The Surpassing Glory of God’s Temple: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Haggai 2

Executive Summary ✨

Haggai 2, a cornerstone of prophetic literature, offers profound insight into the rebuilding of the Second Temple and, more importantly, the foreshadowing of Christ and His Church. This chapter addresses the discouragement of the returned exiles, comparing the new temple unfavorably to Solomon’s grand structure. God, through Haggai, reassures them that the future glory will surpass the former, both materially and spiritually. This glory is tied to the Messiah, the “Desire of All Nations,” whose presence will fill the temple with unparalleled splendor. The chapter concludes with promises of blessing and stability for Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, symbolizing the Messianic lineage. We will delve into the historical context, explore the theological significance through the lens of Coptic Orthodox tradition, and glean practical applications for our spiritual lives today. Understanding that the glory of God’s temple extends beyond physical structures to encompass our hearts is crucial for experiencing God’s presence.

Let’s delve into the depths of Haggai 2 and uncover its hidden treasures. We’ll examine how this ancient prophecy speaks to our modern struggles and aspirations, offering hope and encouragement rooted in the unwavering promises of God.

Commentary on Haggai 2

Haggai 2:1-3

Hebrew: וּבַיּוֹם֩ הָעֶשְׂרִ֨ים וְאַרְבָּעָ֜ה לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י הָיָה֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָה֙ בְּיַד־חַגַּ֣י הַנָּבִיא֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר
אֱמָר־נָא֙ אֶל־זְרֻבָּבֶ֣ל בֶּן־שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵ֔ל פַּחַ֥ת יְהוּדָ֖ה וְאֶל־יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בֶּן־יְהוֹצָדָ֣ק הַכֹּהֵ֣ן הַגָּד֔וֹל וְאֶל־שְׁאֵרִ֖ית הָעָ֑ם לֵאמֹֽר
מִֽי־בָכֶ֤ם הַנִּשְׁאָר֙ אֲשֶׁר־רָאָ֣ה אֶת־הַבַּ֣יִת הַזֶּ֗ה בִּכְבוֹדוֹ֙ הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן וּמָה־אַתֶּ֤ם רֹאִים֙ אֹת֔וֹ עַתָּ֕ה הֲל֧וֹא כִמְאַ֛יִן בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֖ם

KJV: In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying,
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,
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?

NKJV: In the seventh month, on the twenty-first of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying,
“Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying:
‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?’”

Here, the date is significant – the 21st day of the seventh month, shortly after the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of remembering God’s provision during the wilderness wanderings. This emphasizes God’s faithfulness despite present circumstances. The question posed to those who remembered Solomon’s Temple highlights the disheartening contrast. The temple was not just a building; it was a symbol of God’s presence and glory. The perceived inferiority of the new temple directly impacted their faith and zeal.

Patristic Perspective: St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Haggai, notes that this discouragement represents a spiritual danger. Just as the exiles undervalued the present temple, we too can undervalue the present grace of God due to past experiences or perceived shortcomings. (“καὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς οἱ πιστοὶ, ὅταν τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ παρορῶμεν, ὡς μικράν τινα, τότε τὴν ἐλπίδα τῆς σωτηρίας ἀποβάλλωμεν” – *Commentary on Haggai*). He warns against spiritual complacency and calls for renewed fervor.

Spiritual Application: How often do we compare our present spiritual journey with past experiences, leading to discouragement? Do we focus on perceived shortcomings rather than acknowledging God’s continued presence and work in our lives? We are called to overcome this negative comparison and find joy in the present grace offered to us. Just as this new, albeit seemingly inferior, temple was still chosen by God, so are we, chosen by God in our present state. Maybe you need to find *spiritual direction* and learn how to see the glory in our life right now.

Haggai 2:4-5

Hebrew: וְעַתָּ֣ה חֲזַק֩ זְרֻבָּבֶ֨ל נְאֻם־יְהוָ֜ה וַחֲזַ֣ק יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בֶּן־יְהוֹצָדָ֣ק הַכֹּהֵ֣ן הַגָּד֔וֹל וַחֲזְק֖וּ כָּל־עַ֣ם הָאָ֑רֶץ נְאֻם־יְהוָה֙ וַעֲשׂ֔וּ כִּֽי־אֲנִ֥י אִתְּכֶ֖ם נְאֻם־יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת
אֶת־הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁר־כָּרַ֤תִּי אִתְּכֶם֙ בְּצֵאתְכֶ֣ם מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם וְרוּחִ֖י עֹמֶ֣דֶת בְּתוֹכְכֶ֑ם אַל־תִּירָֽאוּ

KJV: Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts:
According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.

