Notes & Outlines

ZEPHANIAH
HAGGAI

Dr. J. Vernon McGee

ZEPHANIAH
WRITER: Zephaniah identified himself better than any of the other
minor prophets. As Habakkuk concealed himself in silence, Zephaniah
went to the opposite extreme more than is ordinary. He traced his lineage back to his great-great-grandfather, who was Hizkiah, whom we
know as Hezekiah, king of Judah. Zephaniah was of the royal line
(Zephaniah 1:1).
TIME: He located the time of his writing just as clearly as he did his
identification — “In the days of Josiah, the son of Amon, king of
Judah” (Zephaniah 1:1). According to the arrangement of the Hebrew
Scriptures, Zephaniah was the last of the prophets before the captivity.
He was contemporary with Jeremiah and probably with Micah. His was
the swan song of the Davidic kingdom. He is credited with giving
impetus to the revival during the reign of Josiah.
THEME: The dark side of love. Sweetness and light are associated
with love on every level, and rightly so, but this aspect does not
exhaust the full import of love. Love expresses itself always for the
good of the one who is loved. This is the reason that it is difficult to
associate love with the judgment of God. The popular notion of God is
that He is a super Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. One nature of His is
expressed by love, and the other nature is expressed in wrath by judgment. These two attributes appear to contradict one another to the
extent that they seem to be describing two different gods. Zephaniah is
filled with the wrath and judgment of God (Zephaniah 1:15; 3:8), but
there is the undertone of the love of God (Zephaniah 3:17). It is love
that prompts a parent to take the child out of the home to a hospital and
to deliver him to the surgeon who endangers the life by pressing a
scalpel into the vitals. This act is as much an expression of love as are
the candies that are brought to the bedside the next week.
TWO THOUGHTS: Two thoughts stand out in this brief book:
(1) “The day of the LORD” occurs seven times. Obadiah and Joel, the
first of the writing prophets, were the first to use this expression;
Zephaniah, the last, brings it to our attention again. This has particular
application to the Great Tribulation, which precedes the kingdom and is
included in the day of the Lord. It is a time of wrath.
(2) “Jealousy” occurs twice. It is not on the same level as human jealousy, but reveals the love of God for His people who have failed.

OUTLINE:
I. Judgment of Judah and Jerusalem, Chapter 1
II. Judgment of the earth and of all nations, Chapters 2:1 — 3:8
III. Judgments removed; kingdom established, Chapter 3:9-20
COMMENT:
I. Judgment of Judah and Jerusalem, Chapter 1
v. 1 — Zephaniah completely identifies himself and his time (see
WRITER and TIME).
v. 2 — Worldwide devastation is predicted. The Book of the
Revelation confirms this and places the time as the Great Tribulation.
v. 3 — All living creatures are included in the judgment.
v. 4 — Judah and Jerusalem are singled out for judgment.
v. 5 — The reason for the judgment is idolatry — three types of
idolatry are mentioned.
v. 6 — Also they have turned completely from God. Two classes
are mentioned: backsliders and those who were never saved.
v. 7 — “The day of the LORD” is judgment (see TWO THOUGHTS,
also notes on Joel 1:15). Here the coming of Nebuchadnezzar is treated as
a picture of the day of the LORD.
“Hold thy peace” means to hush; to keep still.
v. 8 — The “sacrifice” is the judgment of Judah.
v. 10 — “That day” is the day of the LORD.
v. 12 — Evidently this is one of the first groups that said that God
was dead. They were the self-sufficient of an affluent society.
v. 13 — This marks the end of prosperity and the beginning of a
depression.
vv. 14, 15 — This is a doleful, dreary, and dreadful picture of the
Great Tribulation.

