Haggai 2:2

2 “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, ^[a] the high priest, and also to the remnant of the people. Ask them,

Haggai 2:2 Meaning and Commentary

Haggai 2:2

Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of
Judah Of whom, his descent and dignity, (See Gill on Haggai 1:1). The Septuagint version wrongly renders it "of the tribe of Judah"; in which it is followed by the Arabic version; for, though he was of the tribe of Judah, this does not sufficiently distinguish him; nor does it answer to the word here used, which is expressive of his office and dignity. The Vulgate Latin version, Luther, and Castalio, omit the particle (an) , rendered "now", which is very emphatic. The prophet is ordered to go and say what he is bid, directly, immediately, at once, without any delay; the very day before mentioned, yea, at that very instant or moment, the people being now at work, under the eye of their governor; in order to remove an offence, which might discourage them in their work, taken from the meanness of the building, in comparison of the former temple: and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the
residue of the people;
these, besides the two former, even the whole body of the people, the remnant that were come out of the captivity of Babylon: saying;
to the above persons, as follows:

Haggai 2:2 In-Context

1 On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet, saying:

2 “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and also to the remnant of the people. Ask them,

3 ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not appear to you like nothing in comparison?’

4 But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work! For I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts.

5 This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you; do not be afraid.”

Footnotes

• [a] Jehozadak is a variant of Jozadak; also in verse 4; see Ezra 3:2.