Haggai 1:2
Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
that the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
4 of 15
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
הָעָ֤ם
This people
H5971
הָעָ֤ם
This people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עֶת
The time
H6256
עֶת
The time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
10 of 15
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
עֶת
The time
H6256
עֶת
The time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
12 of 15
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
בֵּ֥ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
13 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
Written circa 520 BC during Darius I's reign, Haggai addressed Jews who returned from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel and Joshua. Temple rebuilding began in 536 BC but halted due to Samaritan opposition (Ezra 4:24). For 16 years the foundation lay unfinished while people built their own homes. Economic hardship (drought, crop failure) and fear of Persian authority contributed to their hesitancy. Haggai's prophecy, delivered in four messages over four months, galvanized the community to resume work, which they completed in 516 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of obedience am I postponing with rationalizations like 'the time is not right'?
- How do I prioritize my comfort over God's purposes, and what would genuine reprioritization require?
Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew phrase 'eth ha-am ha-zeh' ('this people,' not 'My people') signals divine displeasure with Israel's spiritual apathy. Their claim 'the time has not come' (lo eth bo) reveals rationalization—prioritizing personal comfort over God's house. This mirrors the human tendency to delay obedience when immediate sacrifice is required. Theologically, this demonstrates how unbelief manifests not through direct denial but through procrastination and misplaced priorities. The Israelites returned from exile 16 years earlier but ceased temple rebuilding due to opposition and self-interest, showing how easily spiritual fervor wanes when challenged.