Verse 3
3. The prophet does not deny that there is a marked contrast between the former temple and the one on which they are now laboring.
This house The temple of Jehovah. The Jews did not think of the first, second, and third temples as separate buildings; they were all one and the same temple of Jehovah, only in different forms. Here the prophet has in mind Solomon’s temple.
Who is left… that saw Probably only very few, for about sixty-six years had elapsed since the destruction of Solomon’s temple in 586.
First glory R.V., “former glory” (compare 1 Kings 5:7).
How do ye see it now? In what condition? Certainly it was not yet completed, but they knew the resources at their command, and were fully aware that in style of building and magnificence of equipment they could not possibly equal the former splendor (compare Zechariah 4:10).
Is it not… as nothing? For the grammatical construction of the Hebrew see G.-K., 161c. R.V. reproduces it in smoother English: “is it not in your eyes as nothing?”
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