The book of Zephaniah anticipates the Babylonian exile. It foretells the

destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the people on “the day of the

Lord.” The book captures the major themes of God’s wrath, mercy, and a remnant left that many of the other prophetic writers had written about, but in a much briefer text. Haggai however looks at what happens after the destruction of Jerusalem. Given the freedom to return by the Persians, God’s people begin a pilgrimage back to rebuild the temple and form a renewed relationship with God. However, the people didn’t rebuild the temple….they focused on their homes and society. Once again, God’s correction and mercy are at the forefront of the story.