HAGGAI (Festive) was probably born at Babylon, and accompanied Zerubbabel to Jerusalem; though Dr. Pusey considers that he had seen the glory of the old Temple before its destruction (ii. 3), and that he was one of the very aged exiles who laid the foundation of the new Temple in tears (Ezra iii. 12). He was inspired by God to rouse the people to support Zerubbabel and Joshua (the High Priest) in building the Temple, which had been suspended for fourteen years owing to the counter edict gained by the Samaritans from Artaxerxes. When the decree of Cyrus was renewed, the people were in a lethargic state, preferring their own temporal prosperity to the restoration of God's house, till drought and mildew wrung penitence from them. The prophecy is short and condensed. Haggai reproves their lethargy, and promises a blessing upon the work. In twenty-four days they recommence the building. The youthful Zechariah is moved to second Haggai's work, but, after one brief prophecy, is silenced. After four weeks they become despondent, and compare the new with the old Temple; but Haggai foretells greater glory for the former. Two months later he again rebukes their slowness, and promises Divine favour. He finally appeals to Zerubbabel, as heir of the house of David, and predicts the stability of the Kingdom of God amidst the ruin of temporal sovereignties. He only prophesied for four months. He is quoted in Heb. xii. 26.

Haggai and Zechariah are associated in the LXX. in the titles of Psalms cxxv., cxxvi., cxlv.-cxlviii.; and they are mentioned in 1 Esdras vi. 1; vii. 3.