The book of Haggai remains one of the most important books of the Old Testament Intertestamental Period. Why? Because it describes the challenges and struggles that occurred during the rebuilding of the first Temple that was built by King Solomon and later destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BCE (see 1 Kings 7:1, 38; 2 Kings 25:8-9). It was during the Intertestamental Period that the cultural and religious foundations were laid that would evolve into the Judaism that we see in the New Testament. Throughout the study of the history, geography, and politics of this era, you will learn a lot about an important era of biblical history. This short Bible study guide will inform, enlighten, and inspire you to learn and study more whether you study alone or in a small group, a church-wide Bible study fellowship, or Sunday school class. Excerpt from the Book The New Testament Era begins in many respects with the close of the Old Testament Era. There is a commonly held belief that the time between the Old and New Testaments is the period of prophetic silence in Israel. One of the major difficulties that Bible teachers face when teaching about this era in Jewish history is the lack of enthusiasm on the part of many believers to want to study the Intertestamental Period. In all too many instances the cry is "give me Jesus and that's enough." Unfortunately, one cannot begin to comprehend the full impact of the ministry of Jesus without some knowledge of the cultural, historical, geographical, religious, and social backgrounds out of which His ministry took place.