LESSON 5
3. How was the Lord’s discipline an act of His mercy?
4. How should we “consider our ways”? Challenging circumstances often cause us to reconsider our decisions. Are there any changes you need to make right now to fully align with God’s ways according to His Word?
DAY 4
Haggai Encourages the Jewish Remnant (Haggai 1:12–15)
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
REMNANT OF ISRAEL Haggai repeatedly addresses his word from the Lord to “the remnant of the people.” A remnant is a remaining, usually small, part of something that was once larger. In this case, there is a small part of the formerly populous nation of Israel that has returned to Jerusalem. Many Jews were killed when Babylon conquered their land, and some who were carried off remained in Babylon rather than returning to the promised land. Specifically, the remnant of Israel was composed of those who remained faithful to God. He promised always to preserve a remnant of Israel (Isa. 10:22 and 11:11). Even today, the Jewish people continue to exist as a distinct people group, and some of these are ethnic Israelites who trust in Christ rather than the law for their salvation. The apostle Paul wrote about the remnant in the book of Romans. He answered the question, “Did God fail to keep the promises of the Abrahamic covenant?” No, Paul said. He promised to save the elect and preserve a remnant of ethnic Israelites (Rom. 9:1–29 and 11:5). God is faithful to his covenant promises!
1. Read the passage. What was the response of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the entire Jewish remnant to the word of the Lord?
Ezra 5:1, Haggai 1:1–2:23 | 57
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