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"This temple in its former glory"

Text: Haggai 2:3

ANOTHER WORD FROM THE LORD

The work of a prophet was challenging. It was different from the work of the priests. The prophet’s task was to receive a direct word from the Lord to give to the people.

“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”‘”
Haggai 2:1-3

1. “The word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet”

a) Haggai would have to wait on the Lord for a message.

b) This word was timely:

i) It was on the seventh month (The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated).

ii) This was about the last day of the Feast.

c) Haggai would bring God’s word to all who were there at the Feast.

2. The people addressed

a) Zerubbabel the governor

b) Joshua the high priest

c) The remnant (the returnees)

3. “Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory?”

a) There were some who remembered the Temple built by Solomon.

b) It was a truly splendid and glorious building.

4. “And how do you see it now?”

a) The Temple was being constructed again.

b) The LORD was aware of the misgivings of those who had seen the Temple in its former glory.

5. “Is this not in your eyes as nothing?”

a) There were some who were negative towards the construction of the new Temple.

b) It was a far cry from the previous Temple.

c) To the builders, this new Temple was “nothing”.