Haggai 2

Comparing the two temples (vs. 1-5)—About a month later, the Lord spoke to Zerubbabel and Joshua again (vs. 1-2). The subject was a comparison of Solomon’s temple with the current one, which wasn’t anywhere near completion, but it was already obvious it would be far inferior to the first one. After the captivity, the Jews simply didn’t have the resources to erect a building with the splendor and magnificence of Solomon’s temple. There were apparently a few, very aged people, who might have seen and remembered the first structure (v. 3). They would been in their late 70s or 80s because the date here is some 70 years after Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the first temple. Apparently the Lord assumed that the inferiority of the current temple might be a singular disappointment to the people because He urges Zurbbabel, Joshua, and “all you people of the land” to be strong and work, “for I am with you” (v. 4). He had made a covenant with them when they came out of Egypt (see Deut. 5:1-4), and He was going to honor it (v. 5).

The Desire of All Nations will come (vs. 6-9)—Inherent in that promise (v. 5) was the coming of the Messiah. Such will be the most magnanimous event the world has ever seen (“I will shake all nations,” v. 7), and the temple (the church) would be filled with glory. And “the glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former” (v. 9). And His people will be blessed with peace. God never let the people—or us—forget the true aim of it all: salvation from sin through Jesus, the Desire of All Nations. Indeed, those who do not desire Him should, as one day they, too, will bow before Him and confess Him (Phil. 2:10-11).

An unclean people (vs. 10-14)—Even though the Lord has brought the Jews back from captivity, they were never to forget the cause of their captivity in the first place and their continued sin in His presence. We all stand in need of God’s mercy at all times. The blessing He gave them of allowing them to return home did not mean that, all of a sudden, they were lily white pure in His eyes. No, the uncleanness was still there, and indeed, that was why this new temple had to be built. There are two analogies here: If one carries something holy on his person and touches something not holy, does that make the latter item holy? No, it does not (v. 12). If a person touches a dead body and thus, according to the Law of Moses, becomes unclean, does whatsoever he may touch also become unclean? And the answer to that is yes (v. 13). Israel’s uncleanness was still manifest before God, as evidenced by the fact they had been so slow in rebuilding His temple.

Blessings are forthcoming (vs. 15-23)—The prophet ends with a message of hope. After reminding the people that the shortage of goods was a punishment for their lack of spirituality (chapter 1, and it is noted here again in verses 15-17), the Lord told them that “from the day that the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid…from this day I will bless you” (vs. 18-19). When we finally decide to be obedient to the Lord’s will and busy with His work, we will find ourselves the recipients of divine grace and favor. There is a beautiful thought along this line in Daniel 10:12—“Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.” If we will humble ourselves before Him, pray, and do His will, we can expect God to notice and provide what we need. Haggai’s final message is words of encouragement from the Lord to Zerubbabel. In a picture of destructive warfare, Jehovah promises strength to the governor, and “will make you like a signet ring” (v. 23)—exalt Zerubbabel in the eyes of the people. The Jews had returned home, they were rebuilding their temple, and the Lord promises them protection from their enemies. What more could they want?