Summary of Haggai 2:1-9
God acknowledged the temple seemed like “nothing” compared to its past. He commanded the people to be strong and work because His Spirit remained among them. He told them not to fear. He promised to fill the house with glory, declaring its future greatness would exceed the former, and in this place, He would grant peace.
BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 16 Day 4: Haggai 2:1-9
8 ) Remembering the former glory of the first temple and that they were unable to replicate it.
9a) God strengthened them by recalling His covenant from Egypt (past) and assuring them His Spirit remained with them (present) and instructed them. He reminded them He owns all silver and gold, promising to shake the nations and grant the new temple greater glory and peace than the first (future).
b) God encourages strength by anchoring us in His past faithfulness and covenant. He assures us of His active presence today—”I am with you”—so we do not fear. He also promises a future glory that outweighs current struggles, motivating us to trust His plan over our immediate circumstances.
10) People encourage others by sharing testimonies of God’s past faithfulness to build confidence. They affirm His active presence in current struggles, reminding others they are never alone. Finally, they point to future promises of glory and restoration, providing hope that God’s ultimate plan far outweighs temporary hardships. Believers encourage by recalling God’s past faithfulness (Psalm 77:11). They affirm His present help as a “refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1). Finally, they point to the future hope of His return (1 Thessalonians 4:18), assuring others that He who began a good work will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 16, Day 4: Haggai 2:1-9
Great lesson on being happy with what you can do for God no matter the level as long as it’s your best.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 16, Day 4: Haggai 2:1-9
This takes place in 520 B.C. It has been 66 years since the old temple was destroyed.
It’s not good to compare “the good old days” to now.
God gave the people 3 commands:
- Be strong
- Work
- Do not fear
Fun Fact: This is the only part of Haggai quoted in the New Testament (Hebrews 12:26)
Many Bible Scholars see Jesus here. Jesus is the “desire of all nations.”
God will provide the resources for the rebuilding. (Herod will build this temple greater). And, Jesus did visit here, making it greater than the first temple.
END NOTES SUMMARIZED
Haggai 2:1-9 addresses the discouragement of the people who felt their rebuilding efforts were insignificant compared to the past, and God responds with a promise of future glory that far outshines physical opulence.
Interpretation
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The Trap of Comparison (vv. 1-3): About a month into the work, the older generation who remembered the splendor of Solomon’s Temple began to weep. They looked at the new foundation and felt it was “as nothing” in comparison. Their nostalgia for the past was paralyzing their progress in the present.
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The Call to Strength (vv. 4-5): God counters their despair with a three-fold command to “Be strong” and “work.” He reminds them that the building’s value is not in its gold, but in His covenant. Because His Spirit remains among them, they have no reason to fear or stop.
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The Promise of Greater Glory (vv. 6-9): God asserts His sovereignty, declaring that all silver and gold belong to Him. He promises to “shake the nations” and fill the house with glory. He makes a stunning prophecy: the glory of this second, modest house will be greater than the first. While Solomon’s temple had the wealth of the world, this temple would eventually host the Savior of the world, bringing true peace.
Conclusion
This passage teaches that God measures success differently than humans do. While the people looked at the external appearance and saw failure, God looked at the spiritual significance and saw triumph. It serves as a timeless reminder not to “despise the day of small beginnings” or let comparison steal our joy, because God’s presence and future plans are what truly define the glory of a work.
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End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28