Who Saw the First House Haggai 2:3

After the leaders and people of Israel returned to rebuilding the temple of the LORD, the LORD desired to share more with them. He began with a question through Haggai the prophet as He asked, “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory?” We read:

Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory?

and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?

The verse begins, “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory?” Haggai began with the phrase, “Who is left” or “remains, is left over or behind” “among you that saw” which refers to “looked at, inspected, perceived and considered” “this house” which refers to “the temple of the LORD” “in her first” or “primary or former” “glory” which means “honor, abundance, riches and splendor”. The LORD's question to the leaders and people of Israel was a survey of who saw the first temple which was built in Jerusalem.

The verse continues, “and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” Haggai added, “and how do you see” or “look at, inspect, perceive or consider” “it now? Is it not in your eyes” which is all one Hebrew word “ayin ” and literally means “a spring or fountain” and implies “of the physical eye, as showing mental and spiritual qualities and faculties” “in comparison” or “like, as, the like of which, according to and as it were” “of it as nothing” or “no scrutiny or equivalence”. The LORD followed his first question by asking the leadership and people what the “house of the LORD” looked like in “comparison” to the first one.

When we think about the LORD's words through Haggai, we learn of the LORD's interest in the leaders' and people's perspective concerning His temple. Though this question will be answered in the following verses, we should be delighted to know the LORD is interested in how the people saw His latter temple. This thought should encourage our hearts and minds as we realize how He desires for us to be interested in His Kingdom and His Son Jesus who gives us access to it. Let us imagine ourselves being asked by the LORD, “how do you see my temple”, and the manner in which we answer will tell us a great deal more about us than it does Him.

Next time the LORD tells the people to “be strong” and he is “with” them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The LORD Speaks Again Haggai 2:2

As Haggai continued to share the LORD's words through prophesy, he included the date, the twenty-first day of the month, in his remarks. In chapter two and verse two of his prophesy, Haggai shares how the LORD speaks again to the leaders and people. We read:

Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,

The verse begins, “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest,...” Haggai began with the words, “Speak” which means “say, utter or avow” “now to Zerubbabel” whose name means “sown in Babylon” and was “the grandson of king Jehoiachin and leader of the first group of returning exiles from Babylon” “the son” or “child” “of Shealtiel” which means “I have asked of God” and was “son of king Jehoiachin or Jeconiah or Coniah of Judah and uncle of Zerubbabel” “governor” or “captain or deputy” “of Judah” whose name means “praised” and was “the kingdom comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin which occupied the southern part of Canaan after the nation split upon the death of Solomon” “and to Joshua” or “Jehovah is Salvation” who was “son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration” “the son” or “child” “of Josedech” whose name means “Jehovah is righteous” and was “grandson of the high priest Hilkiah; son of the high priest Seraiah; and father of the high priest Joshua; he never attained the office of high priest himself because he was carried captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar” “the high” or “great, large and important” “priest” which means “principal officer or chief ruler”. The LORD had Haggai address his next remarks to the leadership of Israel again.

The verse goes on to say, “...and to the residue of the people, saying,...” Haggai continued, “and to the residue” or “rest, remainder, remnant and what is left” “of the people” which refers to “the nation, compatriots and country-men” “saying” which means “utter, speak, answer and avow”. In addition to the leaders of Israel, the LORD's words were also addressed to the people of Israel.

When we consider Haggai's words, our attention should be upon the persistence of the LORD to speak with both the leaders and the people of the country of Israel. It is interesting to note that he included both groups in this charge. We too should think about our leaders and the people over whom they govern as we consider whether or not they “seek the kingdom of God” first or allow it to be a minor afterthought. Sometimes the “Kingdom of God” through His Son Jesus Christ doesn't receive any consideration, and though this is often true, we must not align with this way of thinking. We should pay particularly close attention to what the LORD has to say to the leaders and people of Israel, and as we do, let us evaluate our own ability to hear the LORD and align with His ways.

Next time the LORD asks the people “who saw this house in her first glory”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Twenty-first day of the Seventh Month Haggai 2:1

As Haggai completed the first section of his prophecy, he declared how the leaders and the people of Israel began rebuilding the temple of the LORD twenty-three days after Haggai first prophesied concerning their neglect of the temple. This declaration was on the twenty-fourth day of the second year of Darius' reign. In chapter two and verse one of his prophecy, Haggai begin by making reference to the twenty-first day of the seventh month of Darius' reign where we read:

In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month,

came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,

The verse begins, “In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month,...” Haggai began with the words, “In the seventh” which refers to “the ordinal number after six” “month” is added by the translators but easily implied “in the one and twentieth” or “twenty-first” “day of the month” which refers to “the new moon or lunar month”. The people began to rebuild the temple of the LORD on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month of Darius' reign, and this new declaration from the LORD is shared around four weeks later.

