If a man carries consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and it touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any other food, does that item become holy?'" "No," replied the priests. If a man carriesThe phrase "If a man carries" introduces a hypothetical scenario, a common teaching method in ancient Jewish tradition. The Hebrew root for "carries" is "נָשָׂא" (nasa), which means to lift, bear, or carry. This action implies responsibility and intentionality, suggesting that the man is purposefully handling something of significance. In the context of Haggai, this sets the stage for a discussion on the transmission of holiness, a key theme in the post-exilic period when the Israelites were rebuilding the temple and re-establishing their covenant relationship with God. consecrated meat
"Consecrated meat" refers to meat that has been set apart for a sacred purpose, often as part of a sacrificial offering. The Hebrew word for "consecrated" is "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh), meaning holy or set apart. In the Levitical system, certain portions of sacrifices were deemed holy and could only be consumed by the priests or in a holy place. This concept underscores the idea that holiness is not inherent in objects but is designated by God for His purposes. in the fold of his garment
The "fold of his garment" refers to the practice of using one's clothing to carry items, a common method in ancient times. The Hebrew term "כָּנָף" (kanaph) can mean corner or edge, often used to describe the hem of a garment. This imagery evokes the idea of protection and containment, suggesting that the consecrated meat is being carefully handled to maintain its sanctity. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of garments symbolizing one's status or role, as seen in the priestly garments described in Exodus. and it touches
The phrase "and it touches" introduces the concept of contact and potential transference. The Hebrew root "נָגַע" (naga) means to touch or strike, often used in contexts of physical contact that could result in ritual impurity or, conversely, the spread of holiness. This sets up the question of whether holiness can be transferred through mere contact, a significant issue in the purity laws of the Old Testament. bread, stew, wine, oil, or any other food
This list of items—"bread, stew, wine, oil, or any other food"—represents common elements of daily sustenance in ancient Israel. Each of these items had specific roles in both everyday life and religious rituals. Bread and wine, for example, were central to offerings and later Christian sacraments. The inclusion of "any other food" broadens the scope, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the inquiry into holiness and purity. does it become holy?
The question "does it become holy?" directly addresses the nature of holiness and its transmission. The Hebrew concept of holiness involves being set apart for God's purposes, and this question challenges the assumption that holiness can be transferred through indirect contact. This reflects a deeper theological inquiry into the nature of God's holiness and the human role in maintaining or transmitting it. The priests answered, ‘No.’
The response from the priests, "No," is significant in its clarity and authority. As the religious leaders and interpreters of the Law, the priests' role was to guide the people in understanding God's requirements. Their answer underscores the principle that holiness is not contagious in the same way impurity is, highlighting the need for intentional consecration and dedication to God. This response would have been instructive for the post-exilic community, emphasizing the importance of direct relationship and obedience to God rather than relying on ritualistic or superficial means of attaining holiness. Persons / Places / Events 1. HaggaiA prophet who delivered messages from God to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile, encouraging them to rebuild the temple. 2. PriestsReligious leaders responsible for temple rituals and interpreting the law, consulted by Haggai for their understanding of holiness and defilement. 3. Consecrated MeatMeat that has been set apart for sacred purposes, often part of sacrificial offerings in the temple. 4. JerusalemThe city where the temple was located, central to Jewish worship and the setting for Haggai's prophecies. 5. The TempleThe holy place in Jerusalem that the Jews were tasked with rebuilding, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Teaching Points Understanding HolinessHoliness is not transferable by mere contact. This teaches us that true holiness comes from a dedicated relationship with God, not just external rituals. The Nature of DefilementWhile holiness is not easily transferred, defilement can spread quickly. This serves as a warning to guard against sin and impurity in our lives. The Role of the HeartGod desires a heart that is pure and devoted to Him. Our actions should reflect an inner transformation rather than just outward conformity. Community and HolinessJust as the Israelites were called to rebuild the temple, Christians are called to build up the body of Christ, the church, in holiness and unity. Practical HolinessWe are called to live out our faith in practical ways, ensuring that our daily actions align with God's standards of holiness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of holiness in Haggai 2:12 challenge our understanding of what it means to be set apart for God today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our pursuit of holiness is more than just external rituals? 3. How can the principles of defilement and purity in the Old Testament inform our approach to sin and repentance in our lives? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to build up the church in holiness, similar to the rebuilding of the temple? 5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament expand on the ideas of holiness and defilement presented in Haggai 2:12? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 6:27Discusses the laws of holiness and how touching holy things can impart holiness, providing background to the question Haggai poses. Numbers 19:11-22Details the laws of purification and defilement, offering insight into the Jewish understanding of cleanliness and holiness. Matthew 23:25-28Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on outward cleanliness while neglecting inner purity, echoing the theme of true holiness. 1 Peter 1:15-16Calls believers to be holy in all conduct, reflecting the importance of holiness in the Christian life. People Darius, Haggai, Jehozadak, Josedech, Joshua, Shealtiel, ZerubbabelPlaces Egypt, JerusalemTopics Answering, Anyone, Bear, Bread, Carries, Carry, Consecrated, Cooked, Flesh, Fold, Folded, Garment, Hallowed, Holy, Kind, Meat, Oil, Pottage, Priests, Robe, Skirt, Someone, Soup, Stew, Touch, Touched, Touches, WineDictionary of Bible Themes Haggai 2:12 8218 consecration Haggai 2:10-14 5194 touch Haggai 2:11-13 7734 leaders, spiritual Library Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Yet this once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land: and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. G od shook the earth when He proclaimed His law to Israel from Sinai. The description, though very simple, presents to our thoughts a scene unspeakably majestic, grand and awful. The mountain was in flames at the top, and …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
By the mouth of His servant Haggai stern rebukes were uttered, and the whole people were aroused. We read in verse twelve of the first chapter, "Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the Lord." All hands were put to the work; course after course of stone began to rise; and …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886 The Desire of all Nations
"And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts."--Haggai 2:7. THE second temple was never intended to be as magnificent as the first. The first was to be the embodiment of the full glory of the dispensation of symbols and types, and was soon to pass away. This comparative feebleness had been proved by the idolatry and apostasy of the people Israel, and when they returned to Jerusalem they were to have a structure …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915 The Overturning which is visible on Every Hand.
