What rebuke did Haggai give to the people regarding their priorities?

Haggai's rebuke to the people centered on their misplaced priorities, specifically that they were prioritizing their own homes while neglecting the reconstruction of the temple. This reflects a broader message about how the people had returned from exile and, instead of focusing on restoring their spiritual center and relationship with God, they were more concerned with their personal comfort and material possessions.

In Haggai 1:4, the prophet emphasizes this concern by asking, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" This illustrates that while they were investing in their personal living spaces, they were neglecting the communal aspect of worship and the restoration of the temple, which was central to their identity as God's people.

Haggai's message serves as a call to realign their priorities with God's purposes, highlighting the tension between personal desires and communal responsibilities. It encourages the people to reflect on their choices and understand that their well-being is interconnected with their obedience to the divine mandate of rebuilding the temple. This thematic concern underscores the importance of prioritizing spiritual commitments over individual interests.