Haggai 2:4
Verse
Context
The Coming Glory of God’s House
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?’ 4But 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. 5This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you; do not be afraid.”
Sermons
Mark Rhodes
Hugh Morrison
Carter Conlon
G. Campbell Morgan
Lewis Sperry Chafer
J.H. NewmanSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Yet now be strong - Do not let this discourage you. The chief glory of the temple is not its splendid building, but my presence; and as I covenanted to be with you when ye came out of Egypt, so I will fulfill my covenant; for my Spirit remaineth among you, fear not; Hag 2:5. What is the most splendid cathedral, if God be not in it, influencing all by his presence and Spirit? But he will not be in it unless there be a messenger of the Lord there, and unless he deliver the Lord's message.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
be strong . . . for I am with you--The greatest strength is to have Jehovah with us as our strength. Not in man's "might," but in that of God's Spirit (Zac 4:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord,.... Take heart, be of good courage, do not be dismayed at these things; though, the building may be contemptible in the eyes of some, nevertheless go on with it manfully and vigorously; let, none despise the day of small things; for from these low beginnings great things will arise, and glorious things will follow, as hereafter predicted; see Zac 4:9 attend this, work diligently, desist not from it, continue to preside over it, and encourage the people in it; let not thine heart faint, or thine hands be slack; act the part of man, of a good man, and of a governor: and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech the high priest; do not be disheartened at what the ancients think and say concerning this temple, in which thou art to officiate as a high priest; and as a type of him who shall come into this house, and so give it a glory the former never had; continue to give the necessary instructions to the builders, that everything may be done in proper order, and to answer their end and use in the service of the priesthood; faint not, nor be discouraged, but act according to thy character, and show thyself worthy of the office with which thou art invested; consider in whose name thou actest?, whose priest thou art, and in whose service thou art employed: and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord; let not your hearts sink, or spirits fail, at hearing what the more ancient among you say of the difference between this and the former building, which your eyes never saw; do not desist from your work on this account, but go on with it; consider what God has done for you, in bringing you out of captivity, and into your own land, and to the enjoyment of your civil privileges; consider the obligations you lie under to build a house for God; that this is not only a piece of gratitude, and shows a sense of mercies received; but that it is for the glory of God, for your spiritual profit and advantage, and for the use and good of future posterity; quit yourselves therefore like men, and be strong; see Jos 1:6, and work; that is, continue working, for they were at work; but there was danger of their leaving off working, being discouraged at what the ancient people said; and therefore they are exhorted to go on in their work, and go through it, and finish it; for so the word here used signifies, "and do" (e); that is, the work thoroughly and effectually; or, as others render it, "and perfect" (f) the work begun, and leave it not unfinished. Aben Ezra, Jarchi, Kimchi, and Ben Melech, connect this word with the beginning of the following verse, thus, "and do the word, or thing, which I covenanted with you", &c. Hag 2:5; that is, observe the law, and do the commandment then given; but very wrongly: nor is it only to be considered as directed to the people, but to the prince and priest also; for they had all work to do in the house of the Lord, as all ranks and degrees of men now have in the church of Christ; of which that house was typical: the prince or civil magistrate, not to prescribe laws and rules to be observed in it, which only belongs to Christ, who is the sole Head, King, and Lawgiver; but to attend the service of it, to protect and defend it, to promote the interest of it, and distribute cheerfully to the maintenance of its ministers, and to the necessities of the poor saints. Priests or ministers of the word are to work; they are to labour in the word and doctrine; in preaching the Gospel; administering ordinances; governing the church; comforting saints; reproving vice, and refuting error: deacons are to do their work, in taking care of the poor, and minding the secular affairs of the church: and all private Christians are to work, to labour in prayer for the good of it; to hear the word, attend on all ordinances, and hold fast the profession of their faith; all which is to be done in the strength and grace of Christ, without dependence on it, or seeking justification and salvation by it; encouraged, as the Jews are here, with the promise of the divine Presence: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts; to help in every service, and to protect from all enemies; and this makes the work and service of the Lord's house pleasant and delightful, and secures from all doubts and fears, faintings and misgivings of heart. This is to be understood of God the Father, the Lord of armies above and below; and if he is for and with his people, they have nothing to fear from those that are against them; or to be discouraged in his service. The Targum wrongly interprets this of the Word of the Lord, since he is meant in the next verse Hag 2:5. (e) "et facite", V. L. Munster, Pagninus, Montanus, Burkius. (f) "Perficite", Piscator, Tarnovius, Varenius, Reinbeck.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4 But now . . . Be strong: This marks a shift from rebuke and challenge to encouragement and affirmation (cp. Josh 1:6-7).
