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"Why does Haggai date his prophecies so precisely—with references to the reign of Darius and specific days? And in Haggai 2, God says the future glory of the temple will be greater than the former. How would Zerubbabel's audience have understood that promise? In today's episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark Member Karis Smith to talk all things Haggai. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?"
Join Fr. Danielle Kim, M.M. in today's Gospel reflection on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 9/8/25. Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 After the Babylonian exile,Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.Abiud became the father of Eliakim,Eliakim the father of Azor,Azor the father of Zadok.Zadok became the father of Achim,Achim the father of Eliud,Eliud the father of Eleazar.Eleazar became the father of Matthan,Matthan the father of Jacob,Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.Listen to past Gospel Reflections or check out more podcasts from the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers ➡️ https://ow.ly/CIRj50Ta1kw #CatholicFaith #Gospel
+ Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 1: 1 – 16. 18 – 23The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us."The Gospel of the Lord
The stories about the challenges of the returnees from Egypt are about the real challenges of the returnees from Babylonia. Our Numbers chapters for today are 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 20. Join our tribe on Patreon! Check out these cool pages on the podcast's website:Home PageWho wrote the Bible: Timeline and authorsAncient maps: easy to follow maps to see which empire ruled what and whenClick here to see Exodus divided into "sources" according to the Documentary Hypothesis The podcast is written, edited and produced by Gil Kidron
Mt 1:1-16, 18-23The Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham became the father of Isaac,Isaac the father of Jacob,Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,whose mother was Tamar.Perez became the father of Hezron,Hezron the father of Ram,Ram the father of Amminadab.Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,Nahshon the father of Salmon,Salmon the father of Boaz,whose mother was Rahab.Boaz became the father of Obed,whose mother was Ruth.Obed became the father of Jesse,Jesse the father of David the king.David became the father of Solomon,whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.Solomon became the father of Rehoboam,Rehoboam the father of Abijah,Abijah the father of Asaph.Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,Joram the father of Uzziah.Uzziah became the father of Jotham,Jotham the father of Ahaz,Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh,Manasseh the father of Amos,Amos the father of Josiah.Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothersat the time of the Babylonian exile.After the Babylonian exile,Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.Abiud became the father of Eliakim,Eliakim the father of Azor,Azor the father of Zadok.Zadok became the father of Achim,Achim the father of Eliud,Eliud the father of Eleazar.Eleazar became the father of Matthan,Matthan the father of Jacob,Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,but before they lived together,she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,yet unwilling to expose her to shame,decided to divorce her quietly.Such was his intention when, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,"Joseph, son of David,do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.For it is through the Holy Spiritthat this child has been conceived in her.She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,because he will save his people from their sins."All this took place to fulfillwhat the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means "God is with us."
God is unveiling prophetic blueprints for this season, and they carry keys to the awakening and reformation ahead. Through the stories of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, we uncover hidden patterns that point to the church's true mandate—not just to spark revival, but to reform culture and rebuild the gates of influence. The shaking of nations isn't the end—it's the setup for the house God desires to build, a house strong enough to shape America's future and beyond. Today's Sponsor mypillow.com/lance use promo code Lance at checkout to get your discount!
Ginnie Hislop received a standing ovation as she was handed her master’s degree diploma in 2024. Why? It came eighty-four years after she’d completed her coursework! In 1941, she needed only to submit her thesis. But her then boyfriend, George, was suddenly called to serve during World War II. The two quickly married and headed to his army outpost—leaving Ginnie’s nearly realized degree behind. But after a lengthy pause, she was finally able to complete what she’d started. Ezra was a student of Scripture—one who truly had an “advanced degree” in God’s law—who’d been waiting years to return to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. “Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees” (Ezra 7:10). Zerubbabel and a group of Israelite exiles had been permitted to return from Babylon to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem decades earlier (2:1-2). And now Ezra, who had “the gracious hand of his God . . . on him” (7:9), was leading more exiles to Jerusalem. God would use him to reform and restore the proper worship of Him according to Scripture: “Ezra opened the book [of the Law]. All the people . . . bowed down and worshiped the Lord” (Nehemiah 8:5-6). Ezra had to wait decades, but he completed his calling in God’s strength. In His power, let’s persist in finishing the work He has for us.
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Haggai 2New King James VersionThe Coming Glory of God's House2 In the seventh month, on the twenty-first of the month, the word of the Lord came [a]by Haggai the prophet, saying: 2 “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying: 3 ‘Who is left among you who saw this [b]temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? 4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the Lord; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,' says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,' says the Lord of hosts. 5 ‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!'6 “For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the [c]Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this [d]temple with glory,' says the Lord of hosts. 8 ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the Lord of hosts. 9 ‘The glory of this latter [e]temple shall be greater than the former,' says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,' says the Lord of hosts.”The People Are Defiled10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 11 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Now, ask the priests concerning the law, saying, 12 “If one carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with the edge he touches bread or stew, wine or oil, or any food, will it become holy?” ' ”Then the priests answered and said, “No.”13 And Haggai said, “If one who is unclean because of a dead body touches any of these, will it be unclean?”So the priests answered and said, “It shall be unclean.”14 Then Haggai answered and said, “ ‘So is this people, and so is this nation before Me,' says the Lord, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.Promised Blessing15 ‘And now, carefully consider from this day forward: from before stone was laid upon stone in the temple of the Lord— 16 since those days, when one came to a heap of twenty ephahs, there were but ten; when one came to the wine vat to draw out fifty baths from the press, there were but twenty. 17 I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the labors of your hands; yet you did not turn to Me,' says the Lord. 18 ‘Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid—consider it: 19 Is the seed still in the barn? As yet the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yielded fruit. But from this day I will bless you.' ”Zerubbabel Chosen as a Signet20 And again the word of the Lord came to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying:‘I will shake heaven and earth.22 I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms;I will destroy the strength of the Gentile kingdoms.I will overthrow the chariotsAnd those who ride in them;The horses and their riders shall come down,Every one by the sword of his brother.23 ‘In that day,' says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says the Lord, ‘and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,' says the Lord of hosts.”
