Hag 1:4 | KingComments | STEP | After the general indication of evil in , which is given time to sink in, the word of the LORD by Haggai comes again to the people in . There is strength in this renewed indication, which makes the contrast with what the people say even sharper. The people say this, the LORD says that. It indicates how much we have to test our own words against the Word of God. The Word of God must go above all else. In answer to what the people say in , God asks a question ( ). That question is meant to touch their conscience and expose the search of their own interest. They think that it is time to build their own houses, while the work on the temple, the house of God, has been stopped and “this house” is still “desolate”. The desolated state in which the house of God is contrasts sharply with their houses. They have turned their own houses into kingly houses (cf. ; ). Isaiah pronounces the ‘woe’ over such an attitude ( ). David shows a very different attitude ( ). Living in such houses shows that they love prosperity and comfortable living conditions. We also see this attitude in carnal Christians. They show no zeal or commitment for God’s work and home, but are full of love for themselves and their own comforts. What occupies God’s heart does not count for them.

‏ Haggai 1:4

Is It Time?

After the general indication of evil in Hag 1:2, which is given time to sink in, the word of the LORD by Haggai comes again to the people in Hag 1:3. There is strength in this renewed indication, which makes the contrast with what the people say even sharper. The people say this, the LORD says that. It indicates how much we have to test our own words against the Word of God. The Word of God must go above all else.

In answer to what the people say in Hag 1:2, God asks a question (Hag 1:4). That question is meant to touch their conscience and expose the search of their own interest. They think that it is time to build their own houses, while the work on the temple, the house of God, has been stopped and “this house” is still “desolate”. The desolated state in which the house of God is contrasts sharply with their houses. They have turned their own houses into kingly houses (cf. Jer 22:14; 1Kgs 6:9). Isaiah pronounces the ‘woe’ over such an attitude (Isa 5:8). David shows a very different attitude (2Sam 7:1-2).

Living in such houses shows that they love prosperity and comfortable living conditions. We also see this attitude in carnal Christians. They show no zeal or commitment for God’s work and home, but are full of love for themselves and their own comforts. What occupies God’s heart does not count for them.