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Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

could be partly summarised based on the 1:13). In the course of rebuilding the
people’s emotional state or feeling, that temple, a question was asked regarding
is, in their disheartened, determined, the glory of the temple.
discouraged and unclean states.
The temple being rebuilt fell short of
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
Activity 7.2 glory in comparison to the glory of
the previous one. Haggai gave words
Search the library or the internet and of encouragement from the Lord, ‘The
read Haggai 1:1-8. silver is mine and the gold is mine.’
and promised that the latter splendour
Exercise 7.2 of this rebuilt temple would be greater
than the former (Haggai 2:8-9). Haggai
1. Haggai’s teachings remind us that also delivered a message on the need for
when we place God at the center cleanliness. The uncleanness, referred
of our lives and heed His call to to in images (Hag. 2: 10-13), is not
action, His presence and blessings explicated, but the need for repentance
are assured. How have you is clear (verse 15). The success of the
experienced this in your life? Can exiles would be in obeying God; their
you share a personal experience future depended on responding to God’s
where prioritizing God led to instructions.
unexpected blessings?
2. Give your suggestions in reference The book of Haggai can be rightly
to the book of Haggai on what considered as giving instructions for
should be done to churches which rebuilding the temple. It also deals
need renovations. with the personal holiness of the people
who are rebuilding and are to worship

Haggai’s message in the temple. This is an issue that
Haggai, in his prophecy, delivered Zechariah tends to dwell on more. The
a message of warning and hope. He message of Haggai is one of priority,
cautioned the people that abandoning ‘Do the first things first’ or ‘Dwell on
the temple had dire consequences. He, issues that count most’ However, this
therefore, urged and encouraged the should not mean ignoring issues that are
people to engage in the rebuilding of considered unconnected to God’s work,
the temple. The leaders of the people, such as building family houses. One is
Zerubbabel the governor, Joshua reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew
the priest, and the people received 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom and
the message in reverence. Haggai his righteousness, and all things shall
encouraged the people with the message be yours as well.” These are memorable
of the Lord, “I am with you.” (Hag. verses in Haggai (Hag. 1:4, 8; 2:8).

Form Five Student’s Book 101