The book of Haggai is one of the minor prophetic books of the Old Testament, and is composed of only two chapters. Despite being brief, the book of Haggai contains important lessons about the value of worshiping God and the importance of building his house. The second chapter of this book, in particular, talks about the glory of God’s second house and how God’s presence is present in that house. In this Bible study, we’re going to explore these themes and discover how we can apply them to our lives today.
The Importance of the House of God
At the beginning of Haggai chapter 2, the prophet asks God’s people: “Which of you survived the destruction of that time? How do you now see this temple compared to that one?” (Haggai 2:3). The prophet is referring to the temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians, and which had been rebuilt with great difficulty by the people of God. The prophet is emphasizing the importance of the house of God and the importance of worshiping God in a holy place.
God does not only dwell in buildings, but the house of God is a place where we can experience the presence of the Lord in a special way. When we gather in a holy place to worship God, we are acknowledging his holiness and our need for his presence. Therefore, it is important that we take care of the house of God and that we are present in the services and activities carried out in it.
Furthermore, the house of God is a symbol of the unity of God’s people. When we gather in a sacred place, we are demonstrating that we belong to the same community and that we have the same purpose: to worship God and live in obedience to his will. The house of God is a place where we can find encouragement, comfort, and guidance for our Christian lives.
“How lovely are your tabernacles, LORD of hosts! My soul longs and faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:1-2)
The Glory of God’s Second House
In verse 9 of chapter 2 of Haggai, God makes a promise to the people of Israel: “The glory of this last house shall be greater than that of the first, says the Lord of hosts, and in this place I will give peace, says the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:9). God is promising that God’s second house would be even more glorious than the first.
The second house of God refers to the temple rebuilt by the people of Israel after the Babylonian exile. Though not as grand as the temple built by Solomon, God promised that the glory of the second house would be even greater than that of the first. And, indeed, the presence of God was manifested in the second house in a way that it had not been in the first.
But God’s promise is not limited to just the glory of God’s second house built by the people of Israel. That promise also applies to us today. God promises that the glory of his house will be even greater than that of the first.
In 1 Corinthians 3:16 , Paul writes, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” This passage shows that just as the Old Testament house of God was a place where the presence of God dwelt, now, as Christians, we are the ones who have become the house of God. God’s presence dwells in us, as individuals and as a community of believers.
This means that we should take good care of ourselves and each other, just as we take care of God’s house. We should strive to be holy, pleasing to God, and to maintain our unity with other Christians.
“And my tabernacle will be with them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Ezekiel 37:27)
The Need to Seek God
In Haggai 2:7 , God says, “ I will shake all nations, and the treasures of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts.” God is promising that the glory of his house will be filled with the treasures of all nations. But this will only be possible if the people seek God.
The search for God is fundamental for us to experience His glory and His presence in our lives. When we turn to Him in prayer, Bible reading, and worship, we are acknowledging that He is our Lord and that we depend on Him for all things.
But the search for God must not be just individual. It is necessary that we seek God together as a community of believers. We must be united in seeking God’s will in our lives and in our churches. Only then can we experience the fullness of his glory in our lives and in our homes.
“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)
God’s Promise of Peace
In (Haggai 2:9) God promises to give peace to His people: “And in this place I will give peace, says the Lord of hosts.” This promise of peace is one of the most comforting promises in the Bible. God promises that, even in the face of life’s difficulties and uncertainties, we can experience the peace that only He can offer.
The peace of God is not a passing or superficial peace. It is a peace that transcends all circumstances and sustains us through trials. This peace is only possible when we seek God and trust Him fully. When we turn our lives and concerns over to Him, we can experience the peace that only He can offer.
“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
This peace is only possible when we are at peace with God. And to be at peace with Him, we need to recognize our sins and repent. When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Furthermore, we need to trust God in all areas of our lives. We are not to worry about tomorrow, but trust that God has a plan for our lives and that He will take care of us (Matthew 6:34).
Conclusion
The book of Haggai teaches us that God is a God of promises. He promised that the glory of his house will be greater than that of the first. He has promised that he will fill his house with the treasures of all nations. He has promised that he will give peace to his people. But these promises will only come true if the people seek God with all their hearts.
It is necessary that we seek God individually and in community. We need to be united in seeking God’s will in our lives and in our churches. And when we seek God, we can experience the peace that only He can offer.
May we, as a church, seek God wholeheartedly and experience His glory and peace in our lives and in our homes. And may we trust Him, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill all His promises.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
