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"Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple"

Text: Haggai 1:8

THE COMMAND OF THE LORD

The LORD God gave a strong and direct command to the returnees to give attention to the temple re-building project!

“Thus says the LORD of hosts:
‘Consider your ways!
Go up to the mountains and bring wood
and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it
and be glorified,’ says the LORD.”
Haggai 1:7-8

1. “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Consider your ways'”

a) This is the second time God addressed the returnees in this manner (Haggai 1:5).

b) The phrase “consider your ways” includes the following nuances:

i) To review carefully the present state of affairs.

This was rather dismal!

ii) To reflect on why the present circumstances were so discouraging.

iii) To return to the LORD and to obey His word.

2. “Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple”

a) The people must make the effort.

b) God will not bring the wood to them.

c) They must take the time and trouble:

i) To cut down trees.

ii) To make wood that could be used to build the temple.

3. “That I may take pleasure in it”

a) God will examine the workmanship.

b) He will take pleasure in a temple that is well-built.

4. “And be glorified, says the LORD”

a) God would be glorified when the Temple project is completed.

b) It would take a lot of effort to complete this project.

c) The work of the Temple had been discontinued and this brought dishonour to the Lord.

d) The Temple was tied to the name of the Lord.

e) The returnees must give this word of command from God due consideration.