alone but about recognizing God’s role in sustaining and empowering the community. The passage encourages a theocentric approach, where God’s glory and presence are central to the work of the kingdom. Ultimately, it reassures the community of God’s promise to bless them abundantly as they engage in kingdom work, fostering a sense of hope and expectation for the future. This message invites both individuals and communities to transcend past experiences and embrace the transformative power of God’s presence in their lives today.

Haggai 2:10–19

In Haggai 2:10–19, the prophet Haggai conveys a message from the LORD regarding the state of the people and their offerings. He begins by questioning the priests about the laws of purity, illustrating that holiness cannot be transferred, while defilement can. This analogy reflects the spiritual condition of the people, indicating that their actions and offerings are defiled due to their disobedience. Haggai urges the people to reflect on their past hardships, where their agricultural yields were diminished as a consequence of their neglect in rebuilding the temple.

The passage emphasizes a significant turning point marked by the laying of the temple’s foundation, symbolizing a transition from past curses to future blessings. Haggai repeatedly calls for careful thought and highlights the phrase "from this day on," indicating a new beginning for the community. The LORD promises to bless them from this day forward, contingent upon their obedience and commitment to the temple’s reconstruction.

The text connects the physical act of rebuilding the temple with spiritual renewal, underscoring the importance of obedience in worship. Haggai’s message serves as a reminder of the relationship between ethical conduct and ritual purity, emphasizing that true worship must stem from a heart aligned with God’s will. Ultimately, the passage reflects the hope of restoration and divine blessing for a people willing to return to faithfulness.

Original Meaning

The Book of Haggai provides a historical context for the prophet’s messages, linking them to significant Jewish feasts and the temple’s rebuilding. The third pericope aligns with the anniversary of the temple’s foundation, emphasizing its importance in the rebuilding project. Rituals from ancient Near Eastern temple constructions, such as the kalu ceremony, highlight the significance of this day, which Haggai uses to address the people, priests, and Zerubbabel regarding blessing, purity, and royal power.

Haggai’s first speech focuses on past defilement, engaging the priests in a discussion about ritual purity. He illustrates how holiness and defilement can be transmitted, concluding that the people’s defilement has rendered their sacrifices unacceptable. This reflects a broader theme of the community’s spiritual state, paralleling earlier prophetic messages.

In the second section, Haggai transitions from past curses to future blessings, urging the people to reflect on their experiences. He emphasizes the significance of the present day, linking it to the laying of the temple’s foundation. Haggai recalls the agricultural failures the people faced due to divine discipline, framing these challenges as opportunities for repentance and restoration.

Ultimately, Haggai declares that God will bless the community for their commitment to rebuilding the temple, marking a shift from past curses to future blessings. This message reinforces the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing that obedience leads to divine favor and prosperity.

Past Defilement: Addressing the Priests (2:10–14)

Haggai’s first speech addresses the issue of past defilement among the Israelites, using sacrificial and legal imagery. He engages the priests, who traditionally interpret the law and facilitate sacrifices, to inquire about the transmission of ritual purity and impurity. The text presents two scenarios: the first examines the transfer of holiness, where consecrated meat does not pass its holiness to a person or object, while the second scenario discusses the contagious nature of defilement, where contact with a corpse can defile a person and subsequently others. The priests affirm that defilement is more contagious than holiness, which leads Haggai to draw an analogy between the defilement in the scenarios and that of the people. He emphasizes that the Jewish community’s offerings are defiled because they themselves are defiled, a point underscored by the repetition of the phrase "this people" and "this nation," which refer negatively to the community’s state. The defilement is linked to their neglect in rebuilding the temple, suggesting that their sacrificial activities are compromised. Haggai’s message stresses the need for the community to progress beyond merely clearing the altar site to constructing a complete temple, highlighting the importance of collective purity for acceptable worship.

From Past Curse to Future Blessing through Present Obedience (2:15–19)

In this passage, Haggai addresses the present situation of the people, urging them to reflect on their past struggles and the reasons behind them, while also emphasizing the importance of their current actions for future blessings. He repeatedly instructs them to "give careful thought," linking their past agricultural failures to divine discipline due to disobedience. The phrase "from this day on" signifies a transition from a cursed past to a hopeful future, highlighting the significance of the present moment, particularly the laying of the temple’s foundation.

