I struck you--all the work of your hands--with blight, mildew, and hail, but you did not turn to Me, declares the LORD. I struck you—all the work of your hands—with blight, mildew, and hailThis phrase reflects God's direct intervention in the lives of the Israelites as a form of discipline. The use of "blight, mildew, and hail" is reminiscent of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:22, where God warns Israel of the consequences of disobedience. These agricultural calamities would have been devastating in an agrarian society, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment. The mention of "all the work of your hands" highlights the comprehensive nature of the affliction, affecting every aspect of their labor and livelihood. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to use it to fulfill His purposes. but you did not turn to Me declares the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. HaggaiA prophet who delivered God's messages to the people of Judah after their return from Babylonian exile. His primary focus was on encouraging the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Haggai to communicate His displeasure with the people's priorities and their lack of response to His discipline. 3. The People of Judah The audience of Haggai's prophecy, who had returned from exile and were struggling with economic hardship and spiritual apathy. 4. Jerusalem The city where the Temple was located, which was central to the religious life of the Jewish people. 5. Blight, Mildew, and Hail These are the forms of divine discipline mentioned in the verse, used by God to get the attention of His people and call them to repentance. Teaching Points Divine Discipline as a Call to RepentanceGod uses hardships to draw His people back to Him. When facing difficulties, we should examine our lives and seek God's guidance and forgiveness. The Importance of Prioritizing God The people of Judah were focused on their own homes rather than God's house. We must ensure that our priorities align with God's will, putting Him first in all aspects of our lives. Recognizing God's Sovereignty The events described in Haggai 2:17 remind us that God is in control of all circumstances. Trusting in His sovereignty helps us to respond appropriately to life's challenges. The Consequences of Disobedience Ignoring God's commands leads to negative consequences. We should strive to live in obedience to God's Word to experience His blessings. The Need for a Heart Response External actions are not enough; God desires a heart that is turned towards Him. True repentance involves a change of heart and behavior. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the context of Haggai 2:17 help us understand the nature of God's discipline in our lives today?2. In what ways can we ensure that our priorities align with God's will, similar to the call for the people of Judah to rebuild the Temple? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How might recognizing God's sovereignty have changed your response? 4. How can we cultivate a heart of repentance and ensure that our actions reflect a genuine turning back to God? 5. What lessons can we learn from the consequences of disobedience as outlined in Haggai 2:17 and related scriptures, and how can we apply these lessons to our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including agricultural curses like blight and mildew, which are similar to those mentioned in Haggai 2:17. Amos 4 Amos speaks of similar judgments (blight, mildew, and locusts) as a call to repentance, showing a pattern of God using natural disasters to draw His people back to Him. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 God promises to heal the land if His people humble themselves, pray, and turn from their wicked ways, highlighting the importance of repentance in response to divine discipline.
People Darius, Haggai, Jehozadak, Josedech, Joshua, Shealtiel, ZerubbabelPlaces Egypt, JerusalemTopics Affirmation, Blasting, Blight, Burning, Declares, Didn't, Hail, Hands, Ice-drops, Labors, Labours, Mildew, None, Products, Rain, Return, Says, Smitten, Smote, Struck, Toil, Turn, Wasting, Wind, Works, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Haggai 2:17 4802 blight 5224 barn Library Brave Encouragements'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church The Desire of all Nations The Overturning which is visible on Every Hand. The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit. His Throat is Most Sweet, Yea, He is Altogether Lovely. This is My Beloved, and this is My Friend, O Daughters of Jerusalem. "Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from Before Mine Eyes; Cease to do Evil," The Christian Business World Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober Reason, The Cities of the Levites. "All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. " The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive. "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free from the Law of Sin and Death. " The Fourth Commandment Mount Zion. Questions. Haggai Links Haggai 2:17 NIVHaggai 2:17 NLT Haggai 2:17 ESV Haggai 2:17 NASB Haggai 2:17 KJV Haggai 2:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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