The verse continues, “...came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,...” Haggai added, “came the word” or “speech, speaking, utterance, business, occupation and manner” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the one true God” “by the prophet” or “spokesman, speaker and inspired man” “Haggai” whose name means “festive” and was “the tenth in order of the minor prophets; first prophet to prophecy after the captivity” “saying” or “speaking, uttering, answering and avowing”. After the people began the work on the temple, “the LORD” has additional things He desires to declare to them through Haggai.

As we begin this section of Haggai's prophesy, we can think about why it was important for he and “the LORD” to let us to know the days of the months. If we slow down long enough, we see the progression of “the LORD's” declarations and the obedience of the leaders and the people of Israel. Sometimes we need to understand that obedience is applied over time, and the manner in which the Israelites obeyed after being exhorted is a great lesson for us as well. While we come to know Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, we too may have areas where we have a progressive obedience being applied. May we always keep in perspective, “the LORD” has all time in His view, and we do best when we align with Him within it.

Next time the LORD instructs Haggai to speak to the leaders and people again, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Sixth Month, Twenty-Fourth Day Haggai 1:15

When the LORD “stirred up the spirit” of the leaders and the people of Israel, “they came and did work” in the LORD's temple. In chapter one and verse fifteen of his prophecy, Haggai names the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month of Darius as the date the work resumed. We read:

In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

The verse begins, “In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month,...” Haggai began, “In the four and twentieth day” or “twenty-fourth” “of the sixth month” which is “the month of the new moon”. The prophecy of Haggai to the leaders and people of Israel began on the first day of the sixth month, and only twenty-three days later, the leaders and people heeded his charge.

The verse continues, “...in the second year of Darius the king.” Haggai went on to add, “in the second year” or “the second year of the reign” “of Darius” whose name means “lord” and was “Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC)” “the king” or “royal one”. The timing of the rebuilding was significant because the leaders and the people of Israel finally realized their error in not prioritizing the LORD's work.

When we think through Haggai's words, we understand the significance of his mention of the timing for the restart of the rebuilding of the temple. This is twenty-three days or a little over three weeks after the charge first came from Haggai to continue rebuilding the temple of the LORD. Sometimes, we too, are in need of someone to encourage and push us to be about the LORD's business. It is easy to allow the Kingdom of God to become second, third or later to other things in which we are involved. The key is to realize when this happens we must alter our direction immediately. Our relationship with Jesus should be “first”, and building his Kingdom must be our main priority. Let us examine our hearts and decide, Is “Jesus' Kingdom” first? If it is not, let us be busy about His work as quickly as possible.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see what Haggai says happened on the seventh month and twenty-first day, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The People did the Work Haggai 1:14

When the people of Israel began to rebuild the LORD's temple, the LORD through Haggai the prophet promised them “I am with you”. In chapter one and verse fourteen of his prophecy, Haggai shares how the LORD “stirred up the spirit” of the leaders and the people and they “did the work”. We read:

And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

The verse begins, “And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people;” Haggai began with the phrase, “And the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the one true God” “stirred up” or “roused, awoke, incited and excited” “the spirit” which means “mind, vivacity, vigor, courage and patience” “of Zerubbabel” whose name means “whose name means “sown in Babylon” and was “the grandson of king Jehoiachin and leader of the first group of returning exiles from Babylon” “the son” or “child” “of Shealtiel” whose name means “I have asked of God” and was “the son of king Jehoiachin or Jeconiah or Coniah of Judah and uncle of Zerubbabel and father of Zerubbabel” “and the spirit” or “mind, vivacity, vigor, courage and patience”“of Joshua” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and was “the son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration from Bablyon” “the son” or “child” “of Josedech” which means “Jehovah is righteous” and was “the grandson of the high priest Hilkiah; son of the high priest Seraiah and father of the high priest Joshua; he never attained the office of high priest himself because he was carried captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar” “the high priest” or “greatest in importance principal officer or chief ruler and officiation one” “and the spirit” which means “mind, vivacity, vigor, courage and patience” “of all the remnant” which means “rest, remainder, residue and what was left” “of the people” which refers to “nation, persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men, kinsman and kindred”. Let us note, it was “the LORD” who “stirred up” and aroused the “spirit” of both the leaders and people of Israel.

