BIBLE STUDY SUMMARY:

“The Glory of the Latter House”

Scripture Focus: Haggai 2:9

“ The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,” says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place, I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” (Haggai 2:9, NIV)

1. Background: What’s Happening in Haggai

The book of Haggai is a short prophetic message written around 520 B.C., shortly after the people of Israel returned from exile in Babylon. The first temple, built by Solomon, was destroyed when Jerusalem fell (586 B.C.). When the people came back, they started rebuilding but became discouraged and stopped. God sent the prophet Haggai to remind them to put Him first and rebuild His house (the temple).

The message: When you make God’s presence and worship your top priority, blessings and peace follow.

2. The Message of Haggai

Chapter 1:1-15 is a call to rebuild. The main Idea “you live in nice houses while my house lies in ruins.” (1:4) Prioritize God first

Chapter 2:1-9 message is a word of encouragement the main idea is God promises His presence and glory will fill the new temple

Chapter 2:10-19 message is a lesson on holiness and the main idea is God blesses clean hands and faithful hearts.

Chapter 2:20-23 is a word to Zerubbabel and the main message is God will honor faithful leadership and keep His covenant.

3. Understanding Haggai 2:9

a. “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the form…”

Glory (Hebrew: kavod) means weight, honor, or presence of God. The first temple was beautiful and wealthy, but God promises greater glory – not from gold or size, but from His presence. The ‘greater glory’ points to God’s Spirit returning to dwell among His people. “And in this place, I will give peace…”

Peace (Hebrew: shalom) means wholeness, completeness, well-being. God promises not just calmness, but spiritual and communal restoration. Where God’s presence dwells, peace reigns.

4. The Point of the Book

· Put God first – When God’s people focus on Him, He restores and blesses.

· God’s presence is the true glory – not wealth, not looks, not status.

· Obedience brings peace – following God’s instructions invites His shalom

· God’s promises endure – Even after loss, God’s glory can return in a greater way.

5. Reflection & Discussion

a. Why do you think the people stopped rebuilding the temple?

b. What things in our own lives sometimes take priority over God’s house or presence?

c. What does “glory” mean to you? How can God’s presence bring glory to an ordinary place?

d. How can we experience God’s slalom (peace) today?

e. What might “the latter glory” look like in our church or homes today?

6. Key Takeaways

a. God’s presence ( > ) is greater than physical appearance. True glory comes from God being with us

b. Faithfulness invites favor. When we obey and honor God, He restores what was lost.

c. Peace follows presence. God’s glory leads to God’s peace.

d. The best is yet to come. Even if the ‘former’ seemed better, God promises a ‘latter’ glory that surpasses it.

7. Memory Verse

“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts; and in this place I will give peace.” Haggai 2:9

Bible Study Continuation: “Living in the Glory”

Scripture Focus: Haggai 2:10-19

“From this day on I will bless you.” Haggai 2:19b (NIV)

1. Review from last week

Last week, we saw that God promised that the latter glory – HIS presence – would be greater than the former.

This week, we shift from promise to practice: How do we live once God’s glory has returned?

The question now is: What happens after God restores?

2. Historical & Contextual Background

After Haggai encouraged the people, they resumed work on the temple. But God had another message (Haggai 2:10-19).

He used the priests to teach an important spiritual principle:

· The people’s hands and hearts must be clean, not just their work

· God wanted not just a rebuilt house, but a renewed people.

In essence, God said: “Now that you’ve rebuilt My temple, let Me rebuild you.”

3. The Message of Haggai 2:10-19

Section vv. 10 – 14

Theme: A lesson in Holiness

Key Idea: Holiness is not automatically transferred, but sin easily spreads. God wants inner purity, not just outer activity.

Section vv.15 – 17

Theme: A reminder of the past

Key Idea: Before you obeyed, your work was unfruitful. Disobedience brought frustration and lack.

Section vv. 18 – 19

Theme: A promise for the future

Key Idea: Now that your heart and hands are right, blessing begins “from this day forward.”

4. Key Themes & Exegesis

A. Holiness Matters

Haggai uses a priestly example: if holy meat touches something unclean, the holiness doesn’t spread – but uncleanness does:

God’s point: Your worship and work for Me must come from a pure heart. Rituals can’t substitute for righteousness.

“Be holy, for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:44 – 45; 1 Peter 1:16

B. Obedience Unlocks Blessing

Before they obeyed, everything they touched seemed cursed (v. 16 – 17). But once they aligned with God’s will, He said. “From this day on I will bless you.”

Obedience turns frustration into fruitfulness.

C. Blessing Follows Presence

The glory in Haggai 2:9 wasn’t meant to sit still – it was meant to transform life. When God’s glory fills your house, He wants it to change your habits, your holiness, and your harvest.

5. Modern Application: Living in the Glory

Then: Rebuilding a physical temple

Now: Rebuilding our hearts as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Then: Learning holiness through law

Now: Living holiness through relationship with Christ

Then: Promised blessings through obedience

Now: Experiencing spiritual fruit through faithfulness

Living in the Glory means:

· Our actions match our adoration.

· Our character reflects His presence.

· We become living temples that show His glory wherever we go.

6. Reflection & Discussion Questions

a. What does “holiness” mean to you in daily life?

b. How can obedience to God bring peace and blessing in your current situation?

c. Have you ever experienced a “from this day forward” moment – where obedience turned things around?

d. How can the church “live in the glory” together?

e. What needs to be purified or realigned in your personal temple?

7. Key Takeaways

a. The glory isn’t just for the temple – it’s for the people.

b. God’s blessing begins when obedience becomes consistent.

c. Holiness is not about perfection, but about separation – being set apart for God.

d. Every act of obedience invites a “from this day forward” blessing