Haggai recalls the past agricultural curses, detailing how the people’s expectations for harvests were unmet due to God’s intervention, which served as a call to repentance rather than mere punishment. He uses vivid imagery of agricultural conditions, contrasting the effects of blight, mildew, and hail to illustrate the consequences of their actions. The prophet emphasizes that these hardships were meant to draw the people back to God, reinforcing the covenant relationship.

As he shifts focus to the future, Haggai identifies a specific date linked to the temple’s foundation, signaling a commitment to the building project. He concludes with a powerful declaration of God’s blessing, marking a pivotal moment where obedience leads to divine favor. This message encapsulates the transition from past curses to future blessings, underscoring the importance of present obedience in the covenant relationship with God.

Bridging Contexts

The text discusses the significance of the temple and sacrifices in the context of Haggai’s oracles, particularly during the laying of the temple’s foundation. For the ancient Israelites, this event symbolized a connection to their past, specifically Solomon’s temple, and marked a new beginning for their community. The rebuilding of the temple was an act of obedience to God, essential for restoring His presence and blessings. The text highlights the importance of sacrifices in the Old Testament, which facilitated a covenant relationship with God by providing atonement for sins and opportunities for fellowship. These sacrifices are seen as foundational, leading to the New Testament understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice as the ultimate atonement, while believers are encouraged to offer their lives and acts of kindness as sacrifices in response.

Haggai’s message addresses past defilement and future blessings, emphasizing the holiness of God and the need for ethical and ceremonial purity. The text explains that disobedience leads to ceremonial defilement, rendering sacrifices unacceptable. It contrasts the Old Testament’s theology of retribution, where obedience brings blessings and disobedience leads to discipline, with the New Testament’s promise of both material and spiritual blessings alongside the expectation of suffering in discipleship. Ultimately, both Old and New Testament believers are reminded that obedience can lead to blessings, whether in this life or the next, while also acknowledging the reality of suffering.

Contemporary Significance

The text discusses the themes of disobedience, sacrifice, and blessing in the context of Haggai 2:10–14 and its connections to Greek mythology and biblical teachings. It begins with the story of King Midas, who learns that his ability to turn everything to gold is a curse rather than a blessing. This parallels the Israelites’ situation, where their disobedience has rendered their sacrifices unacceptable to God. The prophet Haggai reminds the people that their sin disqualifies their acts of worship, echoing the message that obedience is more important than sacrifice, as seen in the teachings of Samuel and other biblical figures.

The text emphasizes the importance of an obedient walk in worship, warning against the danger of offering defiled sacrifices while living in disobedience. It highlights the significance of marking spiritual transitions, such as the foundation-laying ceremony of the Second Temple, which symbolizes a shift from cursing to blessing. The author draws parallels to the New Testament, where Christ’s sacrifice transforms the curse of the law into blessings for believers.

Ultimately, the text encourages Christians to recognize and celebrate the blessings received through Christ, urging them to live in obedience and remain attentive to God’s voice. It underscores the need for both individual and corporate worship to reflect a genuine relationship with God, avoiding the pitfalls of empty rituals.

Haggai 2:20–23

Haggai 2:20–23 conveys a prophetic message delivered to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, emphasizing God’s promise to shake the heavens and earth, overturn foreign powers, and establish Zerubbabel as a symbol of hope for the Davidic line. This passage, part of a larger literary unit, follows earlier messages that address the priests, the people, and the royal house, affirming the community’s decision to rebuild the temple. The text highlights the connection between past disobedience and future blessings, linking Zerubbabel’s role to the restoration of God’s rule on earth.

The prophetic imagery reflects recent political upheavals in the Persian Empire, suggesting divine intervention on behalf of God’s people. Haggai’s message serves as both encouragement and warning, indicating that human political structures will ultimately be overthrown by God’s power. The passage also emphasizes the significance of Zerubbabel’s lineage, connecting him to the Davidic dynasty and foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah.

The text concludes with a call for the community to recognize their role in God’s redemptive plan, encouraging perseverance in their rebuilding efforts. It draws parallels between the historical context of Haggai’s audience and contemporary challenges faced by believers, urging them to live with hope and confidence in God’s ultimate authority. The message underscores the importance of faithfulness in the face of adversity, as the church anticipates the fulfillment of God’s kingdom through Jesus Christ, the ultimate descendant of Zerubbabel.

