Haggai 2 Commentary

In Haggai 2, the LORD addresses the complaints of some Judean elders who feel that the new temple pales compared to the former. Then, He explains to the people that their uncleanness has resulted in their lack of blessing and urges them to live holy before Him. Finally, the LORD promises to overthrow the Gentile kingdoms and restore the Davidic line through Zerubbabel. The outline of the chapter is as follows:

1. The prophet Haggai receives a second message from the LORD during the second year of King Darius of Persia (vv. 1–2).
2. The prophet Haggai continues with the second message. He urges the returning exiles of Judah to remain strong to rebuild the temple of the LORD. He tells them He will be with them and protect them. Ultimately, the LORD will fill the temple with glory and grant peace. (vv. 3–9).
3. The prophet Haggai receives the third message from the LORD during the second year of King Darius of Persia. He demonstrates how walking in obedience to God's ways leads to blessing while exposing the unfaithfulness of the people, causing God to discipline them. Finally, he tells the Judeans that the LORD will bless them from this time on because they have followed Him and started to rebuild (vv. 10–19).
4. The prophet Haggai receives the fourth message from the LORD during the second year of King Darius of Persia. He predicts the overthrow of the Gentile nations and the exaltation of the Davidic line through Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel is a Messianic figure that foreshadows Christ's triumphant return to earth (vv. 20–23).