Haggai 1New King James VersionThe Command to Build God's House1 In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, 2 “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord's house should be built.” ' ”3 Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this [a]temple to lie in ruins?” 5 Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!6 “You have sown much, and bring in little;You eat, but do not have enough;You drink, but you are not filled with drink;You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;And he who earns wages,Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! 8 Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the [b]temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord. 9 “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house. 10 Therefore the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. 11 For I called for a drought on the land and the mountains, on the grain and the new wine and the oil, on whatever the ground brings forth, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, spoke the Lord's message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord.” 14 So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius.
Most believers don't realize this, but God is actively shaking the nations—and He's using the marketplace, not just the pulpit, to do it. There's a prophetic mantle coming on end-time believers who are called like Zerubbabel, carrying a kingly anointing to rebuild, reform, and rule in the midst of chaos. If you've ever wondered how to walk in that authority and discern the divine separation happening around the globe, this word will wake you up and send you into your assignment with fire.
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In this Bible Story, God’s people are freed from the empire of Babylon and Persia to return home. The exiles journey back to the home of their forefathers. There they rebuilt the temple, and attempted to rebuild their broken hearts. This story is inspired by Ezra 1-6 & Haggai 1-2. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Ezra 3:7 from the King James Version.Episode 168: Cyrus King of Persia, had conquered all that was once Babylon. Because of this, he had learned from King Darius the stories of Daniel’s God and his heart grew toward the exiles from Judah. So, in fulfillment of God’s Word through Jeremiah, he issued a decree that the exiles could return to Judah if they would like. It took over two years to wipe the dust and rubble from the ruined city. However, while Zerubbabel, one of the exiles returning from Babylon, was rebuilding the temple, he sent away his fellow Israelites. Creating enemies instead of unity. All of this showed that it was not just the city that needed to be rebuilt, but the hearts of the people as well.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zechariah This week we've reached the book of Zechariah. After spending a couple of weeks in the very short books of Obadiah and Haggai, I found Zechariah to be quite a contrast. It's a much longer book with 14 chapters, and the style of prophetic writing is quite different too. There is so much that we could choose to look at in this complex, beautiful book, but it would be beyond the scope of this podcast to look in detail at all the prophesies that Zechariah received. Instead I'll start with a brief historical background and an overview of some of the main themes of the book, and then I'll focus on some of the prophecies that were fulfilled most clearly in the life of Jesus. We'll end with some thoughts to take away for our own lives. Zechariah came from a priestly family. We are given the names of his father and grandfather, Berechiah and Iddo. His grandfather's name appears in Nehemiah 12:4 where he is listed as one of the Levites who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in about 538 BC, according to the edict of King Cyrus of Persia. Zechariah's prophecy starts 2 months after Haggai's. The book is made up of a collection of nine visions followed by other prophetic oracles. These take the form of individual units, which don't follow a clear narrative pattern. The style of the prophecy is futuristic, and sometimes quite obscure to the modern reader. Many of the prophecies bear similarities to those found in the book of Revelation, at the end of the New Testament, and they need to be approached in a similar way, with careful appreciation of the symbolism involved. As we learned last week, some of the exiled people of Judah had returned to Jerusalem after King Cyrus permitted them to do so. They had started to rebuild the temple and the walls but they had become discouraged by opposition. They were also facing difficulties in their everyday lives, including high taxes under the Persian rule. Worship of God and obedience to his law were quite low down on their list of priorities. The book of Zechariah opens with a call from God to the people to repent and return to him: Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 1:3) ~ The people do repent and turn back to God, so God keeps his promise. There then follows a series of visions that Zechariah receives during the night. The visions contain God's promises of restoration for his people, forgiveness, removal of sin and idolatry from the land, and the blessing and expansion of Jerusalem. God calls his people back to sincere and genuine faith. He wants them to be just, merciful, mindful of the vulnerable and honest in their dealings with each other (Zech 7:8-10). The book of Zechariah does contain some messages of judgement for the enemies of God's people, and for those who do not respond to God's call to return to him, but the majority of the book is made up of promises of hope and restoration. God promises to turn the former times of fasting into times of feasting for his people (Zech 7:18-19). In the second half of the book, we find prophecy relating to the coming King of Zion. He is portrayed as a divine warrior (Zech 9:1-8) and also called The Branch. In chapter 11, God promises to replace the evil shepherds of his people, the corrupt leaders, with a good shepherd. These are all prophecies about the coming Messiah. ~ There are up to 54 passages in Zechariah that are alluded to in 67 places in the New Testament, mostly in the book of Revelation. In addition, there are a few specific prophecies in Zechariah, which find their fulfilment very clearly in the life of Jesus. The gospel writers quote these verses from Zechariah in their accounts. We'll look at these verses now. ~ Firstly, Zechariah 9:9: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) ~ Matthew and John both refer to this verse in their gospel accounts of Jesus entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Matt 21:5, John 12:15). They understood that Jesus was deliberately fulfilling prophecy, making a clear statement about his identity as the promised Messiah. ~ In Zechariah 11:13 we read a slightly odd statement about the good shepherd being valued at 30 pieces of silver, and these pieces subsequently being thrown back into the house of the Lord, to the potter. In Matthew 27:9 we see that Matthew draws on the words of Zechariah and Jeremiah and applies these to the actions and fate of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. When Judas saw what was going to happen to Jesus, he tried to give the blood money back to the priests, who refused to take it back. Overcome with remorse and guilt, he threw the 30 pieces of silver back into the temple and went and hanged himself. The priests and elders bought a field known as the Potters Field with the money and it was used as a burial place for foreigners. ~ In Zechariah 12:10 we read: “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10) ~ John takes this verse and applies it to Jesus' crucifixion. In John 19:31-37 we read about the soldier who pierced Jesus' side to verify that he was dead after his crucifixion. John then quotes Zechariah, “they will look on him whom they have pierced” and sees the action of the solider as a fulfilment of this prophecy. There are other Old Testament passages which speak prophetically about the manner of the Messiah's death, notably sections in Isaiah 53 and in Psalm 22. The details are quite striking, particularly bearing in mind that crucifixion did not come into use as a means of execution until several hundred years after Psalm 22 was written. ~ Finally we see Zechariah 13:7 quoted by Matthew (26:31) and Mark (14:27) in their descriptions of Jesus's disciples deserting him and fleeing from the garden of Gethsemane. ~ “Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered”. (Zechariah 13:7) ~ The verse in Zechariah is describing the good shepherd and how he will be struck down. Matthew and Mark both see the scattering of the disciples in the scattering of the sheep. ~ The book of Zechariah ends on a note of victory and triumph with God reigning over the whole earth and Jerusalem finally dwelling in peace. There are two short verses from the early parts of the book that I want to consider. The first is Zechariah 4:10. In this section, God is encouraging Zechariah that he will empower Zerubbabel and his fellow workers to complete the rebuilding of the temple. God says: For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. (Zechariah 4:10a ESV) ~ Sometimes it can feel as if we live in a day of small things. The ordinary routines and rhythms of our everyday lives can seem quite insignificant. There is a temptation to always be looking ahead to what the next big thing will be or feeling despondent about an apparent lack of excitement or significance in what we do. Sometimes we have our mountain top experiences and spiritual highs in special events or significant achievements, but the reality is that life is lived in the in-between times. In the days of small things. ~ God knows all the days of our lives and each day and moment can be used for his glory. But not if we're despising the time. Our awesome Creator and Sustainer is the source of our every breath and his gift of life to us is not to be taken lightly. In the times that are difficult, painful or seemingly futile, we can cling on to Jesus' promise to us that our Father God cares about us more than we can imagine. He even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matt 10:30). ~ The second verse is Zechariah 3:6. God gives Zechariah a message to encourage Zerubbabel. He wants him to know that the rebuilding of the temple will be accomplished and he says: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zech 3:6) ~ There are times when we will face seemingly insurmountable obstacles or daunting mountains of opposition. The Holy Spirit can empower us in ways we could not imagine and those mountains can become plains in front of us. We need to be prepared for God to work in ways we do not expect but if we have faith in his promises to us, the unlimited power of the Holy Spirit is available to help us and that is far better than any human power or might. ~ I'll close with Paul's words to the Ephesians: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21) ~ Right Mouse click or tap to save this as an audio mp3 file
Haggai Hello, welcome back to our minor prophets series. This week we are looking at the book of Haggai. This is another short book, consisting of just 2 chapters. As with several of the other minor prophets, we don't know much about Haggai himself. We can be quite sure about the dating of the book though, because Haggai included precise dates for the oracles he received from God. These details place the book in the year 520 BC, and between the months of August and December. Haggai was a contemporary of the prophet Zechariah. In 539 BC Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered and overthrew Babylon. One of the first things Cyrus did was make an edict that allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the temple. This action was predicted by the prophet Isaiah and recounted in the first two chapters of the book of Ezra About 50 000 Jews, including Ezra, returned to Jerusalem in 536 BC and they began to rebuild the city. Ezra encountered significant opposition to his work and the building work stalled. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem 13 years later to spearhead another major push to rebuild the walls. His building team managed to complete the building of the walls but they also faced hostile opposition and the population of Jerusalem was still relatively small and vulnerable. The people had a dramatic experience of repentance and revival under Nehemiah's leadership but after he'd left them to go back to his job in Babylon the people quickly slipped into sinful ways. By the time we reach the prophecy of Haggai, 16 years have passed since the origin return of the first exiles to Jerusalem. King Darius is ruling the kingdom of Persia, which now includes the territory of Judah. The people of Jerusalem have settled back into their city and they have built houses for themselves. But there is a problem. They have left the temple in a state of decay and ruin. God sends his word via Haggai to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the high priest: “Thus says the LORD of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.” (Haggai 1:2) The people have busied themselves in the building of their own houses but they have procrastinated about rebuilding God's house, the symbol of God's presence amongst them. God explains to the people that because of their indifference and neglect of his house, he has frustrated their efforts to be fruitful and productive in their farming and manufacturing. They have been working hard to produce clothes and food but yet they cannot seem to get warm or satisfied. God cannot stand by and allow his house to be neglected in this way whilst the people simply pursue their own interests. Once the people hear this and realise the source of their failure, they obey God and commence the work on the temple. They have physical work to do and also emotional work to do, turning their hearts back towards God. The people respond with respect and fear of God and God reassures them: Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, spoke to the people with the LORD's message, “I am with you, declares the LORD.” (Haggai 1:13) Some of the people of Jerusalem would have been old enough to recall Solomon's temple in the days before the fall of Jerusalem and the exile to Babylon. Once the building work got underway it became obvious to them that the rebuilt temple would be nothing like the old temple; it would be much plainer and far less glorious. So God sends word to Haggai again to encourage the people. ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. (Haggai 2:3-5) God speaks with great comfort and love to his people and assures them that he is not going to leave them and they have no need to be afraid. God promises that he will fill the temple with the treasures of the nations and, more than that, he will fill it with his very presence, making it more glorious than the first temple. God's next word is to the priests, three months after the rebuilding began. He reminds them that something that is ceremonially clean cannot make an unclean thing holy by touching it, but something unclean is capable of defiling something holy. In the same way, the ruin of the temple has rendered all of the offerings of the people unholy and inadequate. Although God has punished his people by limiting the fruitfulness of their produce, he promises to bless them again, once the temple is rebuilt. The final part of the book is addressed to Zerubbabel the governor. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” (Haggai 2:23) Zerubbabel was a descendent of king David. In this section God is confirming his promise to bless his people, and eventually the whole world, through the house of David. A signet ring was a used to make a mark in wax or other soft material as an official seal and sign of royal approval and authority. God sets Zerubbabel over his people as his chosen instrument. And, lo and behold, if we look ahead into Matt 1:12-13, we find Zerubbabel's name in the genealogy of Jesus. So what can the prophet Haggai teach us today? Firstly, although the focus of the prophecy is on the rebuilding of the temple, the message is not primarily about a building, it's about a relationship. God was concerned with the neglect of the temple because it was a sign of the people's neglect of their relationship with God. God is not pursuing and saving and loving bricks – he's interested in people. Sometimes we are called to embark on literal building projects for the sake of God's kingdom. There is often hard physical work to be done and practical things to be arranged, but the point of it is to bring people into a relationship with God. It's all for his glory and his name. Sometimes our labours are less about bricks and mortar and more about learning and teaching or writing and blogging. Sometimes they are about planning or hosting events or arranging meetings and conferences. These things can be very important in building up the body of Christ, but they are not to exist simply for their own benefit. It is not primarily about the well-written lesson or sermon or book or blog. Neither is it just about the successful event, the well-attended talk or the popular conference. It's about a relationship with the creator of the universe. No matter how hard we slave away under the guise of working for God, if we've neglected our relationship with him, the works will be useless. God wants our hearts and our minds first of all. He wants our love. We cannot prove our love in our works, we need to experience it as a reality in our relationship with God, and from this our works will follow. Paul says it like this in 1 Corinthians 13: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.