Haggai 2:1-9 – Being a part of God’s grand design

At the beginning of this book, we are told that Haggai gave God’s first message on the first day of the 6th month in the 2nd year of King Darius' reign.  The second message recorded in Haggai 2:1-9 was given on the 21st day of the 7th month. The message was again given to Zerubbabel and Jeshua for the people.

The project’s groundwork for the temple reconstruction was initially set sixteen years before the pause in construction. There was likely some deterioration over the years of inactivity. As a result, additional work was required before the actual construction of the building could commence. Approximately a month after work resumed, enough of the reconstructed foundation had been revealed for the builders to envision the dimensions of the planned temple.

In Haggai 2:1-3, some very old individuals who remembered Solomon’s magnificent temple might have commented that the new one was less impressive. Knowing that this could discourage the builders, Haggai delivered this second message to encourage them. In verses 4-5, Haggai, as God’s spokesman, reassured them that God would be with them, just as he had been with their ancestors when he brought them out of Egypt.

Verses 6-8 further assured the people that just as God shook the earth when the law was given at Mount Sinai, He would again ‘shake’ heaven and earth, the sea and the dry land, through this temple more excellently. This reconstructed temple would be the Jewish nation’s spiritual center, with a grandeur surpassing Solomon’s temple. It would be far more splendid and glorious than the discouraged workmen could imagine. God, the owner of the world’s wealth, would direct rulers of other nations to bring silver and gold to beautify it.

However, far greater glory would come through the multitudes from many nations who would join with Israel in the true temple. Prophetically, Haggai in verse 9 was pointing to the Messiah’s real dwelling place where peace would be found. God would be among all the redeemed, uniting them in a living temple that He would establish in the world in unparalleled glory.

God’s plans are indeed grander and more magnificent than we can imagine. When we set our hearts and minds on His glorious plan, we can persevere through any discouragement in life. Be assured that God is our source. He will provide the resources for the fulfillment of His grand design. We thank God that in Christ, we are now participants in His glorious plan.