Original Meaning

The text discusses Haggai 2:10–23, which contains prophetic oracles delivered during the foundation-laying ceremony of the Second Temple. Each section addresses key groups: the priests, the people, and the royal house, forming a literary unity. The unity is emphasized through the structure and audience distinctions, with the messages reflecting on the past, present, and future. Haggai encourages the people by contrasting their dismal past with a promised future, linking blessings to their obedience, particularly through the figure of Zerubbabel, a symbol of hope.

The final section, 2:20–23, reiterates the same day’s significance and focuses on Zerubbabel, highlighting God’s intention to shake the heavens and earth, leading to the subjugation of nations. This message does not advocate rebellion but emphasizes divine action on behalf of His people. The text connects Zerubbabel to the Davidic line, using terms like "my servant" and "signet ring" to signify his role and authority. Haggai’s message creatively revisits Jeremiah’s prophecy, offering hope for the Davidic line’s future reinstatement.

Overall, Haggai 2:20–23 concludes the earlier messages, indicating that immediate blessings are a precursor to greater future blessings, where God will establish the Davidic line as His vice-regent, reaffirming His authority over the nations.

Detailed Analysis

The final section of Haggai begins with a superscription in Hag. 2:20, indicating a deliberate connection to earlier verses. The audience is identified as Zerubbabel, the political leader, but the focus shifts to his significance for God’s people. The message parallels earlier themes, emphasizing God’s intervention through the "shaking" of the heavens and earth, which leads to the subjugation of nations. This contrasts with previous verses where the shaking resulted in blessings for the temple. Haggai uses military imagery to describe the total destruction of foreign powers, drawing from Israel’s history, particularly the Exodus narrative.

The phrase "on that day" links the overthrow of human power to future actions concerning Zerubbabel, who is referred to as "son of Shealtiel," highlighting his Davidic lineage. Haggai emphasizes Zerubbabel’s role as "my servant," indicating a close relationship with Yahweh. The prophet declares that Zerubbabel will be made like a "signet ring," symbolizing authority and connection to the king. This imagery recalls Jeremiah’s earlier judgment against the Davidic line, but Haggai offers hope for restoration.

Ultimately, Haggai’s message conveys that the immediate blessings are a precursor to greater future promises, where God will establish the Davidic line in its rightful position as vice-regent, reversing past judgments and affirming the chosen status of Zerubbabel.

Bridging Contexts

The conclusion of the book reflects a transition from forthtelling to foretelling, emphasizing the future dimension of Haggai’s message to his community. The prophet anticipates the establishment of God’s universal kingdom, linking present circumstances to future hope centered on God and the reestablishment of the Davidic line. Zerubbabel symbolizes this enduring promise, representing the future of the Davidic lineage and the ultimate purpose of God’s rule on earth through Davidic rulers. The rebuilding of the temple is a significant act, fulfilling the priorities of the Davidic dynasty and serving as a foundation for God’s rule among nations.

Haggai’s focus on Zerubbabel aligns with biblical precedents where individual figures represent their descendants. The genealogies in the New Testament highlight Zerubbabel’s importance in the lineage of Jesus, who fulfills the Davidic hope as the Messiah. Jesus’ role as the Davidic king is established in the Gospels, linking him to prophecies about a ruler from Bethlehem and emphasizing his descent from David.

The fulfillment of this hope began with Jesus’ death and resurrection, which established God’s reign on earth. However, there remains an anticipation for the complete realization of God’s dominion. The church, as the community of the Messiah, is called to exercise God’s rule on earth, transforming the original promise to the Davidic line into a promise for the church. The church’s proclamation of the gospel is part of God’s strategy to establish His rule, longing for the day when His power will be fully realized.

Contemporary Significance

The text reflects on the overwhelming nature of modern life, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary experiences of anxiety and insignificance in a rapidly changing world. It begins with a quote from a newspaper in 1833, highlighting the relentless pace of life and the burden of information overload. This theme is further explored through Douglas Coupland’s concept of "optional paralysis," where an abundance of choices leads to inaction, a condition affecting not just Generation X but society at large.

The text then shifts to the biblical context of Haggai, a prophet addressing the Jewish people during their temple rebuilding efforts in 520 B.C. Haggai’s message serves as both comfort and warning, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God amidst political and social challenges. The prophet’s call for renewal and hope is linked to the future establishment of God’s kingdom, symbolized by Zerubbabel’s role in the rebuilding project.

The author draws connections between Haggai’s time and the present, suggesting that Christians today must recognize their responsibility within the global community and engage with political systems. The text encourages perseverance in faith and action, asserting that local efforts can have significant global implications. Ultimately, it calls for a confident and active faith, rooted in the hope of Christ’s return and the transformative power of God’s kingdom.


