Haggai 2:11

“Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,”

Certainly! Here’s a Bible study on Haggai 2:11, as written in the King James Version:

Context:

The book of Haggai is one of the prophetic books in the Old Testament. It was written during the time when the people of Judah had returned from their exile in Babylon and were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Haggai was sent by God to encourage the people to prioritise the work of rebuilding the temple and to renew their commitment to worshiping the Lord.

Explanation:

In Haggai 2:11, the Lord instructs the people to seek guidance from the priests concerning the law. This verse is part of a larger section where Haggai addresses the people’s concerns about whether their current efforts in rebuilding the temple would be sufficient and acceptable in the eyes of God. The people were comparing the new temple with the grandeur of Solomon’s temple, which had been destroyed.

The phrase “Ask now the priests concerning the law” suggests that the people should consult with the priests, who were responsible for interpreting and teaching God’s law to the people. The intention behind this instruction is to ensure that the people are aware of and obedient to God’s commandments as they continue their work on the temple. The priests were the spiritual leaders and custodians of the law, so seeking their counsel would provide the people with the proper understanding of God’s expectations.

This verse also emphasises the importance of adhering to God’s instructions and seeking His guidance in all matters. The people needed to be reminded that the work they were doing was not just a physical construction project but also a spiritual endeavour. By consulting the priests and seeking their wisdom, the people would be aligning themselves with God’s will and ensuring that their actions were in accordance with His law.

Application:

• 1. Seek godly counsel: Just as the people of Haggai’s time were encouraged to seek guidance from the priests, we should also seek godly counsel when faced with decisions or challenges in our lives. It is important to consult wise and spiritually mature individuals who can provide us with insight and direction based on God’s Word.
• 2. Obey God’s commands: The instruction to consult the priests concerning the law reminds us of the significance of studying and understanding God’s Word. We should diligently seek to know and obey His commandments, aligning our lives with His principles. This requires regular reading, study, and meditation on the Scriptures.
• 3. Prioritise spiritual matters: The people of Judah were initially more concerned with their personal comfort and material well-being than with rebuilding the temple. However, Haggai’s message reminded them to prioritise their spiritual relationship with God. Similarly, we should ensure that we prioritise our relationship with God above worldly pursuits, recognising that spiritual matters have eternal significance.
• 4. Combine faith with action: Haggai’s message was not merely about seeking knowledge but also about applying that knowledge in their work on the temple. Similarly, we should combine our faith with action, putting into practice what we learn from God’s Word. It is not enough to have head knowledge; we must also live out our faith through obedience and service to God and others.