The verse goes on to say, “...and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,” Haggai continued, “and they” which refers to “the people of Israel” “came” or “entered, carried in, brought in and put” “and did work” which means “fashioned, acted, effected, produced and made business, occupation and service” “in the house” or “dwelling, habitation, shelter and abode” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name of the one true God” “of hosts” which means “that which goes forth, an army, war or warfare” “their God” or “ruler, judge and divine One”. Once their “spirits” were “stirred up”, the leaders and the people continued rebuilding or “did the work” on the temple of the LORD.

When we meditate upon Haggai's words, we should be excited about the LORD “stirring up” the “spirit” of the leaders and “the people” of Israel. The priority of rebuilding the LORD's temple was most important not only for the LORD, but alos for the leaders and people as well. The LORD knows when people have Him first in their lives, they are in alignment with His eternal purposes. This is why Jesus Christ said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you”. (Matthew 6:33). Let us allow the LORD to “stir up” our “spirits” that we may “do the work” of building His kingdom until He comes again.

Next time Haggai shares the date when the people returned to working on temple, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

None but Thee

Casting 'pon a wonder why

I do the things I do

When others lookin' 'pon my works

do none but judging you

This too fast, that too slow

quite never reach the speed

This too much, that too little

and ne'er the sum I need

Exasperated tired

to the secret place I go

to do the works that none do see

but thee and thee alone

No wasted time exhausted

nor efforts done in vain

the works both seen and unseen

before thy Holy Name

Though other men reap bounty fore

Thy pleasure do I seek

wh'er works of mine be faint or strong

tis there they find their peak

And when before thy throne I stand

beyond the crystal sea

That which I've done I will do then

T'will be for none but thee

T'will be for none but thee

I Am With You Haggai 1:13

After being released from exile in Babylon, the people of Israel neglected the rebuilding of the temple of the LORD and concentrated upon building their own houses. Haggai the prophet proclaimed the LORD's warning, instruction and penalties for forsaking His house, and the people including their leaders were motivated to begin the work again. In chapter one and verse thirteen of his prophecy, Haggai declared the LORD's words “saying, I am with you” where we read:

Then spoke Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people,

saying, I am with you, says the LORD.

The verse begins, “Then spoke Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people,...” Haggai began with, “Then spoke” or “uttered, answered and avowed” “Haggai” whose name means “festive” and was “tenth in order of the minor prophets and the first prophet to prophecy after the captivity” “the LORD's” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the one true God” “messenger” which literally means “angel” and refers to a “representative” “in the LORD's” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the one true God” “message” which means “speech, utterance or answer” “unto the people” or “nation, member of one's people, compatriots, country-men, kinsman or kindred”. Haggai was the LORD's representative, and he declared the “message” of the LORD to the people of Israel.

The verse goes on to say, “...saying, I am with you, says the LORD.” Haggai continued, “saying” or “uttered, commanded, promise, intend, to be told, said or called” “I am with you” or “I with you” which means “utters, declares, revelation or declaration that the LORD is present” “says” or “utters or declares” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the one true God”. The LORD's promise is that He is “with” those who are rebuilding the temple and have prioritized the things of God.

When we think about the LORD's words through Haggai the prophet, His announcement is one of the greatest promises we may ever hear. The fact that He is “with us” is not only comforting but inspiring for the work we are to do. The Israelites began the work on the temple again, and they received the promise that the LORD was “with” them. When we make the “Kingdom of God” our first priority and Jesus Christ as “LORD” of our lives, we know He is “with” us too. Let us enjoy the idea that the LORD is “with us”, and may we ever be about His business.

Next time the LORD “stirs up the spirit of” the leaders and people of Israel, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Obedience and Fear Before the LORD Haggai 1:12

Because of the people's neglect for the rebuilding of the temple of the LORD, the LORD “called for a drought upon the land, the mountains, the corn, the new wine, the oil, and upon that which the ground brings forth, upon men, upon cattle, and upon all the labor of the hands”. In chapter one and verse twelve, Haggai shares about the “obedience and fear before the LORD” which was exhibited by the leaders and people. We read:

Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.

The verse begins, “Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God,...” Haggai began with, “Then Zerubabbel” whose name means “sown in Babylon” and was “the grandson of king Jehoiachin and leader of the first group of returning exiles from Babylon” “the son” or “child” “of Shealtiel” whose name means “I have asked of God” and was “the son of king Jehoiachin or Jeconiah or Coniah of Judah and uncle of Zerubbabel and father of Zerubbabel” “and Joshua” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and was “the son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration from Babylon” “the son” or “child” “of Josedech” or “Jehovah is righteous” who was “grandson of the high priest Hilkiah; son of the high priest Seraiah; and father of the high priest Joshua; he never attained the office of high priest himself because he was carried captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar” “the high priest” which means “greatest in importance principal officer or chief ruler and officiating one” “with all the remnant” or “rest, residue, remainder, what is left and descendants” “of the people” which refers to “the nation, compatriots, country-men, kinsmen and kindred” “obeyed” or “heard and complied with” “the voice” which means “sound and noise” “of the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” whose name means “the existing One” and “the name of the one true God” “their God” which literally means “the divine ruler and judge” and refers to “the true God”. Not only did the leaders within the Israelite nation “listen to and obey” “the voice of the LORD”, but the general population did as well.

