Haggai: First Things First

Haggai challenges us to consider what we value most. As Taylor says, “Preoccupation with such concerns (as food, clothing, shelter, etc.) can lead to a type of personal decision making that focuses first on meeting temporal human needs and offers God only what is left over after essential matters of personal security and comfort have first been decided.” This is the condition Haggai finds the Israelites in, and the irony of it is their neglect of the LORD is exactly what has led to their lack of security, clothing, shelter, etc. (1:9-11). Since we are a people created to depend on the LORD and a people in covenant with him, we cannot expect true prosperity while neglecting him. Communion with God is the principal blessing of life. There is nothing better. Prioritize other things over it, and they’ll kill you. God is worthy of worship; his very purpose in having them build the temple is that he may be glorified (1:8). Where this is neglected, judgment follows.