Hag 2:11-13 | MHM | STEP | v. 11 : God told Haggai to ask the priests about the laws regarding what is clean and unclean. The priests were responsible for knowing and teaching God’s laws (Malachi 2:7 ). Even though Haggai was a prophet, he had to consult the priests for matters of the law, showing that everyone in God's service has their own special role. God gives different gifts to different people, and they need to work together. Haggai’s question would also help the priests and people see their own spiritual problems, just as the law was meant to teach both about sin and the way to be made right with God (Leviticus 10:10-11 ).

‏ Haggai 2:11-13

v. 11: God told Haggai to ask the priests about the laws regarding what is clean and unclean. The priests were responsible for knowing and teaching God’s laws (Malachi 2:7 ^a). Even though Haggai was a prophet, he had to consult the priests for matters of the law, showing that everyone in God's service has their own special role. God gives different gifts to different people, and they need to work together. Haggai’s question would also help the priests and people see their own spiritual problems, just as the law was meant to teach both about sin and the way to be made right with God (Leviticus 10:10-11 ^b).

v. 12: Haggai asked if carrying holy meat in the fold of a garment could make other food holy if it touched it. The priests answered no. Even if the garment touched something holy, it would not spread holiness to other things. According to the law, only what God made holy was truly holy, and holiness was not easily shared just by contact (Leviticus 6:27 ^c).

v. 13: Then Haggai asked if someone unclean by touching a dead body could make other things unclean by touching them. The priests answered yes. The law clearly said that uncleanness spreads easily (Numbers 19:22 ^d). It is much easier to become unclean than to become holy. This is important for us too: being around good people does not make us good, but being involved with bad things can quickly hurt us. We should be careful to avoid what is wrong.