The verse goes on to say, “...and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.” Haggai continued “and the words” or “speech, sayings and utterances” “of Haggai” whose name means “festive” and was “the tenth in order of the minor prophets; first prophet to prophecy after the captivity” “the prophet” or “spokesman, speaker and inspired man” “as the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” whose name means “the existing One” and “the proper name of the one true God” “their God” which refers to “the true God” “had sent him” which means “stretched out, let go, set free and sent off, ” “and the people” or “the nation, compatriots, country-men, kinsmen and kindred” “did fear” which means “revere, be afraid of, reverence, honor, respect, astonish, and held in awe” “before the LORD” which means “in the presence of Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”. Not only did the people “obey” the “word of the LORD”, but they heeded the words of Haggai the prophet too.

When we think about these words of Haggai, we can almost imagine a point when the Israelite leaders and people decided to “listen to” and “heed” the word of the LORD. Certainly they examined the evidence put before them regarding the “drought” of their properties and possessions, and perhaps this motivated their change of mind. It is noteworthy that this had widespread effect upon the people, and rather than seeking their own houses first, they now stood in “awe” and “respect” toward the things of God. This is the way it is when people put “Jesus” and His kingdom first in their lives. This not only affects the individuals involved, but also has complete influence upon the entire nation. May we be people who regardless of our position within our country “obey” the voice of the LORD, turn from our negligent ways, and prioritize our relationship with Jesus Christ our LORD and God the Father and Creator of all.

Next time the LORD tells the Israelites through Haggai, “I am with you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Drought Haggai 1:11

After telling the Israelites to “consider” their “ways” and “go up to the mountain” to gather supplies to build His temple, the LORD Jehovah through Haggai the prophet began to explain why they would bring things into their own homes and the LORD would “blow upon” them. He sited this as the reason “the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit”. In chapter one and verse eleven of His prophecy, the LORD told them a “drought” has come upon them because they neglected rebuilding His temple where we read:

And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground brings forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labor of the hands.

The verse begins, “And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil,...” Haggai began, “And I called” which means “the LORD GOD Almighty proclaimed, uttered, read aloud, appointed and summoned” “for a drought” or “dryness, parching heat and desolation” “upon the land” which refers to “earth, country, territory, district, region and piece of ground” “and upon the mountains” or “hills, range of hills and hill country” “and upon the corn” which refers to “wheat, cereal or grain” “and upon the new wine” or “fresh squeezed grape-juice or new sweet wine” “and upon the oil” which was “shining pure oil as producing light”. Five areas have been stricken by “drought” in this portion of Haggai's prophecy – “the land, the mountains, the corn, new wine and the oil”, and there are four more areas which were affected as well.

The verse goes on to say, “...and upon that which the ground brings forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labor of the hands.” Haggai continued, “and upon that which the ground” or “land, piece of ground, specific plot of land or the earth's substance, territory or country” “brings forth” which means “goes forward with, proceeds, delivers or shoots forth” “and upon men” which is the Hebrew word “'adam”and means “mankind or human beings” “and upon cattle” which refers to “the beasts, livestock and wild beasts” “and upon all the labor” which means “toil, work, production or acquired property” “of the hands” or “palm, hollow or flat of the hand”. Haggai added these four areas to the LORD's “drought” upon the people - “the ground”, “men”, “cattle” and “the labor of the hands”. There seems to be no area in which the Israelites were involved where the LORD did not affect their lives through “dryness, parching heat and desolation”.

We we think about Haggai's words, we understand how thorough the LORD was in attempting to alter the people's path. There were few areas in their lives where the wasn't a shortage, and the LORD claims responsibility for their lack. When the “kingdom of God” is not first, this passage of scripture should come to mind for us. We may wonder why it seems that everything we touch is in “drought” or “dryness, parching heat or desolation”. Perhaps an examination of our priorities should be implemented, and if it is found that Jesus takes a back seat to our other ventures, desires, material possessions, energy and time, an adjustment must be made. Let the “drought” be gone by making the LORD Jesus Christ first in our lives, and let the rains begin.