NKJV: ‘Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord, ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts.
‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’

The call to be strong is not merely a pep talk; it’s a divine empowerment. God reminds them of His covenant made during the Exodus, a pivotal moment in their history. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a constant reassurance, a promise that transcends temporal setbacks. This section emphasizes the importance of active participation – “work” – fueled by faith and the knowledge of God’s unwavering presence. The call is for the leaders (Zerubbabel and Joshua) and the people alike. This reminds us that leadership inspires the faithful to act, and likewise, the faithful sustain their leadership.

Patristic Perspective: St. Athanasius, in his writings against Arianism, highlights the continuity of God’s presence and power throughout history. Just as God was with the Israelites during the Exodus, He remains with His Church through the Holy Spirit. (“Οὐ γὰρ μεταβάλλεται ὁ Θεὸς, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε ὁ αὐτὸς ἐστι, καὶ ἡ δύναμις αὐτοῦ ἀεὶ παροῦσα” – *Against the Arians*). This stresses the unchanging nature of God and His unwavering support for His people.

Spiritual Application: Are we relying on our own strength, or are we drawing upon the power of the Holy Spirit within us? God calls us to be active participants in His work, confident in His presence and guided by His Spirit. We need to be actively engaging in our faith, which includes reading scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

Haggai 2:6-9

Hebrew: כִּֽי־כֹ֣ה אָמַר֩ יְהוָ֨ה צְבָא֜וֹת ע֗וֹד אַחַ֤ת מְעַט֙ הִ֔יא וַאֲנִ֣י מַרְעִ֔ישׁ אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֶת־הָאָ֑רֶץ וְאֶת־הַיָּ֖ם וְאֶת־הַֽחֲרָבָֽה
וְהִרְעַשְׁתִּי֙ אֶת־כָּל־הַגּוֹיִ֔ם וּבָא֖וּ חֶמְדַּ֣ת כָּל־הַגּוֹיִ֑ם וּמִלֵּאתִ֛י אֶת־הַבַּ֥יִת הַזֶּ֖ה כָּבֽוֹד אָמַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה צְבָאֽוֹת
לִי֙ הַכֶּ֣סֶף וְלִ֣י הַזָּהָ֔ב נְאֻ֖ם יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת
גָּד֧וֹל יִהְיֶ֛ה כְּב֥וֹד הַבַּֽיִת־הַזֶּ֖ה הָאַֽחֲר֑וֹן מִן־הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן אָמַ֣ר יְהוָה צְבָא֔וֹת וּבַמָּק֤וֹם הַזֶּה֙ אֶתֵּ֣ן שָׁל֔וֹם נְאֻ֖ם יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת

KJV: 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: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.

NKJV: ‘For thus says the Lord of hosts: “Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land;
and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,” says the Lord of hosts.
“The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,” says the Lord of hosts.
‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

This is the heart of the prophecy. The “shaking” signifies a cosmic upheaval, often interpreted as the coming of the Messiah. “The Desire of All Nations” is a Messianic title, referring to Christ, who will fill the temple with glory. This glory is not merely material but spiritual, representing God’s presence in the person of Jesus Christ. The pronouncement that God owns all silver and gold emphasizes that true glory comes from Him, not earthly riches. The latter temple will have a greater glory because the Messiah would physically teach and minister there. Finally, the promise of peace is a direct promise that God is with His people once again.

Patristic Perspective: St. Irenaeus, in *Against Heresies*, interprets “The Desire of All Nations” as a prophecy of Christ’s universal appeal, drawing all people to Himself. (“Ἐπιθυμία πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν” – *Against Heresies, Book III*). He emphasizes the inclusive nature of Christ’s redemption, extending to all nations and peoples.

Spiritual Application: Do we recognize Christ as the “Desire of All Nations” in our own lives? Are we allowing Him to fill our hearts, the temple of the Holy Spirit, with His glory? Just as the physical temple foreshadowed Christ, our lives should reflect His presence and love. We are not meant to live in the past, but in the present glory of Christ. If you’re looking to connect with a community and learn more, consider connecting with local organizations.