Haggai 2:4
The Coming Glory of God’s House
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?’ 4But 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. 5This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you; do not be afraid.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Facing the Opposition
By Mark Rhodes1.0K36:33OppositionHAG 2:41CO 15:582CO 13:2TIT 3:11PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their past experiences of being assigned to more militant topics. They then turn to the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament to discuss facing opposition. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being dedicated to the work of God and being prepared to face opposition. They highlight the need to seal the borders and be ready to work, as well as maintaining the right attitude and being willing to combat opposition. The sermon also references verses from 1 Peter and Haggai to support these points.
Not by Might
By Hugh Morrison9801:01:01Holy SpiritHAG 2:4MAT 6:33ACT 1:81CO 1:171CO 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that it is not our own abilities or persuasive words that win souls, but rather the demonstration of the Spirit and power of God. The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling inadequate and relying on the Holy Spirit's power. They highlight the importance of knowing the Scripture and the power of God. The sermon also emphasizes that Jesus brings real and eternal life, contrasting it with the death that the law brings.
The Glory of the Latter House
By Carter Conlon77750:54Last DaysEXO 19:4HAG 2:4In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common misconception that simply studying, praying, and doing more will lead to a life of glory and ambassadorship for God. He uses the example of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, who had an intimate relationship with Jesus but still struggled to live out their faith. The speaker emphasizes that God's presence remains with us, even in our failures and shortcomings. He also highlights the need for true faith and conversion, as well as the consequences of lacking in these areas, such as a lack of fruitfulness and a spiritual drought. The speaker encourages believers to be strong, for God is with them, and to continue working for His glory.
The Message of Haggai
By G. Campbell Morgan0Building God's KingdomFaith in AdversityPSA 37:5ISA 40:31JER 29:11HAG 1:13HAG 2:4HAG 2:19MAT 6:33ROM 8:281CO 15:58PHP 4:13G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the message of Haggai, addressing the perils faced by the people during adversity, including false contentment, discontent, expectation, and fear. He urges the faithful to take action, reminding them that God is with them and that they must build the temple despite their circumstances. Morgan highlights the importance of patience and obedience, asserting that blessings come from God as a gift rather than a result of human efforts. He warns against longing for the past and expecting immediate results, encouraging believers to focus on their duties and trust in God's timing. Ultimately, the call to 'Be strong and work' encapsulates the essence of Haggai's message.
God the Holy Spirit: His Advent
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0GEN 41:38EXO 31:3NUM 27:18JOB 33:4PSA 139:7HAG 2:4ZEC 4:6LUK 11:13JHN 14:161CO 6:19EPH 2:182TH 2:7HEB 9:14Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the Spirit's advent into the world, emphasizing the various dispensations and revealed purposes of God. The Holy Spirit's presence in the world before and after the first advent of Christ is explored, highlighting His continuous work in and through the people of God. The progressive ministry of the Spirit during Christ's earthly ministry and the present age of the Church is discussed, focusing on His abode in believers and the growth of the spiritual temple. The future departure of the Spirit from the world and His unique ministry during the Kingdom age are also examined.
