Malcolm Cox

Chapter 2:10-19 Introduction - In this section Haggai is deepening the conviction of the people of God         - Have a look at Zech 8:9–13 as a close parallel Hag 2:15–19. Questions about holiness Haggai 2:11  ‘Ask the priests what the law says:     - ‘ask the priest’ - direct engagement with the priests. Not just Joshua, but his cohort.      - Entering into a ‘debate’. The answer is already known, but the exchange is a drama emphasising a point. Jesus did the same thing. Haggai 2:12 If someone carries consecrated meat in the fold of their garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, olive oil or other food, does it become consecrated?’ ” The priests answered, “No.”     - ‘fold’ - “The holy flesh makes the skirt “holy” but the “holy” skirt cannot make anything else “holy.” But impurity is transferable.” WBC Haggai 2:13 Then Haggai said, “If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?” “Yes,” the priests replied, “it becomes defiled.”