SUMMARY
A basic principle from the Holiness Code, that holiness is less transmissible than uncleanness, is used to argue that the people cannot simply return to life as normal after the completion of the templeThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged... More.
ANALYSIS
God instructed HaggaiProphet who urged rebuilding the Temple after the exile. More to give the priests a simple quiz that addressed the most basic knowledge of their primary job – separating the clean from the uncleanIn Hebrew law many regulations warned against impurity. Unclean things were numerous and included leprosy, menstruating women, dead bodies, shell fish, and pigs. More (Leviticus 10:10). Meat from the sacrifices makes the eater holyHoly is a term that originally meant set apart for the worship or service of God. While the term may refer to people, objects, time, or places, holiness in Judaism and Christianity primarily denotes the realm of the divine More but does not transmit second-order holiness to others (Leviticus 6:27). However, touching a corpse can transmit uncleanliness an infinite number of degrees until each person cleanses themselves (Leviticus 22:4-6 and Numbers 19:11).
The exilic community had constructed something holy in rebuilding the new temple. But, they had failed to properly cleanse themselves before offering sacrifices (v14). The people could not rely on a stack of stones to save them, or to solidify God’s favor for them. Instead, they had to do the more difficult, ongoing work of obedience.
Centuries later, Jesus’ disciples marveled at the wonderful stones and buildings of a greatly expanded and improved Second Temple, but JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. More told them that the temple would be completely destroyed (Mark 13:1-2). Instead of relying on the temple, Jesus told his disciples to keep his commandments – to abide in his love (John 15:10), continuing a theme through Scripture (Deuteronomy 11:13-15, Deuteronomy 28:1-6, Leviticus 18:4-5). The temple itself is much less important than the covenantal relationship that the building symbolizes.
Here, Haggai warns of complacency after the construction of the temple and insists on the need for intentional, ongoing holiness (for a similar prophecyProphecy is the gift, inspired by God, of speaking and interpreting the divine will. Prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Ezekiel spoke words of judgment and comfort to the people of Israel on behalf of God. More, see Jeremiah’s “temple sermon” – JeremiahProphet who condemned Judah's infidelity to God, warned of Babylonian conquest, and promised a new covenant. More 7).
