Give Careful Thought

As we continue our journey through the Minor Prophets, we need to recognize that there is a gap of historical significance between Zephaniah and Haggai. That gap is the period known as the Exile or the Babylonian Captivity. Judah fell under Babylonian domination and then the City of Jerusalem was destroyed and the Temple burned in 586 BC. Babylon in turn fell to the Persians and Cyrus permitted the Jews to return to the Land. Those who did immediately rebuilt the altar and reset the foundations, but then the work came to a standstill. Facing opposition from without and lethargy within, no work was done on the Temple for about 15 years. Then God sent his prophet Haggai and, two months later, Zechariah to stir up the hearts of the leaders and the people. Who is setting your agenda? Are you seeking God's will, or your own personal peace and affluence?