The Coming Glory of God's House
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The concept of the "Coming Glory of God's House" is a profound theme found within the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Haggai. This theme encapsulates the promise of divine presence, restoration, and future hope for the people of Israel, and by extension, for all believers. It is a message that resonates with the anticipation of God's ultimate plan for His people and His dwelling place.

Biblical Context

The primary reference to the coming glory of God's house is found in Haggai 2:6-9. The prophet Haggai, addressing the remnant of Israel after their return from Babylonian exile, delivers a message from the LORD of Hosts:

"For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD of Hosts. ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ declares the LORD of Hosts. ‘The glory of this latter house will be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of Hosts. ‘And in this place I will provide peace,’ declares the LORD of Hosts." (Haggai 2:6-9)

Historical Background

The historical backdrop of Haggai's prophecy is the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people returned to their homeland under the decree of Cyrus the Great. However, the reconstruction of the temple faced numerous challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples and a lack of resources. The initial enthusiasm waned, and the work was halted for several years.

Haggai's prophecy served as a divine encouragement to resume the rebuilding efforts. The promise of a greater glory for the latter house was intended to motivate the people to complete the temple, assuring them that God's presence and blessing would surpass that of Solomon's Temple.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the coming glory of God's house is a multifaceted promise. It signifies not only the physical restoration of the temple but also the spiritual renewal of God's people. The shaking of the nations and the filling of the house with glory point to God's sovereign power and His ability to bring about His purposes through historical events.

The declaration that "the glory of this latter house will be greater than the former" suggests a future fulfillment that transcends the immediate context. Many conservative Christian theologians interpret this as a messianic prophecy, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the true temple (John 2:19-21), and His coming is seen as the manifestation of God's glory among His people.

Eschatological Implications

From an eschatological perspective, the coming glory of God's house is often associated with the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom. The shaking of the heavens and the earth is reminiscent of apocalyptic imagery found in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah and Daniel, and in the New Testament book of Revelation. This shaking signifies the final judgment and the establishment of God's eternal reign.

In this light, the prophecy in Haggai is seen as a foreshadowing of the new heavens and the new earth, where God's presence will dwell permanently with His people. The peace promised in Haggai 2:9 is understood as the shalom that will characterize the new creation, where God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death or suffering (Revelation 21:4).

Practical Application

For believers today, the promise of the coming glory of God's house serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of future glory. It encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and to participate in the building of God's spiritual house, the Church, through acts of worship, service, and evangelism. The assurance of God's presence and the anticipation of His ultimate victory provide strength and motivation to persevere in the face of trials and opposition.
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The Coming Famine of the Word
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