HAGGAI CHAPTER 2
In our previous study, we saw the Divine exhortation to the people to consider their ways, and to recommence the building of God’s house. And, we saw the people’s response, in being led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, to return to the work. And so, the work of preparation began, as the Jews went to the mountain to replace the wood that they had stolen, and prepare for the time when the house should be built.
The second chapter was given nearly a month later, when the work was well under way. In this chapter, we see that although the Jews had started the work of God once more, their hearts were at fault. Even though they were now obedient in action, there were still serious problems which needed to be dealt with.
DESPISING SMALL THINGS
And so, the chapter begins with the Word of Yahweh to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and now, the people: “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? And how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?”
There were those amongst the people, elders who had lived to see the first Temple in all its glory before its destruction. And when they compared the current building, with it, it was greatly inferior, and as nothing in their sight.
Ezra also speaks of this: “But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice” (Ezra 3:12). And speaking of these same people, Zechariah said, “Who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zech 4:10). And so, whilst the people were rejoicing, the elders were weeping.
As we shall see, the “glory” of the first house was the Glory of Yahweh which filled it. Here, the elders were not comparing the actual houses with each other, for the house had not yet been built; only the foundation was laid. They appear to have realised that because of the imperfections of the people, this new house would not be suitable as a dwelling place for Yahweh’s Glory. Thus, it was “as nothing.”
But how easy it is to “despise” “small things”. How easy it is to look at the weaknesses, and failings of our fellowservants, rather than looking at the efforts they are making to build. How easy it is to forget, that Christ died for sinners, not for the righteous (Rom 5:7,8).
The Lord himself warns against this frame of mind: “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Mat 18:10).
Those “little ones”, whom we might despise, or esteem lightly, as the word means, have angels appointed to watch over them (Heb 1:14). But when those angels report back to the Father in heaven, would we want our discouraging response mentioned? It is the duty of all brethren and sisters to build; not destroy; let us therefore not despise small things, but work together in a common objective to strengthen and build the House of God.
The Priests and Levites who wept at the “small” efforts missed the point, as we shall see. It is not what we achieve that gives the Father pleasure, but what we try to achieve in faith.
“I AM WITH YOU”
In order to counter this voice of discouragement, the prophet exhorted the people: “Be strong … for I am with you, saith Yahweh of hosts: according to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not”.
And so, the assurance of Divine blessing for the work was given, “I am with you”. Compare this with the words of David to Solomon, as he was charged with building the first Temple, “be strong and of good courage, and do it. Fear not, nor be dismayed, for Yahweh Elohim, even my Elohim will be with thee; he will not leave thee, nor forsake thee” (1Chron 28:20). Such is the promise to all who engage themselves in the work of God. Israel were told that the assurance of the Father’s presence among them relates back to the covenant which He made with them, following their deliverance from Egypt.
We read of this covenant in Exodus 24: “And Moses took of the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold, the blood of the Covenant, which Yahweh hath made with you concerning all these words” (Ex 24:8). And this passage, immediately follows the assurance of God’s Presence with the People through an Angel in Chapter 23.
This, then, is the way to be assured of God’s presence with us. It is to be associated with the Blood of His Covenant in faith, then His angel will go with us. Expounding these things, the Apostle tells us that “ye are come unto … an innumerable company of Angels … and to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel” (Heb 12:23-24).
After exhorting the people to trust in the Ministering Spirit that would go with them, Haggai then directed their attention to things yet future. “For thus saith Yahweh of hosts, Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea, and the dry land.” Here, the “heavens” and “earth” speak of the Israelitish political heavens and earth – the place of rulership, and the people under that rule (cp Is 1:2,10). But the “sea and the dry land” speak of Gentile peoples and nations (see Ezek 26:3; Jer 51:42; Is 57:20). And so, there is yet to be a universal shaking, when all the earth shall be judged by Almighty God.
These words are given to the faithful as the reason why they should “fear not”. The Apostle cites them in Hebrews 12: “Now hath he promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us hold fast (Marg.)” (Heb 12:26-28). Thus, the things which are seen, that is, the entire system of things around us, are to be removed by this shaking. But that is so that the things which are eternal may remain. That an unmoveable Kingdom may be established, which will endure for ever.
This is what Haggai speaks of, the destruction of the systems of men, that they might be replaced by the Kingdom of God. This is the reason why not to fear, those things which cause us present distress shall be removed. All opposition shall cease, as all nations are brought into subjection to Christ.
THE DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS
Following this great shaking, Haggai informs us that, “The desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Yahweh of hosts”. But what is this “desire of all nations”? The verse can be read in two ways – the things which the nations desire, or the things which are desireable to the one speaking (i.e. Yahweh), which are of all nations. Since, as we have seen, when the Master comes, the things which the Nations find desireable (that is, the things pertaining to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1Jno 2:16)) will be removed, this cannot be the meaning.
We have a clue provided for us in Revelation 7. Here, we have a picture presented to us of the redeemed who are “before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple” (Rev 7:15). These, we are told, constitute a “great number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people and tongues” (verse 9).
The desirable things (lit Hebrew) which Haggai saw coming “of all nations”, therefore, are the saints, who are called out of all nations. They are desirable to the Master who has chosen them, and they shall constitute the glory with which the future House shall be filled (cp Ezek 43:1-5). And so in that day, “the glory of the latter house shall be greater than the former, saith Yahweh of hosts” (Hag 2:8).
This part of the prophecy began by bringing into remembrance the glory which was past, and ended with a vision of the glory of the future.
(To Be Continued)
Christopher Maddocks
