And again the word of the Lord came unto Haggai ,.... Or a "second" F19 שנית "secundo", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius; "secunda vice", Burkius. time, even on the same day as the former: in the four and twentieth day of the month ; of the ninth month Chisleu, Haggai 2:10 , saying ; as follows: read more
Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah ,.... The former discourse or prophecy chiefly related to the people, for their encouragement in building; this is directed to the prince over them, to support him under all the changes and revolutions made in the world; that he should be regarded by the Lord in a very tender manner, and his government continued, as a type of Christ and his kingdom: saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth ; make great commotions, changes, and revolutions in... read more
And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms ,.... The Persian monarchy, which consisted of various kingdoms and nations, and was destroyed under Darius Codomannus by Alexander the great, who fought with him three pitched battles, and overcame him; but the thing was of the Lord, according to his purpose and will, and by his power and providence; and therefore the overthrow is ascribed to him. The Jews F20 Seder Olam Rabba, c. 30. p. 91. Tzemach David, par. 1. fol. 18. 1. say that the... read more
Again the word of the Lord came - This was a second communication in the same day. read more
I will shake the heavens and the earth - Calmet supposes that the invasion of Cambyses, and his death, are what the prophet has in view by this shaking of the heavens and the earth: but this invasion and defeat happened three years before they had begun to work at the temple; and how could it be made a matter of interest to Zerubbabel? Calmet answers this, by translating the words in the past tense; and shows that the fact was recalled to Zerubbabel's attention, to fix his confidence in God,... read more
Verse 20 The Prophet now proceeds still farther; for there is here a really gratuitous and spiritual promise, by which God affirms that he will have a care for his people to the end. He does not now speak of wine and corn, in order to feed the hungry; but he shows that he would be an eternal Father to that people; for he could not and would not forget the covenant he made with their fathers. There is no doubt but he points out Christ in the person of Zerubbabel, as we shall presently see. So... read more
Temporal blessings had been promised to the people generally; now spiritual blessings are announced to Zerubbabel as the head of the nation and the representative of the house of David. And again; and a second time; ἐκ δευτέρου . This revelation took place on the same day as the preceding one. read more
Part V. THE FOURTH ADDRESS : PROMISE OF THE RESTORATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID , WHEN THE STORM BURSTS ON THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD . read more
The final message. We gather from this last recorded message of this prophet, and addressed to Zerubbabel— I. THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF JUDGING RESPECTING THE FUTURE FROM PRESENT APPEARANCES . The seer referred to coming commotions and upheavings in national life ( Haggai 2:21 , Haggai 2:22 ); but at the time he gave utterance to these intimations all was peace and tranquillity. Rawlinson refers to the Persian empire as spreading over two millions of square miles, or... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Haggai 2:20-23
After Haggai's sermon ad populum?to the people, here follows one, the same day, ad magistratum?to the magistrates, a word directed particularly to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, who was a leading active man in this good work which the people now set about, and therefore he shall have some particular marks put upon him (Hag. 2:21): Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, speak to him by himself. He has thoughts in his head far above those of the common people, as wise princes are wont to... read more