Theme - The background of his prophecy is the fall of Babylon and the supremacy of the great Medo-Persia Empire. Cyrus, in conformity to the purpose and previously announced prophecy of Jehovah, issued a decree in 536 B.C. directing the Jews of his country to return to their native land for the re-establishment of their national institutions and the rebuilding of the temple. The first expedition under Zerubbabel began at once the rebuilding of the temple, but the work was stopped by opposition and interference from hostile neighbours. Permission for the renewal of the work was given after a lapse of sixteen years in 520 B.C.

Haggai began his prophetic ministry to admonish and encourage the Jewish remnant in the completion of the temple. Some four years later he was joined in his prophetic labours by Zechariah. During the interruption in the reconstruction of the temple, the Jewish remnant had become indifferent and Haggai's work was essential in reviving their zeal and stimulating their faith.

Outline - The divisions of the book, indicated by the words, "Came the word of the Lord by Haggai," are as follows: I. The Conditions Which Elicited the Prophecy (1:1,2) II. God's Displeasure Because of the Interruption in Building the Temple (1:3-15) III. The New Temple Compared to Solomon's Temple; The Messianic-Age Temple (2:1-9) IV. Blessings of Temple Services; Necessity for Cleansing and Chastenings (2:10-19) V. The Final Victory (2:20-23)