The Kingdom of Heaven
By J.H. Newman0LEV 19:17HAG 2:4MAT 16:18MAT 28:20REV 22:19J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Church through careful examination of Scripture, despite objections or preconceived notions. He emphasizes the need to consider the restoration of this doctrine and its impact on our spiritual system, shifting our perspective to view the Church as central. Newman encourages a deeper exploration of seemingly insignificant texts that may reveal important truths and lead to a truer understanding of the Church's role in our lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Yet now be strong - Do not let this discourage you. The chief glory of the temple is not its splendid building, but my presence; and as I covenanted to be with you when ye came out of Egypt, so I will fulfill my covenant; for my Spirit remaineth among you, fear not; Hag 2:5. What is the most splendid cathedral, if God be not in it, influencing all by his presence and Spirit? But he will not be in it unless there be a messenger of the Lord there, and unless he deliver the Lord's message.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
be strong . . . for I am with you--The greatest strength is to have Jehovah with us as our strength. Not in man's "might," but in that of God's Spirit (Zac 4:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord,.... Take heart, be of good courage, do not be dismayed at these things; though, the building may be contemptible in the eyes of some, nevertheless go on with it manfully and vigorously; let, none despise the day of small things; for from these low beginnings great things will arise, and glorious things will follow, as hereafter predicted; see Zac 4:9 attend this, work diligently, desist not from it, continue to preside over it, and encourage the people in it; let not thine heart faint, or thine hands be slack; act the part of man, of a good man, and of a governor: and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech the high priest; do not be disheartened at what the ancients think and say concerning this temple, in which thou art to officiate as a high priest; and as a type of him who shall come into this house, and so give it a glory the former never had; continue to give the necessary instructions to the builders, that everything may be done in proper order, and to answer their end and use in the service of the priesthood; faint not, nor be discouraged, but act according to thy character, and show thyself worthy of the office with which thou art invested; consider in whose name thou actest?, whose priest thou art, and in whose service thou art employed: and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord; let not your hearts sink, or spirits fail, at hearing what the more ancient among you say of the difference between this and the former building, which your eyes never saw; do not desist from your work on this account, but go on with it; consider what God has done for you, in bringing you out of captivity, and into your own land, and to the enjoyment of your civil privileges; consider the obligations you lie under to build a house for God; that this is not only a piece of gratitude, and shows a sense of mercies received; but that it is for the glory of God, for your spiritual profit and advantage, and for the use and good of future posterity; quit yourselves therefore like men, and be strong; see Jos 1:6, and work; that is, continue working, for they were at work; but there was danger of their leaving off working, being discouraged at what the ancient people said; and therefore they are exhorted to go on in their work, and go through it, and finish it; for so the word here used signifies, "and do" (e); that is, the work thoroughly and effectually; or, as others render it, "and perfect" (f) the work begun, and leave it not unfinished. Aben Ezra, Jarchi, Kimchi, and Ben Melech, connect this word with the beginning of the following verse, thus, "and do the word, or thing, which I covenanted with you", &c. Hag 2:5; that is, observe the law, and do the commandment then given; but very wrongly: nor is it only to be considered as directed to the people, but to the prince and priest also; for they had all work to do in the house of the Lord, as all ranks and degrees of men now have in the church of Christ; of which that house was typical: the prince or civil magistrate, not to prescribe laws and rules to be observed in it, which only belongs to Christ, who is the sole Head, King, and Lawgiver; but to attend the service of it, to protect and defend it, to promote the interest of it, and distribute cheerfully to the maintenance of its ministers, and to the necessities of the poor saints. Priests or ministers of the word are to work; they are to labour in the word and doctrine; in preaching the Gospel; administering ordinances; governing the church; comforting saints; reproving vice, and refuting error: deacons are to do their work, in taking care of the poor, and minding the secular affairs of the church: and all private Christians are to work, to labour in prayer for the good of it; to hear the word, attend on all ordinances, and hold fast the profession of their faith; all which is to be done in the strength and grace of Christ, without dependence on it, or seeking justification and salvation by it; encouraged, as the Jews are here, with the promise of the divine Presence: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts; to help in every service, and to protect from all enemies; and this makes the work and service of the Lord's house pleasant and delightful, and secures from all doubts and fears, faintings and misgivings of heart. This is to be understood of God the Father, the Lord of armies above and below; and if he is for and with his people, they have nothing to fear from those that are against them; or to be discouraged in his service. The Targum wrongly interprets this of the Word of the Lord, since he is meant in the next verse Hag 2:5. (e) "et facite", V. L. Munster, Pagninus, Montanus, Burkius. (f) "Perficite", Piscator, Tarnovius, Varenius, Reinbeck.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4 But now . . . Be strong: This marks a shift from rebuke and challenge to encouragement and affirmation (cp. Josh 1:6-7).