Haggai 2: Rebuilding, Shaking, and the Coming Glory
In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying,
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,
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?
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:
According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
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;
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.
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
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.
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,
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
And again the word of the Lord came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,
Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;
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.
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.
Haggai 2 speaks powerfully about God's presence, promises, and plans for His people. It addresses their discouragement, reaffirms His unwavering commitment, and offers a glimpse into a future filled with unparalleled glory. This chapter serves as a potent reminder that God is always at work, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Encouragement to Persevere (2:1-5)
The chapter opens with Haggai addressing the people who were comparing the newly constructed temple with the grandeur of Solomon's temple. Their disappointment was palpable (Haggai 2:3). Haggai, however, doesn't dismiss their feelings. Instead, he uses a series of questions to acknowledge their perspective and then pivots to a powerful call to action. "Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:4). This wasn't just a pep talk; it was a divine mandate fueled by God's very presence.
God reminds them of His covenant promise made during the Exodus, a promise of bringing them to a place of blessing. Even after their exile and return, God's Spirit remained among them (Haggai 2:5). He hadn't forgotten His people, and His presence was a guarantee of His continued faithfulness. This serves as a powerful reminder that even when we stray, God's Spirit remains a source of strength and guidance, urging us back to His path.
A Promise of Shaking and Glory (2:6-9)
The Lord declares, "Once more, in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land" (Haggai 2:6). This "shaking" signifies God's intentional intervention in the natural order. It's not random chaos, but a purposeful disruption designed to bring about a specific outcome: to turn things around so that glory would come to His house (Haggai 2:7).
Think about times in your own life when God has allowed "shaking." Perhaps a job loss, a health crisis, or a relational challenge. These uncomfortable situations often precede something new and significant that God wants to accomplish in and through us. As Tony Evans puts it, "God often puts people in uncomfortable situations just before he does something that has never been done before."
God's shaking ultimately leads to glory. He has inexhaustible resources, including "the silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:8). The restored temple, though initially appearing less impressive, would ultimately possess a greater glory than Solomon's (Haggai 2:9) because of the presence of Jesus. This speaks to a future hope, a millennial temple where the Messiah will rule from Jerusalem. This future glory provides hope and encouragement in the present, reminding us that our efforts in building God's kingdom are not in vain.
Defilement and Blessing (2:10-19)
Haggai shifts focus to the importance of obedience and holiness. He consults the priests on a ceremonial matter, clarifying that defilement is transferable like a contagious disease (Haggai 2:11-13). This illustrates a crucial principle: disobedience and sin can render our sacrifices and worship unacceptable (Haggai 2:14). True worship requires a heart that is aligned with God's will.
Haggai then reminds the people of the economic hardship they faced due to their disobedience (Haggai 2:15-17). However, because they had repented and prioritized rebuilding the temple, God promised to turn their curses into blessings. This highlights the transformative power of obedience. When we align our priorities with God's, He can reverse negative circumstances and pour out His blessings upon us.
A Promise to Zerubbabel (2:20-23)
Finally, Haggai addresses Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, directly. God assures him that He will accomplish His kingdom program by judging the nations that oppose Him (Haggai 2:21-22). Zerubbabel, as God's appointed leader, was a prototype of the Messiah. The Messiah would come through the Davidic line, leading the nation from the temple in Jerusalem.
The ultimate promise to Zerubbabel is that God would make him like a signet ring (Haggai 2:23), a symbol of authority and honor. This signifies God's favor and commitment to Zerubbabel's leadership. It also points forward to the ultimate leader, the Messiah, who will establish God's eternal kingdom.
Haggai 2 is a chapter filled with hope, encouragement, and a powerful call to action. It reminds us that God is with us, that He is working even when we can't see it, and that He has a glorious future planned for those who trust in Him. Let us be strong, let us work, and let us look forward to the day when His glory will fill the earth. This message of hope and encouragement is incredibly relevant for us today. Like the Israelites in Haggai's time, we may face discouragement and challenges. But we can draw strength from God's promises, knowing that He is with us, that He is working all things together for good, and that He has a glorious future planned for those who love Him.
