Haggai:2

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* Verse 1-9 - Those who are hearty in the Lord 's service shall receive encouragement to proceed . But they could not build such a temple then , as Solomon built . Though our gracious God is pleased if we do as well as we can in his service , yet our proud hearts will scarcely let us be pleased , unless we do as well as others , whose abilities are far beyond ours . Encouragement is given the Jews to go on in the work notwithstanding . They have God with them , his Spirit and his special presence . Though he chastens their transgressions , his faithfulness does not fail . The Spirit still remained among them . And they shall have the Messiah among them shortly ; "He that should come ." Convulsions and changes would take place in the Jewish church and state , but first should come great revolutions and commotions among the nations . He shall come , as the Desire of all nations ; desirable to all nations , for in him shall all the earth be blessed with the best of blessings ; long expected and desired by all believers . The house they were building should be filled with glory , very far beyond Solomon 's temple . This house shall be filled with glory of another nature . If we have silver and gold , we must serve and honour God with it , for the property is his . If we have not silver and gold , we must honour him with such as we have , and he will accept us . Let them be comforted that the glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former , in what would be beyond all the glories of the first house , the presence of the Messiah , the Son of God , the Lord of glory , personally , and in human nature . Nothing but the presence of the Son of God , in human form and nature , could fulfil this . Jesus is the Christ , is He that should come , and we are to look for no other . This prophecy alone is enough to silence the Jews , and condemn their obstinate rejection of Him , concerning whom all their prophets spake . If God be with us , peace is with us . But the Jews under the latter temple had much trouble ; but this promise is fulfilled in that spiritual peace which Jesus Christ has by his blood purchased for all believers . All changes shall make way for Christ to be desired and valued by all nations . And the Jews shall have their eyes opened to behold how precious He is , whom they have hitherto rejected . * Verse 10-19 - Many spoiled this good work , by going about it with unholy hearts and hands , and were likely to gain no advantage by it . The sum of these two rules of the law is , that sin is more easily learned from others than holiness . The impurity of their hearts and lives shall make the work of their hands , and all their offerings , unclean before God . The case is the same with us . When employed in any good work , we should watch over ourselves , lest we render it unclean by our corruptions . When we begin to make conscience of duty to God , we may expect his blessing ; and whoso is wise will understand the loving-kindness of the Lord . God will curse the blessings of the wicked , and make bitter the prosperity of the careless ; but he will sweeten the cup of affliction to those who diligently serve him . * Verse 20-23 - The Lord will preserve Zerubbabel and the people of Judah , amidst their enemies . Here is also foretold the establishment and continuance of the kingdom of Christ ; by union with whom his people are sealed with the Holy Ghost , sealed with his image , thus distinguished from all others . Here also is foretold the changes , even to that time when the kingdom of Christ shall overthrow and occupy the place of all the empires which opposed his cause . The promise has special reference to Christ , who descended from Zerubbabel in a direct line , and is the sole Builder of the gospel temple . Our Lord Jesus is the Signet on God 's right hand , for all power is given to him , and derived from him . By him , and in him , all the promises of God are yea and amen . Whatever changes take place on earth , all will promote the comfort , honour , and happiness of his servants . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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