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"Will it be unclean?"

Text: Haggai 2:13

THE QUESTION OF UNCLEANNESS

The issue of holiness has another side. The problem of “uncleanness” must also be considered.

“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.’
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.”‘”
Haggai 2:13-14

1. The issue of what was “unclean” was presented to the priests

a) If a person is already unclean:

i) Ritual uncleanness is referred to here.

ii) If he were to touch (wine, oil, food) would the things touched be considered unclean?

b) The correct answer of the priests:

The unclean person defiles everything that he touches!

2. God’s solemn word to the people

a) The people were unclean in God’ s sight.

b) The whole nation was defiled before the Lord.

c) The work of their hands was considered unclean.

d) What they offered was also considered unclean!

WHAT CAUSED GOD TO MAKE THIS SOLEMN DECLARATION

A number of things must be given due consideration.

1. Their heart was not in the work of re-building the temple.

2. Gifts were given unwillingly and unhappily.

3. There were many who had doubts about God’s plans.

4. Many were affected adversely by unbelief.

5. The word of God through the prophet Haggai had not been full accepted.

All these unresolved problems rendered the whole nation “unclean” before the Lord! There was no holiness!