HAGGAI: The LORD Almighty
Bible Study Notes Rev. Betsy Perkins
What’s In a Name?
- What names did your father go by in his life? Which people used what names, and why?
- What names have you been known by in your life? When were the different names used?
Yahweh(Jehovah, I AM) Saba
Haggai refers to God as “the LORD Almighty” 14 times in his book of prophesy. It literally means the God who commands heaven’s armies, Yahweh (Jevovah, I AM) Saba, in Hebrew. The name occurs nearly 300 times in the Old Testament, but not until the book of 1 Samuel. This name was traditionally translated into English as the LORD of Hosts in the King James Bible. Yahweh Saba is translated “LORD Almighty” in the NIV, “GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies” in The Message, “LORD of heavenly forces” in the CEB, “LORD All-Powerful” in the CEV.
- The first time God is referred to as Yahweh Saba, “LORD Almighty”, is in 1 Samuel 1, verses 3 and 11. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-11. What problem was Hannah facing? Do you recall what problem the temple leadership was facing?
“By this name, in the presence of godless spiritual leaders, such as Hophni and Phineas, and in the middle of human misery, like Hannah’s, I reveal Myself as the God with the power needed to win the war against sin and sorrow no matter how vile the sin or deep the sorrow. When you know Me by this name, when you hope in all that this name reveals about Me, you will hear the message of Haggai. You will live, not to build your own house but to build my temple.” ~ Dr. Larry Crabb
- In 2 Samuel, King David blesses God’s people with the name of the “LORD of Hosts” when he brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Read 2 Samuel 6:17-18.
- David and his armies of young men had just defeats the Philistines in battles to overcome the enemies of Israel and secure the land so God’s people could live in peace. Why do you think he picked the name, Yahweh Saba, for the blessing?
- Read 2 Samuel 7:1-13. What did God say to David when he wanted to build a proper temple to replace the tent which housed the Ark?
“When David wanted to build a temple more suited to My glory, I told him two things: one, a mobile tent aptly symbolized My desire to be with My people as they stumbled through life; and two, My temple would bring peace, therefore I would permit only a man of peace to build it. David did not qualify. His son did.” ~ Dr. Larry Crabb
- In a time when God’s people had abandoned God to worship idols and had refused to obey God’s ways, a time of violence and lawlessness, God called Isaiah to be His messenger. In Isaiah’s vision, the angels are speaking the name “LORD Almighty”. Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Why was that name for God fitting for that moment?
“Remember, too, it was when Isaiah saw My glory in the temple that he heard My angels cry out “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts’. To your eyes it will appear that I am losing the fight against all that is wrong in the world. I AM not! I AM the Lord of hosts, the commander of heaven’s armies, and I am building My temple through you.” ~ Dr. Larry Crabb
- Why do you think God used the name “LORD Almighty” when speaking to Haggai and to those who felt too weak, discouraged and overwhelmed for the task before them? What effect might using that name have had on them?
- Psalm 84 is a song extolling the beauty and blessing of God’s dwelling place. Read the psalm in several versions (NIV, Msg, NKJV), listening for the names for God that the psalmist uses. How does the psalmist’s choice of names for God shape our thoughts and feelings when we read this psalm?
In light of this passage and our discussion, what one truth about God and about yourself stand out as something to “take to heart” this week?
Are there steps you will take, by God’s grace, to more fully apply it to your life?
Resources: NIV Zondervan Study Bible, 2015
J. Gordon McConville, Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets, Volume 4, 2002
Dr. Larry Crabb, 66 Love Letters, 2009
Dave Cornes, Haggai, ? (RightNowMedia)
Tim Mackie, The Bible Project, How to Read Haggai (RightNowMedia)
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