He called them to reverence and glorify God by building the Temple in spite of local and official opposition. Haggai called them not to be discouraged because this Temple would not be quite as richly decorated as Solomon's. He exhorted them to turn from the uncleanness of their ways and to trust in God's sovereign power.
Aliwaita kwa unyenyekevu na kumtukuza Mungu kwa kujenga Hekalu licha ya upinzani kichini chini na rasmi. Hagai aliwaita wasitamaushwe kwa sababu Hekalu hili halitapambwa sana kama lile la Sulemani. Aliwasihi kugeuka kutoka uovu wa njia zao na kuamini katika nguvu kuu za Mungu.