(1 Corinthians 13:1-3) Secondly, God wants our work for him to take a place of highest priority in our lives. When Jesus teaches his disciples about worry, he tells them to stop being so concerned with what they are going to eat or drink or wear. He then says: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) Jesus says that God knows what we require and he understands our physical needs, but if we will only make his kingdom work our first priority, he will see to our other needs as well. Haggai reminds us that all things come from God in the first place, so it really is quite foolish to hang onto our stuff so tightly, when it all came from God's generous hand in the first place. Finally, Haggai reminds us that a more glorious temple is coming, and in fact has already come. Haggai spoke God's prophecy about a temple that would be filled with God's glory, more glorious than the first temple. When Jesus died on the cross the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The way to God was opened and there was no longer a need for God's people to meet him within the confines of the physical temple, through the mediation of a priest. The old temple became obsolete and the new temple is now made up of living stones, the individual believers in Christ. Peter describes it like this: You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5) In the book of Haggai, God promises to the people of Judah that he is in their midst. In the book of Revelation we see the ultimate realisation of this promise. In chapter 21 of Revelation the apostle John writes about his vision: I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honour of the nations will be brought into it. (Rev 21:22-26) Next week we're going to be looking at some selected highlights from the longer book of Zechariah. It's one of the Old Testament prophetic books that is quoted numerous times in the New Testament and there is some incredible prophecy that we see fulfilled in the life of Jesus. Join me again next week to find out more! Right Mouse click or tap here to save this as an audio mp3 file
This week Kier shares on Zerubbabel and his relationship to the prophetic. Listen to discover some great truths of how we too can be led by God's voice.
Steven Hohenstreet Preaches out of Haggai 2, and the word of the Lord coming straight to Zerubbabel. And the theme of this short book of the Bible is getting back to work on God's house, and don't worry about the future, but simply serve God with what you know to do, and trust Him for the rest.
Nehemiah wasn't the only one rebuilding Jerusalem after the exile. Alongside him stood Zerubbabel, who rebuilt the temple, and Ezra, who restored the law. Together, they accomplished incredible things—but even their best efforts fell short of the vision the prophets spoke of. In this short video, we look back at all three leaders and ask: What were they really building? And how does their work point us to Jesus—the greater restorer, the true temple, and the one who welcomes all people into the presence of God? As we close this series, we're reminded:
Transforming Perspectives |Do you believe God's power correlates to some sort of magnitude of force? Certainly however more so, Scriptures exposit the power of God being evident of the character of believers having been tempered as steel, becoming as pure gold.Many being unlearned pray for more of God's power, believing it as proof of Faith. Apostle Paul, exhorts in the letters written to the Corinthians of the transformative evidence of the power of God being relatable to spiritual maturing of believers becoming strengthened by the Spirit of God to withstand suffering, trials and tribulations. Elijah, the Prophet performed a powerful manifestation over pagan gods, then became fearful for his life and cried out to God who spoke of the efficacy of power as of a still quiet voice. God's wisdom pertaining to power is knowing when and how to respond in every circumstance, learning the power of listening, slow to speak, not easily offended, not easily angered, and being quick to forgive our offenders. Notably, as Jesus withstanding false accusers without speaking a word.Also, as one of the prophets spoke of the visible workings of the power of God, “It is not by power, nor might but by my spirit, says the Lord.” Therefore, everyone can become more than conquerers in every aspect of life through Jesus Christ.Zechariah 4:6 - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.Read, Pray and Study - Ist Corinthians Chapter 3. James Chapters 1 &2.Republished and edited Episode of Season 2._______________Thank you for subscribing and listening to our Podcast's Episodes! PODCAST WEBPAGE | - You, Life and God Podcast powered by Buzzsprout.com Episodes | Conversations of Transforming Perspectives pertaining to Biblical Truths are available also on Podcast, Music and Radio Platforms. YouTube | - You, Life and God Podcast Episode Previews You, Life and God Podcast MEDIA Announcements and Episode Previews. Live365 Radio | - You, Life and God Podcast Radio | Let's Have a Talk…, Poignant and Candid Talk, Inspirational Music, Family Prayers, Podcast Episode Replays. Available 24 hours everyday on Music and Radio Platforms. Listen In your Home, at the Office and in your the Car. Radio Live Talk | Let's Have a Talk.., Live, Saturday Mornings, 9amPST, Talk - Replays Airing Daily. RESOURCES | TheBible org., 2025 all rights reserved worldwide. Connect with us on FaceBook and LinkedIn _________________
Zerubbabel, one born in Babylon, was an unlikely person to return to Jerusalem to rebuild; yet he did. He was chosen by God not only to rebuild but also to preserve the bloodline to Christ. No matter what circumstance you are born into, if God calls you, you are part of His plan. VF-1998 Haggai 2:20-23 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved
Haggai 2:1-23 In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet: 2 “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant of the people, and say, 3 ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? 4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, 5 according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. 6 For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.'” 10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, 11 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Ask the priests about the law: 12 ‘If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment and touches with his fold bread or stew or wine or oil or any kind of food, does it become holy?'” The priests answered and said, “No.” 13 Then Haggai said, “If someone who is unclean by contact with a dead body touches any of these, does it become unclean?” The priests answered and said, “It does become unclean.” 14Then Haggai answered and said, “So is it with this people, and with this nation before me, declares the Lord, and so with every work of their hands. And what they offer there is unclean. 15 Now then, consider from this day onward. Before stone was placed upon stone in the temple of the Lord, 16 how did you fare? When one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were but twenty. 17 I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the Lord. 18Consider from this day onward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month. Since the day that the foun- dation of the Lord's temple was laid, consider: 19 Is the seed yet in the barn? Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.” 13 20 The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, 22 and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. 23 On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”
Message from Matt Sweetman on July 20, 2025
In this episode, we see that God's Spirit is empowering Zerubbabel to build the temple, and we are called to begin at the things God has called us to do and to not despise small beginnings!
