|
The Book of Haggai
Chapter 2
This chapter contains three sermons or prophecies that were delivered by the prophet Haggai to the remnant of the Jews. The first is to encourage and urge them onward with the building of the temple.
The time of the prophecy (Hag.2:1), is given along with an order to deliver it to the governor, high priest and all the people (Hag.2:2).
The second sermon or prophecy, the time of which is also stated (Hag.2:10), and it is introduced with some questions concerning ceremonial uncleanness, by an unclean person's touching holy flesh with the skirt of his garment; and other things, which is confirmed by the answer of the priests (Hag.2:11). The application is made to the Jews, who were also unclean in their works and their sacrifices (Hag.2:14).
They were to consider, that during the time that they had neglected to build the temple, the Lord brought about upon them great scarcity of provisions; their fields and vineyards being blasted with mildew or destroyed by hail, and all their work was unsuccessful; but when they began the work of building, it is promised they should be blessed (Hag.2:19).
The chapter ends with the last sermon or prophecy, the date of which is also given (Hag.2:20), and instruction to deliver it to Zerubbabel (Hag.2:21), foretelling the destruction of the kingdoms of the heathen; and the setting up of the kingdom of the Messiah, of whom Zerubbabel was a "type," precious and honorable in the sight of God.
For more on "types" of Christ, see: http://www.godcannotlie.org/types_of_christ_in_OT.htm
586 BC . . . Destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple . . . Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem. He destroys the city and burns Jerusalem's temple (known as the first or Solomon's temple). The destruction of the temple was started on the 9th of Ab (Hebrew month) and completed on the 10th. The 9th of Ab (Av) is also the day Jerusalem's SECOND temple (Herod's temple) is completely destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans.
Haggai 2:1 In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying, (KJV)
In the seventh month . . . the month Tisri, is like part of September and part of October. See, for Jewish calendar: http://www.jewfaq.org/calendar.htm
In the one and twentieth day of the month . . . being a month, less three days, from the time the Jews came and worked in the house of the Lord (Hag.1:14), it was toward the close of the feast of tabernacles (Lev.23:34,36,40-43).
The return of this festive celebration, especially after a harvest which had turned out so bad, and with NO signs of the blessing of God, made them remember former times, when Israel was able to gather in the courts of the Lord's House, and to rejoice in the blessings of His grace in the midst of abundant sacrificial meals. They remembered the glory of the former temple; and when the prophecies of Isaiah or Ezekiel were remembered, that the new temple was to surpass the former one in glory, it would be almost sure to bring gloomy thoughts, and food for doubt whether the time had really come for rebuilding the temple.
Came the word of the Lord by the Prophet Haggai . . . the word of prophecy was from the Lord, not from the prophet himself. Haggai was simply the messenger sent with it to deliver it.
Saying . . . with words that follow.
Haggai 2:2 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, (KJV)
Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah . . . for Zerubbabel's descent and dignity, see Hag.1:1. "Speak now" . . . the prophet is ordered to go and say what he is told to say, directly, and without any delay.
And to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest . . . just as the prophet was told to do in Hag.1:1.
And to the residue of the people . . . besides the civic ruler and the religious ruler, Haggai was to speak also to all the people, the remnant that came out of the captivity of Babylon.
Saying . . . to the above persons, as follows:
Haggai 2:3 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? (KJV)
Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? . . . "who is left among you?" . . . implies that there were some among them, who had seen the first House in its glory, but not many. When the foundations of the first temple were laid, there were many (Ezra 3:10-12).
Fifty-nine years had gone by since the destruction of the temple in the eleventh year of Zedekiah to the first of Cyrus; so that some old men had seen the first temple. In Darius' second year, 70 years had passed, so that a few might still well remember it. Ezra's father, Seraiah, was slain in the eleventh year of Zedekiah; so he must have been born at latest a few months later; yet he lived to the seventh year of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:1-8).
And how do ye see it now? . . . is not this building very different from that? Does it promise anything like it? What do you remember of it? Can you conceive in your minds that it will ever rise up to such grandeur and stateliness as the former? What is your judgment and sentiments concerning it? Can you think of it with equal delight and pleasure as of the former? These may have been questions the old ones were asked.
Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? . . . How does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at compared to the glory of the first temple. Beside the richness of the sculptures in the former temple, everything was overlaid with gold (1 Ki.6:22,28,30,32,35). Solomon overlaid the whole house with gold. The altar of gold and the table of gold, where the showbread was, the ten candlesticks of pure gold, with the flowers and the lamps and the tongs of gold, the bowls, the snuffers and the basons and the spoons and the censers of pure gold (1 Ki.7:48-51), even the nails were gold (2 Chron.3:9).
