D. The Explanation for Their Hardships (1:9-11)
Here Haggai gives his listeners the covenantal framework in which their relationship with YHWH works. Since Judah was still under the blessing and curse principles of the Mosaic Covenant (cf. Lev 26, Deut 28), their neglect in rebuild the temple (v.9) had produced the complete failure of their economic system. The more they retained from the Lord due to their precarious conditions, the more they lose in their agricultural economy (v.11). Once again the prophet revealed the source of their trouble: the people were busy building their own houses and had no time for the house of the Lord (v.9). It was an inescapable situation that could only be broken by a renewal of their commitment to the Lord.
E. The Response of the Nation (1:12-15)
Unlike the pre exilic audience of the prophets, the message of Haggai was well received and both the leaders and the community committed themselves to adhere to the will of God and begin the task of rebuilding the temple. The reassurance of YHWH’s presence within the community (v.13), certified His dwelling among them even when the Temple was not yet finished. It is interesting to note that Haggai was prudent enough not to hint that his proficient rhetoric persuaded the people;…show more content… Ezra 3:12). Their joy in seeing the long-delayed project finally in its way was trumped by the nostalgia of among the older people in their midst who recalled the glory and splendor of the impressive temple of Solomon, compared to which the present building was like nothing (2:3). The impoverished condition of Judah in the 5th century BC could never produce the same magnificent 10th century building that Israel had been built in the opulent days of