Introduction

Haggai delivers his second sermon to post-exile Israel as they rebuild the temple. Amid their discouragement, he reminds them of God’s past faithfulness, present presence, and future promises, urging them to press on in building His house.

Key Points

• Situation: The post-exile Israelites were discouraged that their new temple was far less glorious than the then-Solomon’s temple.
• Main Point: The Creator God, who saved them before, promises to save them again, as He is with them through His Spirit.
• Purpose: Know God, be strong and courageous, and press on in building God’s house.

Haggai 2:1

In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet…

After returning to their homeland, the post-exilic Jews initially laid the foundation of the temple (Ezra 3:11) but became discouraged and abandoned the work for 18 years (Ezra 4:4–5). Following Haggai’s first sermon (Hag 1:1–11), they resumed rebuilding the temple. This marks Haggai’s second prophetic message, given one month into the rebuilding. The temple was still unfinished, and many Israelites, particularly the older generation, were deeply disheartened, comparing it to Solomon’s grand temple. As we build God’s spiritual house—the Church (1 Pet 2:5)—God’s Spirit continually encourages us through His Word. He reminds us that even small acts of faithfulness are part of His grand redemptive plan.

Haggai 2:2

Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant of the people, and say…

Haggai’s encouragement was not just for the political leader (Zerubbabel) or the religious leader (Joshua), but for all the people of God. Every person, regardless of role, was involved in the work of rebuilding God’s house. Building God’s kingdom is not just for pastors, leaders, or theologians—it’s a collective mission. Every believer is called to engage in making disciples (Matt 28:19–20) and strengthening the Church.

Haggai 2:3–4a

Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? 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.

The older generation mourned because this new temple seemed far inferior to Solomon’s temple (1 Ki 5–6). In their eyes, it was insignificant compared to Israel’s past golden age. Yet, God does not rebuke their disappointment—He encourages them. We often compare God’s present work to the “glory days” of the past and feel discouraged. But God calls us to be strong and keep building, knowing He is working toward a greater purpose—even when we can’t yet see it.

Haggai 2:4b–5

Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.

The Lord of hosts (i.e., the God of angel armies) reminds them that His presence is their strength. Just as He was with their ancestors in the Exodus, He remains with them now through His covenant. Our confidence to obey God is not rooted in circumstances but in His covenantal presence. As believers, we can trust that God’s Spirit is in us (Eph 1:13–14), and Christ is with us (Matt 28:20).

Haggai 2:6–7

For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations…

God has shaken the world before—in the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and Israel’s conquest of Canaan. Here, He promises another shaking—a future cosmic intervention to bring about His kingdom. The Holy Spirit reminds us that Jesus has already shaken history through His death and resurrection and will shake the world again when He returns (Heb 12:26–28). Because of this hope, our work for God’s kingdom is never in vain (1 Cor 15:58).

Haggai 2:7b–8

…so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts.

God assures His people that He will provide all that is needed to glorify His house. Just as Solomon’s temple was adorned with wealth from foreign nations (1 Ki 5–10), so too will this new house be filled with greater glory. Every blessing belongs to God—whether material wealth, talents, or time. He invites us to use them to build His kingdom, knowing that the greatest treasure is His presence in our midst.

Haggai 2:9

The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.

The shocking claim here is that this “lesser” temple will surpass Solomon’s magnificent temple. Why? Because true glory is not in gold or splendor—but in God’s presence. This prophecy ultimately points to Jesus, who is the true temple of God (John 2:19–21). Today, we are God’s house (1 Cor 3:16), and Christ’s presence in us is greater than any physical structure. We experience true peace in Him—peace that surpasses understanding (Phil 4:7).

Conclusion

Haggai encourages the post-exile Jews with the assurance of God’s past faithfulness, His Spirit’s abiding presence, and His promises of restoration and peace. God reminds them to be strong and press on in building His house because He is with them and will ultimately fill His temple with a greater glory.

Summary

1. God’s Word came to Haggai to encourage all of Israel’s leaders and people (2:1–2).
2. God acknowledges the people’s discouragement but commands them to be strong and continue building (2:3–5).
3. God promises to shake the nations, bring their treasures, and fill His house with glory (2:6–8).
4. God assures them of greater glory for this house and His peace (2:9).