2025 July 13 | This week, Stephen Wood from Liberti Riverwards continues our Exiles sermon series in Haggai 1:1-11. A Call to Build the House of the Lord 1 In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jozadak,[a] the high priest: 2 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord's house.'” 3 Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” 5 Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” 7 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. 9 “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. 10 Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. 11 I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”
Haggai 1:1-15 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest: 2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” 3 Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? 5 Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 6 You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. 7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 8 Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. 9 You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. 10 Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. 11 And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.” 12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people with the Lord's message, “I am with you, declares the Lord.” 14 And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.
Introduction: The Book of Haggai is a book about God, about worship, about holiness. These themes take us back to the days of altars of Noah; of Abram (Abraham); of Isaac; of Jacob; and the Tabernacle of Moses (Play Video of Tabernacle). Haggai is the 37th book in the Old Testament . Haggai is a Post-Exilic book meaning the timeframe happens after the Babylonian Captivity. God directed the Assyrians, Babylonians, & the Persians to accomplish His will!I. Let's set a timeline:1. Solomon's Temple built around 957 BC (United Monarchy)2. The Northern Kingdom (Israel) is defeated by Assyria in 722 BC3. The Southern Kingdom (Judah) is defeated by Babylon and the Temple was destroyed around 587-586 BC. The Book of Lamentations was written by Jeremiah based on what God did and what he saw (Lamentations 3:22-23)4. Zerubbabel's Temple (Book of Haggai) started in 536 BC and stopped with the foundation. 5. Restart on Zerubbabel's Temple started back in 520 BC. Finished in four months. Some were alive to see Solomon's Temple.READ HAGGAI 1 & 2 II. Some critical statement made in these 2 chapters:1. “Consider your ways” – 1:5 & 72. “That I may take pleasure” – 1:83. “Obeyed the voice of the Lord” – 1:124. “I am with you” – 1:13 & 2:45. “Be strong” – 2:4 (3 times)6. “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former” – 2:97. “Make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you” – 2:23 III. The Book of Haggai is connected to the Book of Ezra1. Read II Chronicles 36:22-23 2. Read Ezra 3:8-133. Read Ezra 4:1-5 (“adversaries” lied; “discouraged”; “made them afraid”; “bribed”). Fear of man paralyzes us. Fear of God frees us.4. Cyrus & Darius blessed the returning remnant (and paid for the rebuilding project!)5. Read Ezra 5:1-2 (Back on track) IV. Haggai 1 – WHAT TIME IS IT?1. Haggai 1:3 - 2. Haggai 1:8 – 3. Haggai 1:12 4. Haggai 1:13 – 5. Haggai 1:14 –CHAPTER 2 NEXT WEEK
Haggai promised Zerubbabel that God would endorse his leadership against all future enemies. The Lord declared He would shake the heavens and overthrow opposing kingdoms and install Zerubbabel like a signet ring. The unredeemed world will always resist God. As God shook the heavens in defense of Zerubbabel, He will do once more in a day yet to come. When Jesus comes as Judge of the world, every mountain and island will be moved out of their place. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. All will do this unto Him as their Savior or as their Judge. Which will it be for you?HAGGAI 2:20-23PSALM 2:1-3PSALM 2:4-6HAGGAI 2:21HAGGAI 2:6HEBREWS 12:25-29REVELATION 6:12-17HAGGAI 2:23PSALM 2:10-12
Haggai promised Zerubbabel that God would endorse his leadership against all future enemies. The Lord declared He would shake the heavens and overthrow opposing kingdoms and install Zerubbabel like a signet ring. The unredeemed world will always resist God. As God shook the heavens in defense of Zerubbabel, He will do once more in a day yet to come. When Jesus comes as Judge of the world, every mountain and island will be moved out of their place. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. All will do this unto Him as their Savior or as their Judge. Which will it be for you?HAGGAI 2:20-23PSALM 2:1-3PSALM 2:4-6HAGGAI 2:21HAGGAI 2:6HEBREWS 12:25-29REVELATION 6:12-17HAGGAI 2:23PSALM 2:10-12
Caleb Froedge discusses Zechariah 4:10—“For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”
Episode 2.17In this episode, we witness a fresh movement in Israel's return from exile—led not by a builder like Zerubbabel, but by a teacher and priest named Ezra. Sent by King Artaxerxes, Ezra returns to Jerusalem decades after the temple's completion, carrying royal authority and a heart devoted to God's Word. His mission? To study, obey, and teach the Law of the Lord.We explore Ezra's arrival, his reliance on God's hand of protection, and his grief when he discovers Israel's spiritual compromise. The story turns from joyful return to heartbreaking repentance, as the people confess their sin of intermarriage with pagan nations. Through Ezra's brokenness and bold leadership, we're reminded that true revival begins with God's Word and leads to real repentance. This is not just a history lesson—it's a call to examine where we have set our hearts.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/FfyaQL2JKXAMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stoneLicense code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com
Episode 2.15In this episode, we trace the first major movement of Ezra (chapters 1–6), where the Persian king Cyrus fulfills biblical prophecy by sending Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Though often overlooked, the main characters here aren't Ezra, but Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, and Jeshua, the high priest's grandson. Together they lead over 40,000 people on a journey home. The altar is rebuilt and worship resumes, but when the temple foundation is laid, reactions are mixed—some celebrate, others weep over its lesser glory. Opposition arises from the surrounding peoples, halting construction for 16 years. This delay isn't a failure of God's plan, but part of His sovereign design.Prophets Haggai and Zechariah reignite the work, calling the people to prioritize worship and trust God. Darius, the current king, confirms the original decree and even funds the temple's completion. The temple is finally finished, dedicated, and celebrated with Passover. This movement sets the tone for the book's recurring message: human leadership can't bring lasting revival, but God is always at work. Even when results are mixed or delayed, He weaves adversity into His redemptive plan. The call for us is to remain faithful, to keep building, and to trust the God who stirs hearts and moves history.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/3jfpNjdwr4wMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stoneLicense code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com
