Haggai served as a prophet to the returning exiles of Judah from about 520 B.C. following the return from Babylonian exile. Haggai was a contemporary of the prophet Zechariah.
Climate of the times: The people of Judah had been exiled to Babylon around 586 B.C. and Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed. Under Cyrus, king of Persia, the Judeans were allowed to return to Judah and rebuild the temple.
Main Message: The people returned to begin rebuilding the Temple, but they hadn’t finished. Haggai’s message encouraged the people to get back to work and finish rebuilding God’s Temple.
Importance of the Message: The Temple lay in ruins while the people lived in beautiful homes. Haggai warned them against putting their personal comfort ahead of God’s will. We must put God first, always.