“"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."”
Haggai 2:9
Summary
Haggai chapter 2 is divided into three main sections. In the first section, God speaks through Haggai during a time when the people are discouraged because the new temple seems insignificant compared to Solomon's temple. God assures them that His spirit remains with them and promises that the glory of this new house will surpass that of the former because He will shake the nations, bringing treasures into the temple. The message is one of encouragement and future hope as God promises peace. The second part includes a message related to the purity of the people. Through rhetorical questions relating to ritual cleanliness, God communicates that their previous condition affected the effectiveness of their offerings and efforts. However, He assures them that from this day forward, they will be blessed because of their obedience and correction of their priorities. In the final section, God delivers a message to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah. He promises to overthrow the power of the kingdoms and choose Zerubbabel as a signet ring, signifying a reaffirmation of the Davidic line, and pointing to the messianic hope. Through Zerubbabel, God confirms His plans and the restoration of His people.