Haggai 2

In this chapter we see how quick the Lord is to encourage those who obey the prophetic Word that the Lord gave them through the prophet Haggai concerning the rebuilding of the house of the Lord. After 23 days, (Haggai 1:1,15) of hearing the prophetic Word, the people, together with their Governor Zerubbabel and their High priest Joshua, obediently got started with the work.

On seeing this, and realising that in comparison to the former glory of the temple, what they had begun to do was nothing in comparison, Haggai 2:1-3, God was quick to encourage them that no matter how things seemed, they needed to be strong for God was with them, because they started the work in obedience to His Word, vs 4, and as per His covenant, which He made with them when they had departed from Egypt, they needed to be reminded that His Spirit was with them, and so, they had nothing to fear, vs 5.

Infact, He now promised them that because of their obedience to begin rebuilding the temple once again, according to His commandment, He would yet once again, in a little while, shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and all the Nations too, and the desire of all Nations would come: and He would fill this very house with His glory, for all the silver and gold belonged to Him anyways, vs 6-8. Thus, God would ensure that the glory of this latter house would be greater than the former one and He Himself would give peace to those who worshipped in this place, vs 9.

Once again, after a little over 3 months, Haggai received another Word to give to the people, vs 10, wherein God makes them understand that holiness does not pass from one thing to another merely by touching the same, just like uncleanness does, for the Nation of Israel had contaminated all their good deeds because of their uncleanness in other areas, vs 11-14.

Nevertheless, because of their obedience to rebuild the temple of the Lord, in accordance with the command of the Lord, God was about to bless the work of their hands, and so previously wherein their harvest was cursed, now, ever since the foundation of the temple was laid, they were going to experience a blessing on the produce of their hands, vs 15-19!

The prophet also informed their Governor, Zerubbabel, that on account of his obedience, whereas God was going to shake the heavens and the earth; and overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and overthrow their chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders too, vs 20-22, yet God was about to take Zerubbabel, His servant, the son of Shealtiel, and make him as a signet: for God had chosen him to begin this glorious work of rebuilding the temple and he was obedient to the same, vs 23! This shows us the great importance that God places on obedience to His Word and the building of His house.

Our prosperity and blessing is attached to the same! So, even if it a seemingly small work that God has given us to do in this regard, let us be faithful like Zerubbabel, Joshua and their people were, for what will make all the difference to that little work, will be the Spirit of God backing it up and God’s presence and peace that goes with it in order to bring the increase and blessing to many, which is so much needed.

And as a bonus, the work of our hands will be blessed too, and we will have a standing before God just like Zerubbabel did! *So, let us not despise the day of small beginnings, but continue to be faithful in little, so that God can entrust us with much for His glory and the blessing of His people, in due season!

Rowena Thomas
Mumbai, India.