Haggai 1 1

Haggai 1:1 kjv

In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

Haggai 1:1 nkjv

In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying,

Haggai 1:1 niv

In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest:

Haggai 1:1 esv

In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest:

Haggai 1:1 nlt

On August 29 of the second year of King Darius's reign, the LORD gave a message through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest.

Haggai 1 verses

Haggai 1 1 Meaning

Haggai 1:1 serves as a precise prophetic introduction, establishing the historical context, the divine source of the message, the human messenger, and the specific recipients of the prophecy. It announces that the Lord's word was delivered through the prophet Haggai to the prominent leaders of the Jewish returnees in Judah—Zerubbabel, the civil governor from the Davidic line, and Joshua, the high priest from the Aaronic line—at a very specific time in the post-exilic era, initiating a direct command concerning the neglected temple.

Haggai 1 1 Context

Haggai 1:1 sets the stage for the prophetic book of Haggai. It introduces the urgent divine message delivered to the Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylonian exile, approximately sixteen years after their initial return under Zerubbabel in 538 BC. At this point, the initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem (begun in 536 BC) had waned, largely due to external opposition and internal discouragement (Ezra 4). For about fifteen years, the foundation of the temple had been laid, but its construction had ceased, while the people focused on building their own comfortable houses. God's message through Haggai directly addresses this misplaced priority, linking their economic hardship and lack of blessing to their neglect of His house. The precise dating in the Persian Empire's reign situates the prophecy firmly in secular history, yet emphasizes the divine intrusion into human affairs to prompt action and repentance concerning God's covenant and sacred dwelling place.

Haggai 1 1 Word analysis

• In the second year: Precision of time, marking it as 520 BC, aligning the prophetic word with a specific historical moment. This immediate and accurate dating underscores the urgency and verifiable nature of the prophecy.

• of Darius the king: Refers to Darius I Hystaspes, a significant ruler of the Persian Empire (522-486 BC). Mentioning the reigning king anchors the divine message firmly in human political history, demonstrating God's sovereignty over earthly powers (Ps 103:19). This contrasts divine timelessness with human chronological limitations, emphasizing the time for action.

• in the sixth month: This is the month of Elul in the Hebrew religious calendar (roughly August-September). It was often a time of preparation and introspection before the important fall festivals (Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles), making it a significant time for God's message concerning the Temple.

• on the first day of the month: Marks the new moon (Rosh Chodesh), a significant day for Israel for assemblies and offerings (Num 10:10, 28:11-15, Isa 1:13). The precision highlights the immediate and timely nature of God's word, as it landed on a distinct religious marker, urging a quick response to divine initiative.

• the word of the LORD: (Hebrew: Davar Yahweh) Emphasizes divine origin and authority. This is not human opinion but God's authoritative, living, and active command (Heb 4:12), which demands attention and obedience from all (Jer 1:2; Zech 1:1). It underscores the source of true prophetic messages.

• came by Haggai: (Hebrew: be-yad Haggai) Literally "by the hand of Haggai," signifying that Haggai was the appointed messenger, God's instrument through whom the divine message was transmitted. Haggai (meaning "my festival" or "festive") acts as God's spokesperson, chosen for a specific task at a crucial time.

• the prophet: Identifies Haggai's role as God's authorized spokesman. Prophets served to deliver God's will, call to repentance, offer comfort, and declare future events (Deut 18:18; Amos 3:7). This confirms the message's divine authenticity.

• to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel: Zerubbabel (meaning "seed of Babel" or "born in Babel") was the civil governor of Judah, from the royal line of David (1 Chr 3:19). As such, he represented the Davidic kingship and possessed political authority (Zech 4:6-10). God’s word coming to him emphasizes divine direction of leadership.

• governor of Judah: Specifies Zerubbabel's political office and authority, indicating the message was directed to the highest civil leadership responsible for public works and governance.

• and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak: Joshua (Hebrew: Yeshua, "the Lord saves") was the high priest (Ezra 3:2; Zech 3:1-10), representing the spiritual authority and the Aaronic priesthood. He was the head of the religious life of the community.

• the high priest: Highlights Joshua's sacred role and responsibility for the worship and spiritual well-being of the people, signifying that God’s message addresses both civil and spiritual spheres.

• saying: Introduces the actual divine message that follows in the subsequent verses. This word signifies the commencement of a direct divine address that the leaders are now obligated to hear and heed.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month": This extremely precise chronological statement underscores the divine intention behind the message. It removes any ambiguity about when God chose to speak, lending urgency and weight to the prophetic word. It demonstrates God's purposeful intervention at a specific historical juncture.
  • "the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet": This phrase highlights God's initiative and the means of revelation. God, not human will or initiative, begins the conversation. Haggai serves as God's faithful mouthpiece, not originating the message but accurately conveying it. This validates the authenticity and authority of the message that follows.
  • "to Zerubbabel... governor of Judah, and to Joshua... the high priest": This direct address to both the civil and religious heads of the community emphasizes that God's concern for His people encompasses all aspects of their lives—both spiritual worship and daily governance. It shows that both leadership roles are equally accountable before God, requiring joint action and cooperation to fulfill God's will (compare with Zech 4:14, the "two anointed ones").

Haggai 1 1 Bonus section

• The highly detailed dating of Haggai 1:1 (specific year, month, and day) is unique in its precision among the prophetic books, highlighting the exactness of God's timing and His punctilious attention to the unfolding of history and His covenant dealings. It contrasts sharply with the imprecise "days of" often seen in other prophetic preambles, giving this prophecy a marked urgency and a call for immediate attention.
• The fact that God's "word" came is crucial; it's an active, powerful entry of the divine into the human sphere, not a mere thought or suggestion. This active coming underscores that divine revelation is not something conceived by humans but given by God, carrying His inherent authority and power to effect change.
• The presence of both a civil leader (Zerubbabel, embodying Davidic kingship) and a religious leader (Joshua, embodying the Aaronic priesthood) points forward to the future Messiah, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies both kingship and priesthood in His person (Ps 110:4; Heb 7). This dual leadership foreshadows the integrated governance and worship in God's ideal kingdom.

Haggai 1 1 Commentary

Haggai 1:1 is not merely an introductory statement; it is a foundational verse that grounds the prophetic message in precise historical reality and divine authority. Its meticulous dating immediately communicates urgency and the absolute sovereignty of God, who intervenes in human affairs at His chosen moment. By explicitly stating that "the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet," the verse establishes the divine origin of the message, assuring the post-exilic community that their forthcoming commands are from the Most High God, not merely the prophet’s or leaders' personal opinions. The targeted delivery to both Zerubbabel, the Davidic governor, and Joshua, the Aaronic high priest, signifies that God's message for the neglected Temple project involves both civil and spiritual leadership. This joint commission highlights God's desire for cooperation between the spheres of governance and religious life for the spiritual well-being and material prosperity of His people, making clear that neglect of His house would result in collective economic hardship (as will be detailed in the following verses). The stage is powerfully set for a direct confrontation of apathy and a call to diligent action for God's glory.