"I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is" (Ezek. 21:27). In close accord with this prophecy through Ezekiel is the word recorded in Haggai 2:6, 7--"For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come." Note carefully the coupling of these two things together--the coming of the Desire …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
"The Holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified."--John vii. 39. We have come to the most difficult part in the discussion of the work of the Holy Spirit, viz., the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the tenth day after the ascension. In the treatment of this subject it is not our aim to create a new interest in the celebration of Pentecost. We consider this almost impossible. Man's nature is too unspiritual for this. But we shall reverently endeavor to give a clearer insight …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit His Throat is Most Sweet, Yea, He is Altogether Lovely. This is My Beloved, and this is My Friend, O Daughters of Jerusalem.
The good qualities of ordinary things may be sufficiently well expressed by ordinary phrases of commendation, but there are some subjects so above expression that they can only be worthily admired by declaring them above all praise. Such is the Divine Bridegroom, who, by the excess of His perfections, renders His Bride dumb when she endeavors most worthily to praise Him, that all hearts and minds may be attracted to Him. Her passion causes her to burst out into the praise of some of the excellencies …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon "Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from Before Mine Eyes; Cease to do Evil,"
Isaiah i. 16.--"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil," &c. There are two evils in sin,--one is the nature of it, another the fruit and sad effect of it. In itself it is filthiness, and contrary to God's holiness; an abasing of the immortal soul; a spot in the face of the Lord of the creatures, that hath far debased him under them all. Though it be so unnatural to us, yet it is now in our fallen estate become, as it were, natural, so that …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Christian Business World
Scripture references: Proverbs 22:29; Romans 12:11; Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8; Psalm 49:6,10,16,17; 62:10; Matthew 13:22; Mark 10:23,24; Job 31:24-26; Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 25:14-30; 24:45-51; 6:19-21; Luke 12:16-21. THE IDEAL IN THE BUSINESS WORLD There is often a wide difference between the methods actually employed in doing business and when they should be. Good men who are in the thick of the battle of competition and rivalry with other firms in the same line of trade, are the quickest …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober Reason,
appears of itself highly credible and probable, and abundantly recommends itself in its native simplicity, merely by its own intrinsic goodness and excellency, to the practice of the most rational and considering men, who are desirous in all their actions to have satisfaction and comfort and good hope within themselves, from the conscience of what they do: So it is moreover positively and directly proved to be actually and immediately sent to us from God, by the many infallible signs and miracles …
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God The Cities of the Levites.
Concerning them, see Numbers, chapter 35, and Joshua chapter 21. "The suburbs of the cities of the Levites were three thousand cubits on every side; viz. from the walls of the city, and outwards; as it is said, 'From the walls of the city and outwards a thousand cubits: and thou shalt measure from without the city two thousand cubits' (Num 35:4,5). The former thousand were the suburbs, and the latter two thousand were for fields and vineyards. They appointed the place of burial to every one of those …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica "All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive.
1. Men either idolatrous, profane, hypocritical, or regenerate. 1. Idolaters void of righteousness, full of unrighteousness, and hence in the sight of God altogether wretched and undone. 2. Still a great difference in the characters of men. This difference manifested. 1. In the gifts of God. 2. In the distinction between honorable and base. 3. In the blessings of he present life. 3. All human virtue, how praiseworthy soever it may appear, is corrupted. 1. By impurity of heart. 2. By the absence of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free from the Law of Sin and Death. "
Rom. viii. 2.--"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." You know there are two principal things in the preceding verse,--the privilege of a Christian, and the property or character of a Christian. He is one that never enters into condemnation; He that believeth shall not perish, John iii. 15. And then he is one that walks not after the flesh, though he be in the flesh, but in a more elevate way above men, after the guiding and leading …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Fourth Commandment
Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it. Exod 20: 8-11. This …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Mount Zion.
"For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them: for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: but ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's …
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People Haggai
The post-exilic age sharply distinguished itself from the pre-exilic (Zech. i. 4), and nowhere is the difference more obvious than in prophecy. Post-exilic prophecy has little of the literary or moral power of earlier prophecy, but it would be very easy to do less than justice to Haggai. His prophecy is very short; into two chapters is condensed a summary, probably not even in his own words, of no less than four addresses. Meagre as they may seem to us, they produced a great effect on those who heard …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Haggai 2:12 NIVHaggai 2:12 NLTHaggai 2:12 ESVHaggai 2:12 NASBHaggai 2:12 KJV
Haggai 2:12 Commentaries
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