Times were tough for the first recipients of the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah.

The people were still very materialistic in their outlook.

The people needed to be encouraged to resume the work of reconstructing the temple - to awake from their lethargy and to be enthusiastic for a life lived in obedience to God.

Their zeal was for ritual rather than reliance on the Lord. Their concern was for respectability in religious observance rather than an acknowledgement of their sin and a desire to please God in all their thoughts and actions.

The Welwyn Commentary Series is the Bible simply explained. This popular well established series provides clear and concise insight into the Scriptures from respected authors, many of whom are pastors and Bible teachers. The series is ideal for personal study, Bible class and sermon preparation and is highly recommended.