Cieled Houses Haggai 1:4

The children of Israel returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of the LORD after being captives in Babylon for seventy years. While halted in their efforts to rebuild the temple by “Darius” the king of Persia, they forsook rebuilding the temple even after an appeal allowed them to continue. In chapter one and verse four of his prophecy, Haggai questioned the Israelites as to why they were attending to their “cieled houses” and allowing the “house” of the LORD to “lie waste”. We read:

Is it time for you, O you, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?

The verse begins, “Is it time for you, O you, to dwell in your cieled houses,...” Haggai began his question with the phrase, “Is it time” or “” “for you” which refers to the Israelites “O you” which again refers to the Israelites “to dwell” or “remain, sit and abide” “in your cieled” which means “covered in, wainscoted or covered with boards or panelling” “houses” or “dwellings, habitations or shelters”. Haggai's question began with a challenge for the to consider their activities within their own houses. The Israelites were busy attending to their own homes, and Haggai questioned them about it.

The verse goes on to say, “...and this house lie waste?” Haggai continued, “and this house” which means “dwelling, habitation or shelter” and refers to the temple of the LORD “lie waste” or “desolate and dry”. Haggai wonders why the people are attending to their own houses and not the house of the LORD.

When we meditate upon Haggai's words, we may have a tendency to judge the Israelites for building their own homes and ignoring the temple of the LORD. However, it is quite easy for us to attend to our own things and not the things of the LORD. Haggai's prophecy directs their attention to the problem, and perhaps his question is good for us as well. Does the gospel of Jesus Christ have priority in our lives, or are we preoccupied with our own doings and belongings? May the Holy Spirit lead us to prioritize the LORD's temple rather than our own attentions.

Next time the LORD tells Israel to “consider your ways”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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