v. 16 — It is a day of fear.
v. 17 — Sin of man brings the judgment.
v. 18 — There will be no deliverance. Silver and gold are their
gods, and they are powerless to save.
II. Judgment of the earth and of all nations, Chapters 2:1 — 3:8
Chapter 2
v. 1 — A call to Israel to come together to plead for deliverance
from the wrath of the day of the LORD.
“Not desired” means that they were insensible to the shame of
their sinful condition.
v. 2 — This is a brief but vivid description of the day of the LORD.
v. 3 — The call is extended to the inhabitants of the earth who in
meekness seek the Lord.
vv. 4-11 — This is judgment upon surrounding enemy nations and
their idols.
v. 12 — Judgment on Ethiopia.
vv. 13-15 — Judgment on Assyria (literally fulfilled).
Chapter 3
vv. 1-5 — Judgment on Jerusalem. Judgment is in ratio to her
privilege.
vv. 6-8 — Judgment on all nations — this is Armageddon, which
ends with the return of Christ to the earth.
III. Judgments removed; kingdom established, Chapter 3:9-20
v. 9 — This does not mean there will be one language for the
entire world, although there may be only one language — perhaps the
language on the other side of the Tower of Babel. The thought here is
“pure” in the sense of the removal of the filthy, profane, and nasty language. The “four letter words” will disappear.

vv. 10-12 — These are kingdom conditions.
vv. 13-16 — The remnant of Israel enters the kingdom. Their attitude and speech are changed. Fear is removed. The Lord Jesus Christ
reigns over them personally. This refers to the second coming of Christ.
v. 17 — This verse is the key of the book. This is the white light
in a black background. The purpose of judgment is not vindictive, but
to cleanse and purify in order that blessing and goodness might ensue
from the ordeal. (See author’s booklet, “The Dark Side of Love.”)
vv. 18-20 — This describes kingdom conditions.

HAGGAI
Prophets to the returned remnant were Haggai, Zechariah,
and Malachi.
WRITER: Haggai is mentioned in Ezra 5:1, 2 and 6:14 as one of the
two prophets who encouraged the remnant (that returned after the
Babylonian captivity) to rebuild the temple in spite of the difficulties
that beset them on every hand. From this and the brief references that
he made to himself in his prophecy, four things become apparent: (1)
he was self-effacing — he exalted the Lord; (2) he was God’s messenger — “Thus saith the LORD”; (3) he not only rebuked, he cheered and
encouraged; (4) he not only preached, he practiced.
TIME: 520 B.C. “The second year of Darius” enables the historian to
pinpoint the time of this prophet in profane history. Hystaspis (Darius
mentioned here) began to reign in 521 B.C. At this same time in China,
Confucius was living.
THEME: The temple. The reconstruction and refurbishing of the temple were the supreme passion of this prophet. He not only rebuked the
people for their delay in rebuilding the temple, but he encouraged them
and helped them in this enterprise.
MESSAGE: Haggai constantly referred to the “word of the LORD” as
the supreme authority. He willingly humbled himself that the Lord
might be exalted. His message was practical. It was as simple and factual as 2 + 2 = 4. The prophecy of Haggai and the epistle of James
have much in common. Both put the emphasis upon the daily grind.
Action is spiritual; a “do nothing” attitude is wicked. Both placed this
yardstick down upon life. Work is the measure of life.
Haggai’s contemporary, Zechariah, was visionary and had his head
in the clouds, but pragmatic Haggai had both feet on the ground. The
man of action and the dreamer need to walk together. First Corinthians
15:58 can appropriately be written over this book.
For the background of his message, read Ezra 3:8-13, also chapters
4 through 6.
KEY VERSES: Haggai 1:8, 14
THE CALENDAR: The compass of this book is three months and
twenty-four days, according to the calendar. There are five messages in
the book, and each was given on a specific date. The calendar furnishes
the clue for the contents.

OUTLINE:
I.

II.

III.

IV.
V.

A challenge to the people, Chapter 1:1-11
September 1, 520 B.C.
A. A charge of conflict of interest, vv. 1-4
B. A call to consider their ways, vv. 5-7
C. A command to construct the temple, vv. 8-11
The response to the challenge, Chapter 1:12-15
September 24, 520 B.C.
A. Construction of the temple; people obeyed, v. 12
B. Confirmation from God, vv. 13-15
The discouragement of the people; the encouragement of
the Lord, Chapter 2:1-9
October 21, 520 B.C
(The inferiority of the second temple to the first temple became
a cause of discouragement, but God responded.)
An appeal to the Law; the explanation of the principle,
Chapter 2:10-19
December 24, 520 B.C.
A revelation of God’s program; an expectation for the
future, Chapter 2:20-23
December 24, 520 B.C.

