Eschatology and audience: the eschatology of Haggai

Abstract

Against the background of Hanson's theories regarding the development of apocalyptic eschatology and the position accorded to the message of Haggai in the post-exilic factional struggle, the eschatology of Haggai is reappraised. it is accepted that the book contains five prophetic oracles, 1:2 and 4-11, 2:15-19, 2:2-9. 2:11-14 and 2:21-23. Haggai 2:15-19 is regarded as the second oracle and is transposed to follow on 1:15a. A redactional framework was added to these oracles. The oracles were addressed to the people of Haggai's time; cognitive dissonance played a role in the for•mulation of his message, and in the introduction of an eschatological element. The redaction was addressed to the temple community after the restoration of the temple. It shifted the emphasis to the leaders and displays a realised eschatology.