The Fire, the SacrifThe Fire, the Sacrifice, and the Wood By Pastor Zerubbabel B. Mengistu June 22 2025 by Beza International Ministries
Welcome to "Messenger to Messiah," our exploration of the timeless message of Malachi on the Gospel Spice podcast. In this first lesson of our six-part series, Stephanie Rousselle, our teacher, walks us through the timely relevance of the Book of Malachi for our contemporary generation. Our series aims to dive into the intricacies of Malachi's message, with an emphasis on its pertinence to today's societal landscape. Stephanie approaches this study with humility and the hope that it serves you meaningfully! You are invited to purchase the workbook that contains everything you need to take your experience of the Book of Malachi deeper! For each of the six lessons, you will find a complete listening guide, questions to go deeper (on your own, with a friend, or a group), as well as a worksheet to study further themes. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi for more. And BONUS! We're giving you all the workbook content for THIS EPISODE, the first in the series, completely for FREE! Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi to download it as our gift to you. The Book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, addresses the pressing question, "Lord, how have you loved us?" This question, emerging from a context of hardship and perceived abandonment, resonates with the existential uncertainties we often face. This inquiry transcends time, mirroring our own struggles to see God's love during difficult times. Malachi's name, meaning "my messenger," underscores the significant role of his prophecy. The etymology of the name is echoed in Malachi's life, calling and message. Its implications draw parallels between earthly and angelic messengers throughout the Old Testament. We are also offered a detailed historical backdrop, mapping the trajectory from Moses through the judges, kings, and the era of Babylonian exile, leading to the restoration under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. This historical perspective enriches our understanding of Malachi's audience—people who had endured a tumultuous past yet stood at the cusp of spiritual revival. Malachi interprets the juxtaposition of God's love for Jacob and rejection of Esau. The discourse around love ('ahav' in Hebrew) emphasizes God's unwavering choices and the perceived enmity of Esau's lineage, the Edomites, against Israel. In looking forward, Malachi's prophecy foreshadows the role of messengers like John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, who is the ultimate Messenger. This anticipation reflects our own call to serve as messengers in the world today, spreading God's love and laying the groundwork for spiritual awakening in the Name of Jesus, our Christ and King. Stephanie concludes by encouraging us to recognize God's love in both blessings and adversities. She challenges us to list God's blessings, seeing His hand in every circumstance, much like Paul's thorn that became an opportunity for divine glorification. This series is an invitation to embrace the words of Malachi not merely as historical accounts, but as vibrant truths applicable in our lives. Malachi urges us to become aware of our roles as God's messengers today. You are invited to journey with us through this series and to seek to understand how God's love permeates every aspect of our existence. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/ Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
The book of Isaiah is filled with so many rich passages, and today's chapter is one of them. In this study in Isaiah 43, we'll see God's heart as He lays out His redemptive plan for His people, and we'll see how Jesus came as the prophesied redeemer! Today's podcast is a tad long, but filled with rich truths we need to know! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Take a moment to skim Isaiah 42 and the introduction of the New Covenant. What is the overall tone of Isaiah 42? How does verse 1 (of Isaiah 43) demonstrate a shift in this tone? Why do you think the Lord speaks this way to His people now? 2. In verse 1, why should the people not fear? What has the Lord done for them? How has He called you by name? 3. In verse 2, how does the Lord promise to walk with His people? How does the Lord describe Himself in verse 3? Why should this bring comfort to us? 4. Verses 3 & 4 speak of a ransom payment. This is speaking about how God brought punishment on the nations through the Babylonian conquest so that Israel might be (ultimately) freed. In the Old Testament, what is a “ransom” payment? (You may want to turn back to Exodus 30:11-16 or relisten to the podcast on that passage). How were these nations a ransom payment for the redemption of God's people? 5. In verse 5 to 9, from where will the Lord gather His people? In terms of the principles of “mountain range prophecies” (that we've talked about in the past), how was this prophecy initially fulfilled when the Jews returned to Israel under Zerubbabel in 538 BC? How is this prophecy being fulfilled now the Lord draw people to Himself from the nations? How will this prophecy finally be fulfilled when Christ returns? 6. Verses 10 to 13 provides some wonderful gems of truth about the Lord. What are some truths that these verses teach about God? What do they say about the nature of our Savior? How do we see aspects of the Trinity and Jesus' hypostatic union in these verses? 7. In verses 14 to 17, how will the Lord make a way of return for His people? 8. In verses 18 & 19, why do you think the Lord tells His people to not dwell upon His old ways of dealing with them? What is the new work He will do (and has done)? 9. In verse 21, what is a key purpose for God's people? How do you fulfill this purpose in your own life? 10. Verses 22 to 24 return back to the theme of the people's disobedience to the Lord. What is the Lord addressing in these verses? Why would anyone become weary of the Lord (vs 22)? How might someone not honor the Lord with their worship (vs 23)? Why does the Lord call these things a “burden” in verse 24? 11. Read verses 26 to 28 and then think about people's complaints about God. What “case” might the people make to the Lord? What will be the outcome of this argument with Him? 12. In verse 25, what does the Lord promise for His kingdom people? How does this confirm His righteousness? How does this confirm His legitimacy to rule these people? 13. Think back over the principles from this chapter. Has the Lord wiped away your transgressions? He has called you by name? Has He formed the worship you give to Him? Are you trusting in Him to be with you in challenges? How can you grow in these spiritual pursuits? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.
This week we take a look at Zerubbabel and how God sent a word to encourage him through the prophet Zechariah. Like Israel and Zerubbabel we often times face enemy opposition which can cause discouragement or we can become indifferent to the assignment God is calling us to do, but we must understand it is not by might nor by power, but by the Lord's Spirit that we will do what He is calling us to do. No matter how many natural resources or people we have none of it matters if it is not driven by the Holy Spirit. Unless the Lord builds the house then it is done in vain.
By Brian Shaw - Drawing from the commissions given to Zerubbabel and Joshua in Haggai 2:1-9 and Zechariah 3:7, this message explores the rebuilding of the temple in 538 BC and its prophetic significance for God's spiritual temple today. Zerubbabel faced discouragement in constructing the physical temple, while
Infrastructure የመሠረተ ልማት አውታር By Pastor Zerubbabel Mengistu by Beza International Ministries
A Call to Prayer by Pastor Zerubbabel Mengistu May 18 2025 by Beza International Ministries
Protecting_Infrastructure_መሠረተ_ልማት_አውታርን_መከላከል_by_Pastor_Zerubbabel by Beza International Ministries
05/04/2025 Rev. Paul Bang Nehemiah 7:5-73 5 Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written in it: 6 These were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his town. 7 They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: 8 the sons of Parosh, 2,172. 9 The sons of Shephatiah, 372. 10 The sons of Arah, 652. 11 The sons of Pahath-moab, namely the sons of Jeshua and Joab, 2,818. 12 The sons of Elam, 1,254. 13 The sons of Zattu, 845. 14 The sons of Zaccai, 760. 15 The sons of Binnui, 648. 16 The sons of Bebai, 628. 17 The sons of Azgad, 2,322. 18 The sons of Adonikam, 667. 19 The sons of Bigvai, 2,067. 20 The sons of Adin, 655. 21 The sons of Ater, namely of Hezekiah, 98. 22 The sons of Hashum, 328. 23 The sons of Bezai, 324. 24 The sons of Hariph, 112. 25 The sons of Gibeon, 95. 26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188. 27 The men of Anathoth, 128. 28 The men of Beth-azmaveth, 42. 29 The men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743. 30 The men of Ramah and Geba, 621. 31 The men of Michmas, 122. 32 The men of Bethel and Ai, 123. 33 The men of the other Nebo, 52. 34 The sons of the other Elam, 1,254. 35 The sons of Harim, 320. 36 The sons of Jericho, 345. 37 The sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 721. 38 The sons of Senaah, 3,930. 39 The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, namely the house of Jeshua, 973. 40 The sons of Immer, 1,052. 41 The sons of Pashhur, 1,247. 42 The sons of Harim, 1,017. 43 The Levites: the sons of Jeshua, namely of Kadmiel of the sons of Hodevah, 74. 44 The singers: the sons of Asaph, 148. 45 The gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, 138. 46 The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth, 47 the sons of Keros, the sons of Sia, the sons of Padon, 48 the sons of Lebana, the sons of Hagaba, the sons of Shalmai, 49 the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, 50 the sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, 51 the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, 52 the sons of Besai, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephushesim, 53 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur, 54 the sons of Bazlith, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha, 55 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah, 56 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha. 57 The sons of Solomon's servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida, 58 the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel, 59 the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons of Amon. 60 All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon's servants were 392. 61 The following were those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove their fathers' houses nor their descent, whether they belonged to Israel: 62 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, 642. 63 Also, of the priests: the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai (who had taken a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). 64 These sought their registration among those enrolled in the genealogies, but it was not found there, so they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 65 The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy food until a priest with Urim and Thummim should arise. 66 The whole assembly together was 42,360, 67 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337. And they had 245 singers, male and female. 68 Their horses were 736, their mules 245, 69 their camels 435, and their donkeys 6,720. 70 Now some of the heads of fathers' houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 basins, 30 priests' garments and 500 minas of silver. 71 And some of the heads of fathers' houses gave into the treasury of the work 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. 72 And what the rest of the people gave was 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 priests' garments. 73 So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel, lived in their towns. And when the seventh month had come, the people of Israel were in their towns.
Northwest Bible Church – May 4, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 1:1-17 The Family Tree of Jesus Intro A. THE NAMES AND TITLES FOR JESUS (Matthew 1:1). 1. Jesus Christ - 2. Son of DAVID - 2 Sam. 7:12-13 3. Son of ABRAHAM - Gen. 12:3; 17:5. B. A WALK THROUGH THE GENEALOGY (Matthew 1:2-16). 1. First section (Matthew 1:2-6). a. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah. (1) Tamar (Matthew 1:3) - (2) Rahab (Matthew 1:5) – (3) Ruth (Matthew 1:5) – (4) Bathsheba (Matthew 1:6) - b. Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David. 2. Second section (Matthew 1:6-11). a. David; Solomon; Rehoboam – b. Abijah; Asa; Jehoshaphat c. Jehoram; Uzziah; Jotham; Ahaz; Hezekiah d. Manasseh; Amon; Josiah; Jeconiah 3. Third section (Matthew 1:12-16). Babylonian exile. a. Zerubbabel – b. Matthew 1:13-15. 9 names are unknown. c. Jacob, Joseph, the husband of Mary by whom Jesus was born. B. THE THEMES FROM THE GENEALOGY. 1. Why the emphasis on “fourteen” (Matthew 1:17)? 2. Full of sinners to highlight the grace of God. 3. Jesus is qualified to be the Messiah as a son of David. God is faithful! 4. Lays foundation for the virgin birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:16). 5. The three phases of history. OUT OF DARKNESS, LIGHT! Conclusion
Zechariah 4:10 - For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
April 27, 2024 [Speaker: Victor Hedman] – We are pleased to welcome long time missionary, Victor Hedman. He preached from Zechariah 4:1-14 where Zechariah had a vision that was a message from the Lord to Zerubbabel. After 70 years of captivity in Babylon he was to lead a large group back to Israel. There they would build the temple and reestablish God's chosen people in Israel. They were a prophetic people with an eternal purpose. He walked us through the impact that scripture has on us today and ended the service with a call to prayer for salvation, healing, families, etc.