Haggai 2:10-19 – Blessings Awaiting Obedience

This section highlights the principle of holiness and its impact on blessing. Just as uncleanness defiles, obedience to God brings blessing. The agricultural imagery – withered crops and unproductive vineyards – represents the spiritual barrenness that results from disobedience. The promise of renewed blessing is contingent upon their obedience and commitment to God’s commands. The removal of the blight came *after* the start of the rebuilding, not before. Therefore, the act of obedience itself unleashed God’s blessing.

Spiritual Application: Are we actively pursuing holiness and obedience in our lives? Are we allowing sin to defile our hearts and hinder God’s blessings? We are called to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and turn back to God, trusting in His promise of renewed blessing. Just as in Haggai’s time, blessings flow to those who act in obedience.

Haggai 2:20-23 – Promise to Zerubbabel

This final section focuses on Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, and his significance in God’s plan. The “shaking of kingdoms” once again points to a future upheaval, often interpreted as the establishment of Christ’s kingdom. Zerubbabel is portrayed as God’s “signet ring,” a symbol of authority and honor. This foreshadows the Messianic lineage and the ultimate triumph of Christ, who is the true “signet ring” of God’s power and glory. This echoes God’s promises to David, that his line will reign forever.

Spiritual Application: Do we recognize Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to David? Are we placing our hope in earthly kingdoms or in the eternal kingdom of God? We are called to remain faithful, trusting in God’s plan and looking forward to the ultimate triumph of Christ.

Subtopic Sections

Here are some key reflections stemming from Haggai 2:

• 💡 The Glory of the New Covenant: The prophecy in Haggai 2 speaks not only of the physical temple but also of the spiritual temple – the Church – and the ultimate glory of the New Covenant in Christ.
• 📜 The Importance of Obedience: The blessings promised in Haggai 2 are directly tied to obedience and commitment to God’s commands.
• 🕊️ The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the source of strength, guidance, and empowerment in the lives of believers.
• ✨ The Messianic Hope: Haggai 2 points to the coming of the Messiah, the “Desire of All Nations,” who will fill the world with God’s glory.
• 📖 Finding Strength in Discouragement: Haggai 2 reminds us to find strength in God’s promises and to persevere through times of discouragement.
• 🌍 God’s Sovereignty: God is sovereign over all nations and kingdoms, and His plan will ultimately prevail.

FAQ ❓

• Q: What does “The Desire of All Nations” mean in Haggai 2:7?
  A: This phrase is a Messianic title, referring to Jesus Christ, who draws all people to Himself and embodies the fulfillment of their spiritual longing. He is the ultimate source of satisfaction and peace.
• Q: How does Haggai 2 relate to the New Testament?
  A: Haggai 2 foreshadows the coming of Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant. The greater glory of the latter temple signifies the spiritual glory brought by Christ’s presence and ministry.
• Q: What is the significance of Zerubbabel in Haggai 2?
  A: Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, represents the Messianic lineage. The promise to Zerubbabel foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ, who is the true King and Messiah.
• Q: What practical lessons can we learn from Haggai 2?
  A: We can learn to overcome discouragement, trust in God’s promises, pursue obedience, and recognize Christ as the source of all glory and blessing. We are encouraged to actively participate in God’s work, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The glory of God’s temple, as revealed in Haggai 2, transcends the physical structure and points to the spiritual reality of Christ and His Church. The prophecy calls us to overcome discouragement, embrace obedience, and recognize Christ as the “Desire of All Nations.” It reminds us that true glory comes not from earthly riches but from God’s presence in our lives. This chapter offers profound hope and encouragement, urging us to actively participate in God’s work, confident in His unwavering promises. May we, like the returned exiles, be empowered by God’s Spirit to build His kingdom and experience the fullness of His blessing. He is always with us, guiding and loving us.

Tags

Haggai, Haggai 2, Old Testament, Prophecy, Temple, Zerubbabel, Messiah, Christ, Glory, Blessing, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Bible Commentary, Spiritual Application

Meta Description

Explore Haggai 2 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Uncover the meaning of “The Desire of All Nations” & the promise of the glory of God’s temple exceeding the former.