Summary
In Haggai, ESV Expository Commentary, Michael Stead helps us preach a brief book that speaks sharply to spiritual drift. He keeps the focus on the Lord’s priorities, the rebuilding call, and the encouragement that God is with his people. Volume 7.
We are helped to see how each oracle addresses a specific spiritual problem, and how the responses expose the heart.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We should own this volume when we want help applying a short prophetic book without flattening it into a stewardship talk. The commentary keeps us close to the text’s covenant logic and to the Lord’s presence as the great comfort.
It is practical for preaching. We are given clear explanation, helpful transitions between units, and prompts for pressing the message home to the church.
It also helps us show the difference between outward activity and genuine repentance, which is always relevant in local ministry.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend Haggai, ESV Expository Commentary for pastors and teachers who want a mid level companion that speaks clearly to congregational life. It will serve us well when we want to call God’s people back to first things, with real encouragement in the Lord’s nearness.
As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.
Michael Stead
Michael Stead is an Australian Old Testament scholar of the contemporary era, working within evangelical scholarship with sustained focus on the post exilic prophets.
He is known for close study of Zechariah and for helping readers see how allusion and hope work together after the return from exile. Stead traces how these prophets call for repentance, renew worship, and set the people’s expectations on the Lord’s coming king and restored presence.
He remains valued for careful handling of intertextual links, and for a steady concern to keep preaching anchored in the text’s own logic. Recommended titles include The Intertextuality of Zechariah 1 to 8, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi: An Introduction and Study Guide, and his work on biblical theology and atonement.
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical