Who is left . . . ? = Who is there among you, the remnant? Evidently there were some present who had seen it. Compare Ezra 3:12 . this house. The Temple is regarded as one throughout. first = primitive. read more
Haggai 2:3. Who is left among you, &c.— See the note on Ezra 3:12. The foundation of this house was laid in the second year of Cyrus; the second year of Cyrus was fifty-three years after the destruction of the first temple; so that the oldest men among those who returned might very well remember it; and though this prophesy was uttered fifteen years after the foundation of the second temple, yet there might still survive some of those who had seen the structure built by Solomon. See Lowth.... read more
3. Who is left . . . that saw . . . first glory—Many elders present at the laying of the foundation of the second temple who had seen the first temple (Ezra 3:12; Ezra 3:13) in all its glory, wept at the contrast presented by the rough and unpromising appearance of the former in its beginnings. From the destruction of the first temple to the second year of Darius Hystaspes, the date of Haggai's prophecy, was a space of seventy years (Ezra 3:13- :); and to the first year of Cyrus, or the end of... read more
II. A PROMISE OF FUTURE GLORY FOR THE TEMPLE 2:1-9 read more
The Lord asked if the older members of the restoration community who had seen Solomon’s temple, which perished 66 years earlier, did not think the present temple was nothing in comparison (cf. Zechariah 4:10). The Lord’s three questions forced the people to admit that the present temple was not as grand as the former one had been. The older returnees had made a similar negative comparison when the foundation of the temple was laid 16 years earlier in 536 B.C (cf. Ezra 3:8-13). The dedication of... read more
2Words of Encouragement. The Glory of the Second Temple1-9. An encouraging message in counteraction of disparaging comments upon the Temple structure, setting forth the significance and glory of the new Temple.1. Seventh month] i.e. Tishri, September-October. This message was delivered just four weeks after the beginning of the work. So heartily had every one united in it that the general outline and character of the new edifice had become apparent. The Feast of Tabernacles was in progress.... read more
II.(1-9) The Third Utterance.—This utterance treats of the glory which, in a later time, is to attach itself to the sacred spot whereon the returned exiles are labouring. It was intended more especially as a message of consolation to those who remembered Solomon’s magnificent structure, and who now gazed sadly on the humble proportions of its successor. read more
(3) Is it not . . .—Better, is not such a (Temple) as this like nothing in your eyes? read more
Christ, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:6-7 The time when our Lord was to come is here predicted. I. This prophecy was uttered about five hundred years before the coming of our Saviour. How, then, can it be said to be a little while? a. It was a little while when compared with the time the people of God had already been kept waiting for the Messiah. b. It was short in the Almighty's own sight. It is not man's word, for things are measured in it by a standard which man never uses. II. What is... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Haggai 2:1-9
A message of encouragement (2:1-9)Although the foundation of the temple had been laid sixteen years earlier, it had no doubt been damaged during the years of neglect. More work was necessary before construction could begin on the building itself. After the people had been at work for about a month, they could see enough of the rebuilt foundation to form an idea of the size of the proposed temple. Some of the very old people, remembering Solomon’s magnificent temple, may have commented that this... read more