Haggai 2
Haggai 2 addresses the discouraged Israelites as they rebuild the temple, urging them to remain strong and faithful despite the seemingly unimpressive progress. The chapter emphasizes God's promise of a glorious future, not only for the temple but for the people as well. It conveys God’s assurance of His presence, a blessing for obedience, and a future hope that transcends their present challenges. Haggai 2 reassures the people that their efforts and faithfulness are acknowledged, encouraging them to persevere.
Haggai 2:1-3 (NKJV)
1 "In the seventh month, on the twenty-first of the month, the word of the Lord 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 temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?'"
God speaks to the leaders and the remnant, recognizing their discouragement by comparing the modest temple they are building with Solomon's grand temple. The older generation, who witnessed the former glory, likely felt disheartened by the stark difference. God acknowledges this, understanding their disappointment, but He is setting the stage to encourage them about the future glory that will surpass their expectations.
Haggai 2:4-5 (NKJV)
4 "Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts.
5 ‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’"
God calls Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people to be strong and continue their work. Despite the temple's humble appearance, God assures them of His presence. The reminder of His covenant at the time of the Exodus serves to inspire confidence in His unchanging faithfulness. This encouragement to “not fear” is meant to redirect their focus from the temple’s appearance to God’s enduring promise and presence with them.
Haggai 2:6-9 (NKJV)
6 "For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land;
7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts.
8 ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts.
9 ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts."
In Haggai 2:6-9, God declares that He will “shake” the heavens and earth—a metaphor for upheavals that will reveal His power among the nations. This shaking will draw people and resources, symbolizing the coming of greater glory and abundance. God emphasizes that all wealth is His, and He will provide for His temple. He promises, “The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,” pointing to a divine purpose beyond mere physical splendor, where His presence will bring ultimate peace. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Though the Second Temple lacked the Ark of the Covenant and the Shekinah glory present in Solomon’s Temple, the true “greater glory” came with Jesus, the embodiment of God’s presence and the true temple where God dwells. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection surpass the rituals and sacrifices of the earthly temple, providing direct access to God and fulfilling the prophecy in a personal, living temple. Through Jesus, and by extension His followers as the body of Christ, God’s presence becomes accessible in a way that even the First Temple could not achieve, making this latter glory truly greater.
Haggai 2:10-14 (NKJV)
10 "On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying,
11 ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Now, ask the priests concerning the law, saying,
12 ‘If one carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with the edge he touches bread or stew, wine or oil, or any food, will it become holy?’”’ Then the priests answered and said, ‘No.’
13 And Haggai said, ‘If one who is unclean because of a dead body touches any of these, will it be unclean?’ So the priests answered and said, ‘It shall be unclean.’
14 Then Haggai answered and said, ‘So is this people, and so is this nation before Me,’ says the Lord, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean."
Haggai uses questions about ceremonial law to illustrate spiritual impurity. Just as something unclean can spread impurity by touch, the people’s actions have been affected by their disobedient hearts. Despite their religious practices, they needed purity in their relationship with God to bring blessings. This emphasizes that God desires true obedience and heart devotion, not merely ritualistic offerings.
Haggai 2:15-19 (NKJV)
15 "‘And now, carefully consider from this day forward: from before stone was laid upon stone in the temple of the Lord—
16 since those days, when one came to a heap of twenty ephahs, there were but ten; when one came to the wine vat to draw out fifty baths from the press, there were but twenty.
17 I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the labors of your hands; yet you did not turn to Me,’ says the Lord.
18 ‘Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid—consider it:
19 Is the seed still in the barn? As yet, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yielded fruit. But from this day I will bless you.’"
God reminds the people of past hardships, such as poor harvests, caused by their neglect of His temple. Their struggles were intended to prompt them to turn back to Him, yet they had persisted without seeking God. Now, as they obediently rebuild the temple, God promises a change in their fortunes—a new season of blessing, symbolizing His pleasure in their renewed commitment.
Haggai 2:20-23 (NKJV)
20 "And again the word of the Lord came to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying,
21 ‘Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying:
22 I will shake heaven and earth. I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms; I will destroy the strength of the Gentile kingdoms. I will overthrow the chariots and those who ride in them; the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.
23 In that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the Lord, ‘and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the Lord of hosts."
God reassures Zerubbabel of His sovereign power, promising a future where He will overturn earthly kingdoms and establish His rule. Zerubbabel, as a descendant of David, is given special honor, symbolized by the signet ring, representing authority and divine selection. This signifies not only God’s favor upon Zerubbabel but also foreshadows the coming Messianic Kingdom, where God's chosen will reign in peace and righteousness.