Next time Haggai shares how the leaders and people “obeyed the voice of the LORD their God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Stayed from Dew and Fruit Haggai 1:10

Haggai the prophet declared, “Because” the LORD's “house” was “waste”, “and” the Israelites ran “every man unto his own house”, they would “look for much”, but when they brought things home, the LORD would “blow upon” those things and they would be gone. Rather than regarding the temple of the LORD, the people of Israel were devoting their time and attention to their own houses. In chapter one and verse ten of his prophecy, Haggai shared the results of their neglect which affected not only the “dew” from “heaven” but also the “fruit” from the “earth” where we read:

Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.

The verse begins, “Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew,...” Haggai began with the words, “Therefore the heaven” which is one Hebrew word “shamayim” and means “the sky, atmosphere and visible universe” “over you” which refers to the Israelites “is stayed” or “restricted, restrained, withheld, shut up, kept back and forbidden” “from dew” which means “night mist or light rain”. Even the rain and watering source was restricted from the Israelites because they neglected the temple of the LORD.

The verse goes on to say, “... and the earth is stayed from her fruit.” Haggai continued, “and the earth” or “land, country, district, region and territory” “is stayed” or “restricted, restrained, withheld, shut up, kept back and forbidden” “from her fruit” which refers to “produce, crop and wealth ”. Not only was “the heaven” shut up before the Israelites, but the crops from their fields were affected as well.

When we think about the LORD's words through Haggai, we get a strong sense of His desire for them to alter their ways. It isn't as though the LORD was sitting upon high and causing the lack in heaven and on earth, but rather their behavior caused this effect. We can almost hear the plea of the LORD for them to change their ways so the heaven would be open and the crops would be in abundance. In other words, the LORD's plea for them is “put His things first”, and everything else will be added to them. “The heavens” and “the earth” around us are waiting for us to prioritize the temple of the LORD and have everything else secondary to that. May the LORD Jesus help us know where we attend to our own things rather than His, and may we see the “heaven” and “the earth” in it's full abundance toward us when we do.

Next time Haggai tells the Israelites the LORD caused a “drought” against them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Looking for Much and Receiving Little Haggai 1:9

After telling the Israelites to “Consider your ways”, the LORD told them through Haggai the prophet to “go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house” which was the temple of God. In chapter one and verse nine of Haggai's prophecy, the LORD shared how the Israelites “looked for much, and...it came to little” where we read:

You looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? says the LORD of hosts. Because of my house that is waste, and you run every man unto his own house.

The verse begins, “You looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I did blow upon it.” Haggai began with the words, “You looked” which means “you turned toward, from or away, declined and put out of the way” “for much” or “increase, becoming many, numerous, multiply or grow great”, “and, lo, it came to little” which is the Hebrew word “m@`at” and means “littleness, few, hardly, shortly or little worth” “and when you brought” which is the Hebrew word “bow'” and means “go in, enter, come or attain” “it home” or “dwelling or habitation”, “I did blow” which refers to “the LORD breathing, blowing, sniffing or seething out” “upon it” or “on what they brought home”. The Israelites anticipated great gains from what they brought into their homes, but the LORD “blew upon” their expectations.

The verse goes on to say, “Why? says the LORD of hosts. Because of my house that is waste, and you run every man unto his own house.” The LORD questioned through Haggai, “Why says” or “utters, declares or reveals” “the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the One true God” “of hosts” or “that which goes forth, army, war or warfare” . The LORD then answered His own question with “Because” or “even, seeing, forasmuch, whereas and why” “of my house” which refers to “the LORD's dwelling or habitation” “that is waste” which means “desolate, dry, parched or ruined” “and you run” or “swiftly dart, move quickly, hurry and drive away” “unto his own house” which is one Hebrew word “bayith” which means “dwelling or habitation”. The reason the LORD blew upon the belongings of the Hebrews was because they left His house or temple in a “desolate” and “ruined” state and gave attention to their own houses instead.

When we meditate upon these words of Haggai, we understand the importance of having the kingdom of God “first” in our lives. We may wonder why it seems that our own belongings “blow away” from time to time. Perhaps we are going through a time when it seems everything we touch comes to nothing. Jesus said in the gospel of Matthew in chapter six and verse thirty-three, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you”, and the LORD has been consistent with this idea even since the days of Haggai. If we examine our lives, find that we have possessions that seem to “blow away”, and discover that we have neglected the “temple of God”, let us alter our paths, begin seeking the Kingdom of God first, and may the LORD bless us as we do.

Next time Haggai tells the Israelites how “heaven” and “earth” are involved against them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.