Haggai 2:2

2 “Say this to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of God’s people there in the land:

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 Then on October 17 of that same year, the LORD sent another message through the prophet Haggai.
2 “Say this to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of God’s people there in the land:
3 ‘Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all!
4 But now the LORD says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
5 My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Hebrew Joshua, a variant spelling of Jeshua; also in 2:4 .
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