COMMENT:
I.

A challenge to the people, Chapter 1:1-11
A. A charge of conflict of interest, vv. 1-4

v. 1 — For “the second year of Darius” see TIME.
“The sixth month” is September.
“Haggai” means my feast.
“Zerubbabel” means sown in Babylon.
“Shealtiel” means asking of God in prayer.
“Joshua” — see Zechariah 3:1-5.
“Word of the LORD” — Haggai is the spokesman for God, and he
speaks with authority (v. 3).
v. 2 — When the people first returned to the land after the Babylonian captivity, enthusiasm ran high. They met gigantic obstacles
which required Herculean effort and hardships. They became discouraged when they began to build the temple. The difficulties seemed
insurmountable. They rationalized that it was just not the time to build.

This was their pseudo-consolation. They decided to maintain the status
quo. The foundation of the temple was laid, but the opposition of the
Samaritans was so intense that they simply stopped the building.
v. 3 — Again Haggai makes it clear that he is giving God’s Word.
His is a “Thus saith the LORD” — thirteen times this phrase, or one that
is similar, occurs that makes it clear Haggai is speaking God’s words.
This is the authority that must be in an effective ministry today.
v. 4 — The difficulties did not prevent the people from building
their own houses. It was high time for them to build houses — so they
rationalized. Lovely homes and an unlovely, poor church building are
as bad as poverty hovels and an ornate, rich church building.
B. A call to consider their ways, vv. 5-7
v. 5 — “Consider your ways” is set your heart upon it.
v. 6 — God had judged them in material things. There had been
crop failure, famine, no money to buy clothes, and no savings account.
v. 7 — They were asked to seek for the logical and true explanation.
It was obvious that God was withholding blessing because of their lack
of obedience.
C. A command to construct the temple, vv. 8-11
v. 8 — The solution was very simple:
1. “Go up to the mountain” (cut down trees);
2. “Bring wood” (make lumber);
3. “Build the house” (temple).
The results would be great:
1. God would be pleased;
2. God would be glorified.
v. 9 — He reviews their condition and clearly states the reason for it
— they failed to build the temple.
vv. 10, 11 — Material blessings had been withheld.
II.

The response to the challenge, Chapter 1:12-15
A. Construction of the temple; people obeyed, v. 12

They “obeyed the voice of the LORD, their God.”
B. Confirmation from God, vv. 13-15
v. 13 — “I am with you, saith the LORD.”
v. 14 — Leaders enter enthusiastically into the work:
1. Zerubbabel (governor),
2. Joshua (high priest),
3. Remnant of people.
III.

The discouragement of the people; the encouragement of
the Lord, Chapter 2:1-9

v. 1 — October 21, 520 B.C. is the date of the third message.
v. 2 — This message is directed to the same leaders and people as in
1:14.
v. 3 — This is the second hurdle that Haggai had to clear. Many of
those who had returned from the Babylonian captivity remembered
(even though they had been very young when taken captive) the beauty
and richness of Solomon’s temple. In comparison, this temple looked
like a tenant farmer’s barn in Georgia.
But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the
fathers’ houses, who were old men, who had seen the first
house, when the foundation of this house was laid before
their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted
aloud for joy, so that the people could not discern the
noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of
the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and
the noise was heard afar off. (Ezra 3:12, 13)
This internal criticism was like a wet blanket on the celebration of the
construction of the new temple. It dulled the edge of the zeal to rebuild
the temple. It poured cold water on the enthusiasm generated by the
prodding of Haggai.
v. 4 — God’s challenge was twofold: (a) be strong; (b) “I am with
you, saith the LORD of hosts,” which was better than outward adornment. The Shekinah glory had departed from Solomon’s temple; the

presence of God far outshone the glory of Solomon’s temple.
v. 5 — God gives a further challenge, “Fear not.”
v. 6 — This looks forward to the final days — the millennial kingdom. They were to see the present temple with the perspective of the
ultimate purpose of God.
v. 7 — “Desire of all nations” is not Christ. The proper word is treasures of all nations. There will be the outward adornment of the future
temple, also the Shekinah glory will be present in the person of Christ.
v. 8 — “Silver…gold” makes it clear that he is speaking of material
treasures.
v. 9 — “The glory of this latter house” should read, The latter glory
of this house. God looks upon the series of temples as one house.
“Peace” is the final aim.
IV.

