To build or not to build: A dispute between Haggai and his people (Hag 1)

This article discusses the internal polemics in Yehud over the building of the Temple, as it is presented in Hag 1. Various economic and theological explanations have been offered to clarify the reluctance of the people to build the temple. An new theological-psychological explanation is suggested here. After the prophet's message has been accepted, Haggai delivers another oracle: »I am with you« (1,13). The explanation offered in the article is that the oracle of assurance was probably a response to the people's view that God had rejected them. This feeling of abandonment would seem to be a continuation of the prevalent exilic and post-exilic view that they were rejected. Even after their return, the people were dominated by feelings of despair and doubt, and thus they thought that the time to build the Temple had not arrived. Haggai counters these feelings, telling the people that God is still their Lord, and thus it is time to build the Temple.