Haggai 2
World English Bible
WEB1In the seventh month, in the twenty-first day of the month, Yahweh’s word came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 2“Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying, 3‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Isn’t it in your eyes as nothing? 4Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says Yahweh. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says Yahweh, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says Yahweh of Armies. 5This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived among you. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ 6For this is what Yahweh of Armies says: ‘Yet once more, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land; 7and I will shake all nations. The treasure of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says Yahweh of Armies. 8The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,’ says Yahweh of Armies. 9‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says Yahweh of Armies; ‘and in this place I will give peace,’ says Yahweh of Armies.” 10In the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, Yahweh’s word came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 11“Yahweh of Armies says: Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, 12‘If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with his fold touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any food, will it become holy?’” The priests answered, “No.” 13Then Haggai said, “If one who is unclean by reason of a dead body touches any of these, will it be unclean?” The priests answered, “It will be unclean.” 14Then Haggai answered, “‘So is this people, and so is this nation before me,’ says Yahweh; ‘and so is every work of their hands. That which they offer there is unclean. 15Now, please consider from this day and backward, before a stone was laid on a stone in Yahweh’s temple. 16Through all that time, when one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw out fifty, there were only twenty. 17I struck you with blight, mildew, and hail in all the work of your hands; yet you didn’t turn to me,’ says Yahweh. 18‘Consider, please, from this day and backward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, since the day that the foundation of Yahweh’s temple was laid, consider it. 19Is the seed yet in the barn? Yes, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree haven’t produced. From today I will bless you.’” 20Yahweh’s word came the second time to Haggai in the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, 21“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, ‘I will shake the heavens and the earth. 22I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overthrow the chariots and those who ride in them. The horses and their riders will come down, everyone by the sword of his brother. 23In that day, says Yahweh of Armies, I will take you, Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says Yahweh, ‘and will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ says Yahweh of Armies.”
World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org
Overview
Haggai Chapter 2 continues the prophetic message delivered by Haggai to the people of Israel, focusing on the encouragement and hope for the rebuilding of the temple after their return from exile. The chapter opens with a call to the people to be strong and work, for the Lord is with them, echoing the promise made to their ancestors (Haggai 2:4-5). This reassurance is vital as the people face discouragement due to the modest appearance of the new temple compared to the glory of Solomon's temple. Haggai reminds them that God’s presence is not dependent on the physical grandeur of the structure but on His covenant faithfulness. This is a powerful reminder that God values the heart and intention behind our worship more than mere outward appearances.
The chapter also contains a prophetic declaration about the future glory of the temple, stating that the latter glory will surpass the former (Haggai 2:9). This is a profound promise that points to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the ultimate purpose of the temple as the dwelling place of God among His people. Haggai emphasizes that God will shake the heavens and the earth, and the treasures of all nations will come to this temple, signifying a time of abundance and divine favor (Haggai 2:7-8). The chapter concludes with a personal message to Zerubbabel, the governor, affirming his role as a chosen servant of God, symbolizing the restoration of leadership and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth (Haggai 2:23). This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the hope that comes from trusting in His promises, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and work for His glory.
#Haggai #Temple #Zerubbabel #Prophecy #Covenant #Messiah
Referenced by
- Ezra 3:12v3Ezra 3:12 describes the mixed reactions of weeping and joy among the people at the temple's foundation. Haggai 2:3 addresses the disappointment of those who remembered the former temple, highlighting the emotional complexity of restoration.
- Psalms 50:10v8Psalm 50:10 declares God's ownership of every beast of the forest, paralleling Haggai 2:8 where God claims ownership of silver and gold, underscoring God's sovereignty over all creation.
- Isaiah 60:5v7Isaiah 60:5 describes the wealth of nations coming to Jerusalem. Haggai 2:7 speaks of the desire of all nations coming, which can be seen as a parallel to the wealth and glory being brought to God's house.
- Zechariah 8:12v19Zechariah 8:12 speaks of a time of prosperity with the seed being prosperous and the vine giving its fruit, which is similar to Haggai 2:19 where God promises to bless the people from that day forward, indicating a reversal of previous hardships.
Topics in this chapter
- Holiness
- Glory
- Blessing
- Encouragement
- Eschatology
- Hope
- Obedience
- Purity
- Restoration
- Strength
- Zerubbabel
- Divine Presence
- Future Glory
- God's Presence
- Peace
- Promise
- Provision
- Sovereignty of God
- Temple
- Faith
- Governor
- Haggai
- High Priest
- Joshua
- Leadership
- Messianic Hope
- Messianic Promise
- Nations
- Prophet
- Sanctification
- The Presence of God
- Trust
- Advent
- Assurance
- Authority
- Be Strong
- Christian Worship
- Courage
- Covenant
- Davidic Covenant
- Davidic Line
- Dedication
- Desire of All Nations
- Divine Approval
- Divine Intervention
- Divine Sovereignty
- Divine Support
- Faithfulness
- Glory of God
- God's Power
- God's Sovereignty
- Grace
- Jerusalem
- Kingdom of God
- Latter Glory
- Perseverance
- Prosperity
- Rebuild the Temple
- Rebuilding
- Renewal
- Self-Examination
- Shaking of the Heavens
- Shalom
- Signet Ring
- Temple Glory
- Temple Rebuilding
- Thanksgiving
- Work
Related chapters
- Ezra 3ZerubbabelTemple RebuildingRebuilding
- Zechariah 4ZerubbabelTemple RebuildingGovernor
- Ezra 5HaggaiZerubbabelTemple Rebuilding
- Haggai 1Rebuild the TempleHaggaiZerubbabel
- Isaiah 60Messianic HopeGlory of GodAdvent
- Zechariah 8Temple RebuildingKingdom of GodAdvent
- Hebrews 12Kingdom of GodEncouragementEschatology
- Ezra 6ZerubbabelTemple RebuildingGovernor
- Revelation 21Glory of GodEschatologySanctification
- Malachi 3AdventEschatologySanctification
- Matthew 1AdventDavidic Covenant
- Ezra 4ZerubbabelTemple RebuildingRebuilding
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