An appeal to the Law; the explanation of the principle,
Chapter 2:10-19

v. 10 — The date is December 24, 520 B.c.
v. 11 — “The” law should be a law. The Mosaic Law did not cover
all the details of the life in Israel. When a matter arose that was not
covered, they were to appeal to the priests (see Deuteronomy 17:8-11).
v. 12 — Is holiness communicated by contact? No. The holy cannot
make the unholy holy by contact. Holiness is non-communicable.
v. 13 — Is unholiness communicated by contact? Yes. Uncleanness
is communicated to the clean by contact. When holy and unholy come
in contact, both are unholy. In therapeutics, measles is communicated
by contact. In the physical realm, dirty water will discolor clean water
— not the opposite. In the moral realm, the evil heart of man cannot
perform good deeds. In the religious realm, a ceremony cannot cleanse
a sinner.
v. 14 — Haggai makes the application to Israel. Although they had
returned to the land, performed the ritual and rebuilt the temple, their
hearts were far from God.
vv. 15-17 — They wondered why God had not blessed them. He had

judged them because their hearts were not changed.
vv. 18, 19 — “Consider” — God would bless them now because
they had obeyed. He would bless because of His grace.
V.

A revelation of God’s program; an expectation for the
future, Chapter 2:20-23

v. 20 — The date is December 24, 520 B.C., the same date as the former message.
v. 21 — The message is directed to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah.
v. 22 — This is the far-off and final purpose of God. Gentile power
will come to an end, and all instruments of warfare will be destroyed.
v. 23 — “In that day” is the day of the LORD. God’s purpose will
prevail. Zerubbabel is of the posterity of David, according to the historian Josephus. This was a promise that God’s purpose in the line of
David would not be defeated.
Zerubbabel will be a “signet” — but the line of Jeconiah would be a
signet plucked from the hand of God (see Jeremiah 22:24-30; Matthew
1:11).
This last message reveals the persistent purpose of God in bringing
the Lord Jesus Christ to the throne of David.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
Barker, Harold P. Christ in the Minor Prophets. Neptune, New Jersey:
Loizeaux Brothers, n.d.
Coates, C. A. An Outline of Some of the Minor Prophets. Kingstonon-Thames, England: Stow Hill Bible and Tract Depot, n.d.
Feinberg, Charles L. The Minor Prophets. Chicago, Illinois: Moody
Press, 1976. (Excellent.)
Gaebelein, Arno C. Annotated Bible. 1917. Reprint. Neptune, New
Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1971. (Excellent.)
Gaebelein, Frank C. Four Minor Prophets. Chicago, Illinois: Moody
Press, 1970. (Haggai.)
Ironside, H. A. The Minor Prophets. Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux
Brothers, n.d.
Jensen, Irving L. Minor Prophets. 2 vols. Chicago, Illinois: Moody
Press, n.d. (Self-study guide.)
McGee, J. Vernon. Zephaniah and Haggai. Nashville, Tennessee:
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991.
Morgan, F. Crossley. Haggai, A Prophet of Correction and Comfort.
London, England: Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Ltd., 1935.
Wolff, Richard. Haggai. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan
Publishing Co., 1967.

These notes, prepared by J. Vernon McGee, are for the purpose of giving
assistance to the listeners of the THRU THE BIBLE RADIO program.
They are to be used with the Bible and will be more meaningful as you
look up all the Scripture references. Due to the necessary brevity of both
notes and broadcasts, a list of recommended books is included for those
wanting a more detailed study. These books may be obtained from a
Christian library or bookstore or ordered from the publishers.
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