Overview:In this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro, the hosts dive into the intriguing world of First Enoch, a pseudepigraphical text that has captured the curiosity of many within and beyond Christian circles. Ryan and Brian discuss its origins, content, and significance while addressing common questions about its relationship to the biblical canon and its historical context. This episode offers a fresh perspective, including Brian's first-time reading impressions, and aims to clarify what First Enoch is—and what it isn't.What is First Enoch?Defined as a pseudepigraphical book, meaning it's falsely attributed to Enoch, a descendant of Adam and father of Methuselah, who didn't actually write it.Likely composed between the 3rd century BC and post-New Testament times, with parts dated to the intertestamental period.Fits the genre of apocalyptic literature, characterized by divine guides and supernatural narratives (e.g., similar to Revelation and Daniel).Genesis 5:24 highlights Enoch's unique story: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away,” sparking fascination as one of two Old Testament figures (alongside Elijah) not said to have died.Structure of First EnochComprises 108 chapters divided into five sections:Book of Watchers (Ch. 1-36): Focuses on fallen angels (sons of God) intermarrying with human women, producing the Nephilim (giants), and introducing evil via figures like Azazel.Similitudes of Enoch (Ch. 37-71): Explores angelology, the “Son of Man,” and divine judgment, with debated dating relative to the New Testament.Astronomical Book (Ch. 72-82): Details a solar calendar (364 days), contrasting with the Jewish lunar calendar, found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.Book of Dream Visions (Ch. 83-90): Recasts Israel's history through animal allegory (e.g., sheep as the righteous, boars as adversaries), ending with the Maccabean period.Epistle of Enoch (Ch. 91-108): Offers exhortations, an “Apocalypse of Weeks,” and additional Noah-related content.Why the Interest in First Enoch?Answers curious questions left open by canonical Scripture, such as the identity of the Nephilim (Genesis 6) and the origins of evil.Referenced in Jude 14-15 (quoting 1 Enoch 1:9), and possibly alluded to in 1 Peter 3:19-20 and 2 Peter 2:4-5, raising questions about its early Christian reception.Included in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's canon (81 books total), with the only complete manuscript preserved in an Ethiopian language.Parallels in other texts like the Book of Jubilees and the Mormon Book of Moses fuel further intrigue.First Impressions and ObservationsBrian shares his initial reaction: First Enoch feels “wild” and disjointed compared to Scripture, lacking the Bible's narrative continuity and spiritual coherence.Ryan notes its appeal lies in sensationalism (e.g., YouTube videos about hidden knowledge), but it lacks the authoritative character of canonical texts.Key Passages Explored1 Enoch 20: Lists seven archangels (Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Sariel, Gabriel, Remiel), expanding biblical angelology beyond Michael and Gabriel.1 Enoch 13:1-2: Enoch condemns Azazel for teaching humanity unrighteousness, casting him as a source of evil.1 Enoch 89:72+: Animal allegory depicts the rebuilding of Zerubbabel's temple, critiquing its inadequacy.1 Enoch 40: Four archangels praise God, reminiscent of...
Zerubbabel was one of the Babylonian captives. God placed his hand upon this man and chose him to sit in an exalted position in the restored kingdom and through his life to paint a graphic picture of the one who sits even today at the right hand of the Father.
Leviticus chapters 8 and 9 are play-by-play accounts of the greatest Hebrew ceremony of all time - summoning Yahweh back to his homeland 50 years after he had left it. Join our tribe on Patreon! Check out these cool pages on the podcast's website:Home PageWho wrote the Bible: Timeline and authorsAncient maps: easy to follow maps to see which empire ruled what and whenClick here to see Exodus divided into "sources" according to the Documentary Hypothesis The podcast is written, edited and produced by Gil Kidron
We're in a season of awakening and reformation, where God is revealing prophetic patterns through Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The church is being called beyond revival into reformation, stepping into its apostolic mandate to occupy the gates and influence every sphere of society. Now is the time to build a house for the nation amid global shaking, shaping the future of America and beyond.
“Praise the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who made the king want to beautify the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem! And praise him for demonstrating such unfailing love to me by honoring me before the king, his council, and all his mighty nobles. I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me.” Ezra 7:27-28The book of Ezra continues the narrative of the people of Israel into what is known as the post-exilic period. When we left things in 2 Chronicles, the king of Babylon had conquered Jerusalem and the temple had been destroyed. But the final part of the book ends with a glimpse of what's to come. 2 Chronicles 36:23 says, “This is what King Cyrus of Persia says, ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Any of you who are the Lord's people may go there for this task. And may the Lord your God be with you.” That then ushers us right into the heart of the story of Ezra. Ezra 1 begins with this same retelling of Cyrus's words and then continues the story from there as we the Zerubbabel lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem followed by Ezra's group. What follows is a story of rebuilding, opposition, and restoration. Ezra is a book that doesn't often get the credit it deserves as it sits alongside Nehemiah, but it is a beautiful picture of the God of continued second-chances and a people who so desperately need them. To help us navigate the book of Ezra is Dr. Tiberius Rata, Associate Dean and Professor of Old Testament at Grace College and author of a commentary on Ezra. Doable Discipleship is a Saddleback Church podcast produced and hosted by Jason Wieland. It premiered in 2017 and now offers more than 400 episodes. Episodes release every Tuesday on your favorite podcast app and on the Saddleback Church YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/saddleback).Resources Related to This Episode:https://www.amazon.com/Ezra-Nehemiah-Commentary-Tiberius-Rata/dp/1845505719Subscribe to the Doable Discipleship podcast at Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doable-discipleship/id1240966935) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1Zc9nuwQZOLadbFCZCmZ1V)Related Doable Discipleship Episodes: Navigating the Bible: 2 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/OG3rHTgMgEINavigating the Bible: 1 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/lQ_Qc4zbfgANavigating the Bible: 2 Kings - https://youtu.be/04q9gDhBKTkNavigating the Bible: 1 Kings - https://youtu.be/aS-KoeQXl2kNavigating the Bible: 2 Samuel - https://youtu.be/ZbpafGgOW7cNavigating the Bible: 1 Samuel - https://youtu.be/lY8wPElSFMYNavigating the Bible: Rute - https://youtu.be/YaH-t-ZzTaMNavigating the Bible: Judges - https://youtu.be/qNGcOf2o0NUNavigating the Bible: Joshua - https://youtu.be/hF28aThBtFsNavigating the Bible: Deuteronomy - https://youtu.be/HzmNgPOM4zUNavigating the Bible: Numbers - https://youtu.be/H1HO6V9HDxsNavigating the Bible: Leviticus - https://youtu.be/08RhDCXYex4Navigating the Bible: Exodus - https://youtu.be/NB9UTpS1F3MNavigating the Bible: Genesis - https://youtu.be/ddhjMfOoasAInspiring Dreams by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
2506 - A prophecy of King Cyrus stepping into the role of the Anointed One initiates the return home of Hebrews from exile. Outside the ancient walls of Jerusalem, Joshua and Caleb explain how the first settlers under Ezra and Zerubbabel struggled with the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. Thankfully, God continually sent the prophets Zechariah and Haggai with declarations of encouragement and success. Although the construction of the 2nd Temple proved disappointing for some, God promised a greater future Temple where the Shekinah returns.