In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying,
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,
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?
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:
According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
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;
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.
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
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.
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,
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
And again the word of the Lord came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,
Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;
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.
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.
Haggai 2 speaks powerfully about God's presence, promises, and plans for His people. It addresses their discouragement, reaffirms His unwavering commitment, and offers a glimpse into a future filled with unparalleled glory. This chapter serves as a potent reminder that God is always at work, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Encouragement to Persevere (2:1-5)
The chapter opens with Haggai addressing the people who were comparing the newly constructed temple with the grandeur of Solomon's temple. Their disappointment was palpable (Haggai 2:3). Haggai, however, doesn't dismiss their feelings. Instead, he uses a series of questions to acknowledge their perspective and then pivots to a powerful call to action. "Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:4). This wasn't just a pep talk; it was a divine mandate fueled by God's very presence.
God reminds them of His covenant promise made during the Exodus, a promise of bringing them to a place of blessing. Even after their exile and return, God's Spirit remained among them (Haggai 2:5). He hadn't forgotten His people, and His presence was a guarantee of His continued faithfulness. This serves as a powerful reminder that even when we stray, God's Spirit remains a source of strength and guidance, urging us back to His path.
A Promise of Shaking and Glory (2:6-9)
The Lord declares, "Once more, in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land" (Haggai 2:6). This "shaking" signifies God's intentional intervention in the natural order. It's not random chaos, but a purposeful disruption designed to bring about a specific outcome: to turn things around so that glory would come to His house (Haggai 2:7).
Think about times in your own life when God has allowed "shaking." Perhaps a job loss, a health crisis, or a relational challenge. These uncomfortable situations often precede something new and significant that God wants to accomplish in and through us. As Tony Evans puts it, "God often puts people in uncomfortable situations just before he does something that has never been done before."
God's shaking ultimately leads to glory. He has inexhaustible resources, including "the silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:8). The restored temple, though initially appearing less impressive, would ultimately possess a greater glory than Solomon's (Haggai 2:9) because of the presence of Jesus. This speaks to a future hope, a millennial temple where the Messiah will rule from Jerusalem. This future glory provides hope and encouragement in the present, reminding us that our efforts in building God's kingdom are not in vain.
Defilement and Blessing (2:10-19)
Haggai shifts focus to the importance of obedience and holiness. He consults the priests on a ceremonial matter, clarifying that defilement is transferable like a contagious disease (Haggai 2:11-13). This illustrates a crucial principle: disobedience and sin can render our sacrifices and worship unacceptable (Haggai 2:14). True worship requires a heart that is aligned with God's will.
Haggai then reminds the people of the economic hardship they faced due to their disobedience (Haggai 2:15-17). However, because they had repented and prioritized rebuilding the temple, God promised to turn their curses into blessings. This highlights the transformative power of obedience. When we align our priorities with God's, He can reverse negative circumstances and pour out His blessings upon us.
A Promise to Zerubbabel (2:20-23)
Finally, Haggai addresses Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, directly. God assures him that He will accomplish His kingdom program by judging the nations that oppose Him (Haggai 2:21-22). Zerubbabel, as God's appointed leader, was a prototype of the Messiah. The Messiah would come through the Davidic line, leading the nation from the temple in Jerusalem.
The ultimate promise to Zerubbabel is that God would make him like a signet ring (Haggai 2:23), a symbol of authority and honor. This signifies God's favor and commitment to Zerubbabel's leadership. It also points forward to the ultimate leader, the Messiah, who will establish God's eternal kingdom.
Haggai 2 is a chapter filled with hope, encouragement, and a powerful call to action. It reminds us that God is with us, that He is working even when we can't see it, and that He has a glorious future planned for those who trust in Him. Let us be strong, let us work, and let us look forward to the day when His glory will fill the earth. This message of hope and encouragement is incredibly relevant for us today. Like the Israelites in Haggai's time, we may face discouragement and challenges. But we can draw strength from God's promises, knowing that He is with us, that He is working all things together for good, and that He has a glorious future planned for those who love Him.