✝Commentary summary excerpt from Mark J. Boda, Haggai, Zechariah, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2004.)

Lesson 5 Outline – Ezra 5:1 and Haggai 1-2

Lesson 5 – Scott Neubauer

  1. Introduction and Context

    1. Overview of Lesson and Background

      1. Focus on Ezra 5:1 and the book of Haggai.
      2. Haggai is a short prophetic book but holds equal importance as all Scripture because it is the Word of God.
      3. Paul reminds believers that all Scripture is written for instruction, endurance, and encouragement (Romans 15:4).
    2. The Role and Character of Haggai

      1. Haggai appears suddenly with no recorded background.
      2. He is fully under God’s authority, serving as His messenger to the Jews in Jerusalem and Judah.
      3. He does not alter or reinterpret God’s message but delivers it faithfully.
    3. Connection to Previous Lesson

      1. Lesson 4 (Ezra 3–4) ended with construction halted for 16 years due to opposition.
      2. The people returned to normal life while God’s temple lay unfinished.
      3. Now, God raises up Haggai and Zechariah to reignite the work.
  2. Structure and Characteristics of Haggai

    1. Literary Observations

      1. The book contains 1,144 words (ESV), with over 70% directly from God’s mouth through Haggai.
      2. Minimal human dialogue; nearly the entire book is one-way communication from God.
      3. The people respond with obedience rather than debate or resistance.
    2. Purpose and Audience

      1. Messages are directed to leaders Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people.
      2. Four main messages can be seen in the book, all calling the people to spiritual renewal and faithful obedience.
  3. Think — The Call to Reflection (Haggai 1:1–11)

    1. God’s Confrontation

      1. The people claim it is not yet time to rebuild the temple.
      2. They prioritize their own homes while neglecting God’s house.
      3. Sixteen years of complacency lead to misplaced priorities and fading zeal.
    2. God’s Challenge

      1. “Consider your ways” — a call to self-examination and repentance.
      2. Every area of life (food, drink, clothing, income) shows frustration and lack of fulfillment.
      3. God causes their efforts to fail to expose their spiritual neglect.
    3. Personal Reflection

      1. God’s Word serves as a mirror revealing spiritual condition.
      2. Believers must confront selfish habits and misplaced affections.
  4. Power — The Call to Obedience (Haggai 1:12–15)

    1. The People’s Response

      1. The leaders and people obey the Lord and fear Him.
      2. God’s reassuring promise follows: “I am with you.”
    2. God’s Empowering Presence

      1. God stirs the spirit of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant to rebuild.
      2. This divine stirring marks a transformation from apathy to action.
      3. The transformation occurs within 24 days — evidence of true repentance and renewal.
    3. Principle of Obedience

      1. Obedience precedes blessing and revival.
      2. Human wisdom cannot produce change like God’s power can.
  5. Blessing — The Call to Hope (Haggai 2)

    1. Future Glory and Hope (2:3–9)

      1. The future temple’s glory will surpass the former.
      2. Strength comes from doing the Lord’s work with His presence.
      3. Peace arises from nearness to God despite uncertain times.
      4. Ultimate hope is in salvation and the coming kingdom.
    2. Purity and Restoration (2:10–19)

      1. Lessons of defilement highlight spiritual uncleanness.
      2. Despite impurity, God promises, “From this day on I will bless you.”
      3. Blessing follows obedience, even after failure.
    3. Messianic Blessing on Zerubbabel (2:20–23)

      1. Earthly kingdoms will fall, but God’s kingdom endures forever.
      2. Zerubbabel receives a personal promise — part of Christ’s lineage.
      3. Matthew 1 confirms Zerubbabel in Jesus’ genealogy, 12 generations before Christ.
  6. Application and Closing Exhortation

    1. Three Responses for Today

      1. Think: Reflect on personal priorities and spiritual condition.
      2. Power: Respond in obedience and allow God’s Spirit to work through you.
      3. Blessing: Recognize and rejoice in God’s blessings in all forms, not just material ones.
    2. Encouragement to Community

      1. Stay connected in small groups for encouragement and accountability.
      2. Pray for one another and build each other up through God’s Word.
    3. Closing Prayer

      1. Thanksgiving for God’s Word and the lessons from Haggai.
      2. Request for transformation and a closer walk with Him.