◄ Haggai 2:2 ►
"Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and also to the remnant of the people. Ask them,
Study Bible
Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah
Zerubbabel was a key leader during the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. As the governor of Judah, he played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. His lineage is significant as he is a descendant of King David, which ties him to the messianic line (Matthew 1:12-13). Zerubbabel's leadership is a fulfillment of God's promise to restore the Davidic line after the exile. His role as governor highlights the political and administrative challenges faced by the returning exiles in re-establishing their community and worship practices.

and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest
Joshua, the high priest, represents the spiritual leadership of the post-exilic community. As the son of Jehozadak, he continues the priestly line that dates back to Aaron. His role is crucial in re-establishing the temple worship and religious practices that had been disrupted during the Babylonian exile. Joshua's partnership with Zerubbabel symbolizes the necessary collaboration between political and religious leadership in restoring the nation. In Zechariah 3, Joshua is depicted as a type of Christ, symbolizing the cleansing and restoration of God's people.

and also to the remnant of the people
The "remnant" refers to those who returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. This group is often seen as the faithful few who remained committed to God's covenant despite the challenges of exile and return. The concept of a remnant is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing God's preservation of a faithful group through whom He fulfills His promises (Isaiah 10:20-22). This remnant is tasked with the physical and spiritual rebuilding of their community, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness and the hope of restoration.

Ask them
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God through the prophet Haggai. The act of asking suggests an invitation to reflection and self-examination among the leaders and the people. It underscores the prophetic role of Haggai in guiding the community to consider their priorities and actions in light of God's purposes. This approach is consistent with the prophetic tradition of calling God's people to accountability and renewed commitment to His covenant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel
He was the governor of Judah and a key leader in the rebuilding of the temple. His lineage is significant as he is a descendant of David, linking him to the messianic line.

2. Joshua son of Jehozadak
The high priest at the time, Joshua played a crucial role in the spiritual leadership of the people during the temple's reconstruction.

3. The Remnant of the People
This refers to the group of Israelites who returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. They represent the faithful who remained committed to God's covenant.

4. Judah
The region where Jerusalem is located, and the center of Jewish life and worship. It was under Persian rule at the time of Haggai's prophecy.

5. The Temple Reconstruction
The event of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This was a significant moment of renewal and hope for the Jewish people.
Teaching Points
Leadership in God's Work
God calls specific leaders to guide His people in fulfilling His purposes. Like Zerubbabel and Joshua, we are to lead with faithfulness and courage.

The Importance of the Remnant
God often works through a faithful remnant. We should strive to be part of this group, committed to His covenant and purposes.

Rebuilding and Renewal
Just as the temple was rebuilt, God desires to rebuild and renew our lives. We must be willing participants in this process.

Divine Encouragement
God provides encouragement and strength to accomplish His work. We should rely on His Spirit rather than our own strength.

Faithfulness in Adversity
The remnant faced opposition, yet they persevered. We are called to remain faithful even when facing challenges.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua inspire you in your own roles of leadership or service within your community or church?

2. In what ways can you identify with the remnant of the people in Haggai 2:2, and how can you apply their faithfulness to your own life?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition in doing God's work. How did you find encouragement and strength to persevere?

4. How does the concept of God working through a remnant challenge or encourage you in your current spiritual journey?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are relying on God's Spirit rather than your own strength in your daily life and ministry?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 3-6
These chapters provide a historical account of the temple's reconstruction, highlighting the challenges and opposition faced by Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant.

Zechariah 4
This passage offers encouragement to Zerubbabel, emphasizing that the rebuilding will be accomplished not by might, but by God's Spirit.

1 Chronicles 3:19
This genealogy confirms Zerubbabel's Davidic lineage, underscoring his role in God's redemptive plan.

Isaiah 10:20-22
This prophecy speaks of a remnant returning, which is fulfilled in the events of Haggai's time.
Sermons
Encouraging the PeopleP. A. Nordell, D. D.Haggai 2:1-2
God's Message to His People by HaggaiHomilistHaggai 2:1-2
God's Message to His People by HaggaiD. Thomas Haggai 2:1-5
Returning Despondency and Renewed StimulusT. Whitelaw Haggai 2:1-9
People
Darius, Haggai, Jehozadak, Josedech, Joshua, Shealtiel, Zerubbabel
Places
Egypt, Jerusalem
Topics
Governor, Jehozadak, Jehoz'adak, Josedech, Joshua, Judah, Priest, Remnant, Residue, Rest, Ruler, Saying, Shealtiel, She-al'ti-el, Speak, Zerubbabel, Zerub'babel
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Haggai 2:2

     5327   governors

Haggai 2:2-4

     7377   high priest, OT

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 Scripture

The 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

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