Haggai 1:1-2 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest: 2 “Thus says the LORD of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.”
On the very first day of Elul in 520 BCE, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD” (Haggai 1:2).
The people had returned from exile, but allowed discouragement and distraction to delay God’s work. They focused on building their own homes and securing their own lives, while the Lord’s house lay in ruins. Through Haggai, God shook them awake: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:5). Their lack of blessing was tied directly to their neglect of His dwelling.
And the timing of this word was no accident. It was the first of Elul — the month of repentance and return. Just as the shofar was beginning to sound each day across Israel, God was sounding His own shofar through Haggai: “Rebuild My house. Make Me your priority again.”
The people responded. Later that same month, stirred by the Spirit, Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest, and all the remnant of the people rose up and began rebuilding (Haggai 1:14–15).
This is the essence of Elul. It is not just about confessing sins; it is about reordering priorities. It is about putting God’s house — His presence, His kingdom, His calling — first again. Today, the temple is no longer a building in Jerusalem but the dwelling of God’s Spirit within His people (1 Corinthians 3:16). Elul calls us to clear away the rubble, to strengthen the foundations of prayer and devotion, and to rebuild our lives as holy places where His glory can dwell.
Beloved, the shofar of Elul is sounding — not a distant echo, but a divine summons to rise and rebuild the dwelling place of God. Do not delay. Do not make excuses. Do not say, “The time is not yet.” The time is now. The King is in the field, walking among His people, searching for hearts made ready to receive Him. Will He pass by and find His house in ruins, or will He find you prepared as a living temple, holy and filled with His glory? The King is near — let Him find His dwelling in you.