Haggai is the second shortest book in the Hebrew Scriptures. His message stands out for his clear call for repentance wrapped in hope for the nation of Israel. In 586 BC the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and the people were exiled to Babylon. Under Cyrus, King of Persia, 50,000 Jews were allowed to return to Israel with Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, Joshua, the high priest, and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. Haggai’s was the first of several prophetic voices calling God’s people to obedience following their return from exile. After 16 years of being back in the land, little progress was made in rebuilding the temple according to God’s instruction. God raised up Haggai to call the people to repentance for their spiritual apathy. God used Haggai and Zechariah to spur the people on in trusting obedience.