1 In the seventh [month], in the one and twentieth [day] of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,
2 Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,
3 Who [is] left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? [is it] not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?
4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I [am] with you, saith the LORD of hosts:
5 [According to] the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];
7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver [is] mine, and the gold [is] mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
10 In the four and twentieth [day] of the ninth [month], in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
11 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests [concerning] the law, saying,
12 If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No.
13 Then said Haggai, If [one that is] unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.
14 Then answered Haggai, and said, So [is] this people, and so [is] this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so [is] every work of their hands; and that which they offer there [is] unclean.
15 And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:
16 Since those [days] were, when [one] came to an heap of twenty [measures], there were [but] ten: when [one] came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty [vessels] out of the press, there were [but] twenty.
17 I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye [turned] not to me, saith the LORD.
18 Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth [month, even] from the day that the foundation of the LORD’S temple was laid, consider [it].
19 Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless [you].
20 And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth [day] of the month, saying,
21 Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;
22 And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.
23 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.
Overview of Haggai Chapter 2
Haggai Chapter 2 serves as a continuation of the prophet Haggai’s messages to the people of Judah after their return from exile. This chapter emphasizes themes of encouragement, the significance of the temple, and the promise of future glory for the people of Israel. It addresses the challenges faced by the returning exiles and reassures them of God’s presence and blessings.
Key Themes
- Encouragement to the People: The chapter opens with a call to the people to be strong and continue their work on the temple.
- Comparison of Temples: It contrasts the former temple’s glory with the current temple, assuring the people that the latter will surpass the former.
- God’s Presence: A promise of God’s presence and peace is reiterated, emphasizing that He is with His people.
- Future Glory: The chapter concludes with a prophetic vision of future blessings and the shaking of nations.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-9: Call to Strength and Reassurance
In the opening verses, Haggai addresses the people directly, encouraging them to be strong and continue their work on the temple. This is significant as the people might have felt discouraged due to the temple’s humble beginnings compared to Solomon’s temple.
- God’s Command: The Lord commands the people to be strong, which suggests a need for resilience amidst their struggles.
- Historical Context: The reference to the former glory of the temple serves to remind the people of their heritage and God’s past blessings.
- Promise of Future Glory: God assures the people that the glory of the new temple will be greater than that of the former, indicating a divine plan for restoration.
Verses 10-19: The Importance of Holiness
These verses shift focus to the importance of holiness and the consequences of sin. Haggai poses questions regarding the purity of offerings and the impact of defilement.
- Defilement and Purity: The metaphor of holiness is explored, illustrating how holiness cannot be transferred like defilement can.
- Call to Repentance: The people are reminded of their past disobedience and the resulting hardships, urging them to turn back to God.
- Promise of Blessing: God promises to bless the people from this day forward, signifying a new beginning as they commit to rebuilding the temple.
Verses 20-23: The Sign of God’s Sovereignty
The chapter concludes with a message directed to Zerubbabel, the governor, highlighting God’s sovereignty and the future role of Zerubbabel in God’s plan.
- Divine Authority: God declares that He will shake the heavens and the earth, symbolizing His control over all creation.
- Chosen Vessel: Zerubbabel is referred to as God’s signet ring, indicating his importance in the restoration of Israel and God’s covenant.
- Hope for the Future: This promise serves as a reminder that God has not abandoned His people and that they have a significant role in His redemptive plan.
Conclusion
Haggai Chapter 2 is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. The chapter encourages the people to remain steadfast in their efforts to rebuild the temple, assuring them of God’s presence and future blessings. It highlights the significance of holiness and the assurance that God is sovereign over all circumstances, providing hope and direction for the people of Israel.
