Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the
son
of Josedech the high priest
Here follows an account of the success of Haggai's prophecy; with
what power and efficacy the word of the Lord by him was attended;
how it at once reached and affected the hearts of princes and
people, and brought them to obedience to the will of God. The
governor and high priest are mentioned first, as being the
principal persons, and who very probably first declared their
sense of their former neglect, and their readiness to do as they
were directed; which was setting a good example to the people,
and doubtless had some influence upon them: with all the
remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord
their God;
not the two leading men in church and state only; but all the
people that came out of the Babylonish captivity, who were but a
remnant; a few that were left through various calamities they had
been exposed unto; these, one and all, signified how willing and
ready they were to do the work of the Lord enjoined them: or,
"they heard the voice of the Lord" F3; by the prophet, very
attentively and seriously; and received and regarded it, not as
the word of men, but as the word of God; and determined to act
according to it: and the words of Haggai the
prophet;
or, "and for the words of Haggai the prophet" F4;
because of them, considering them as coming from the Lord
himself: as the Lord their God had sent him;
regarding him as having a mission and commission from the Lord to
deliver them to them: and the people did fear before the
Lord;
perceiving that he was displeased with them for the neglect of
his house; and that this drought upon them was a chastisement and
correction for this sin; and fearing lest his wrath should
continue, and they should be more severely dealt with, on account
of their transgressions.