These few verses set the aim of the book. It was given in
October-November 520 BC, the eighth month of the second year of Darius’ reign.
Haggai also began his ministry in the same year, though a couple of months
earlier. Darius was Darius the Mede. As mentioned in the introduction, Iddo was
a priest. Many Israelites had returned to their home country. Rebuilding had
started and stopped, specifically rebuilding of the temple.
Verse 2 reminds them of why the nation had suffered so much.
It was because of the sins of their ancestors. Note that God was angry with
them. We talk a lot about “hating the sin not the sinner”, but this is actually
a rather unbiblical notion. The Bible frequently portrays God as angry with
sinners. Now God does love sinners, but this is not inconsistent with His being
angry with sinners.
So the Israelites are to learn from the past. They are to
return to the Lord, then He will return to them. The Lord had sent many
prophets to Israel and they had issued a clear warning, but the nation had not
heeded the warning.
Moreover, the people had ignored the prophets’ warnings,
thinking the disaster would never happen, yet God’s words were fulfilled.
Again, they are called to learn. Note also that faith is based on evidence, or
is supported by evidence. Faith is based on who God is, but the evidence
supports it. Faith is not blind.
Then the people repented. Salvation comes when we admit our
true state. Repentance is a vital part of salvation.
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