Haggai 2:4 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: (KJV)
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord . . . "Take heed now . . be strong and do it" . . . those are the words David used to encourage his son, Solomon (1 Chron.28:10,20). Haggai seems to have adopted the words, with the purpose of suggesting to the down-hearted people, that they too needed similar encouragement.
Take heart, be of good courage, do not be dismayed at these things; though, the building may be contemptible in the eyes of some, nevertheless go on with it vigorously. Zechariah 4:9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. (KJV) . . . They were told to work diligently, do not stop but continue and encourage the people in it.
And be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech the high priest . . . do not be disheartened at what the old ones think and say about this temple, in which you will officiate as a high priest, and as a "type" of Him who shall come into this house, and by doing so, give it a glory the first one never had. He was to continue to give encouragement and instructions to the builders, and make sure that everything would be done properly. He was not to be discouraged, but act and show himself worthy of his office. Joshua was to consider: "Whose priest are you? In whose service are you employed?"
And be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord . . . Haggai now speaks to all the people, especially those who had never seen the first temple. He tells them the same thing that he told the two rulers. Do NOT stop from your work but go on with it; consider what God has done for you, in bringing you out of captivity, and into your own land, and your being able to enjoy your civil privileges . . . but also consider the obligations you are under to build a House for the Lord. This work should not only be of gratitude of His mercies received; but they should do it for the glory of God, for their own spiritual profit and advantage. They were encouraged to "be strong and of a good courage" (Josh.1:6).
And work . . . meaning to continue working, for they now were working; but there seemed to be a danger of their slacking off, getting discouraged at what the old ones said.
For I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts . . . (Hag.1:13) is repeated. The Lord promises to help in every service, and to protect them from all their enemies. This makes the work and service of the Lord's House much more pleasant and relieves them from their doubts, fears and misgivings of their hearts. If HE is for and with His people, they have nothing to fear from any that are against them.
He says, "Be strong," three times: to the civil ruler, to the religious ruler and then to the people. We today live in a big, bad world, and it is getting worse by the day. What is our encouragement? What is God's answer to us? Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (KJV)
We need to "consider" that we CANNOT do anything without God. We too must be strong in the Lord. How wonderful it is to know that He is always with us. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV) Mat.28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV)
No matter how weak you are, no matter what your ailment, His grace is always sufficient (2 Cor.12:7-10). Many of us have some serious health issues that the Lord has said "no" to healing. I know how Paul felt. But, the Lord has NEVER left me, no matter what. I can actually feel His Presence, which gives peace and comfort beyond words. Thank You Jesus!
God's second word of challenge was "and work." Don't stop, keep at it. When we get to Heaven and stand in the awesome Presence of Christ, I think we shall be very surprised at WHO will be there, some who we thought would never make it . . . and we shall also be shocked at the void where those we thought would be there, are not there! I think our eyes will be opened in that day. God also speaks to us through Haggai. He says, "Be strong and work." The only way that we can ever "Be strong" is to be rooted in Christ, and stay there (John 15:1-5), for without Him, we can do NOTHING (Phil.4:13).
The truth of the matter is, the Shekinah glory had departed from the temple of Solomon long before the temple was destroyed (Eze.9:3; 10:4,18; 11:22-23). Some say that possibly that Shekinah glory departed in the days of King Manasseh, a very wicked king, who reigned for fifty-five years (BC 698-643). The Shekinah glory, which was the visible Presence of Almighty God Himself, could have left the temple about one hundred years or more, before the temple was destroyed by Babylon (BC 587). So it seems to me, that in Haggai's day, the old ones, who had seen Solomon's Temple, had only seen its outward glory, NOT the glory of God. The Shekinah glory had long since left Israel, and would NOT appear again until the birth of Christ (Lk.2:1-20). Christ was the Shekinah glory. He was God manifest in the flesh (Jn.1:1-5,14).
There is absolutely no doubt that the outward glory of Solomon's temple was tremendous. But, today the Mosque of Omar stands on that temple site, with its dome of gold; an ungodly pagan shrine! God hates it my friend.
God told the discouraged builders in the days of Haggai, "This small temple you are building is not like the first, but I am with you." Maybe they did not take time to consider that it was much better than having a magnificent temple WITHOUT God being there. This to me symbolizes these huge contemporary churches with empty pews . . . cold, indifferent and dead to God . . . contrasted with the little church around the corner packed with people and with a faithful God-fearing pastor teaching the Truth in the Word of God. What may be a "blessing" to many people, may NOT be what God considers a blessing!
Haggai 2:5 According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. (KJV)
According to the Word that I covenanted with you, when ye came out of Egypt . . . "There" (at the dividing of the Red Sea and the Jordan) "there did we rejoice in him" (Ps.66:6), as if He were present there; and our Lord Jesus promises the Apostles, "I am with you always even to the end of the world" (Mat.28:20), by an ever-present Presence with them through His Spirit (Jn.14:16-18, 26-27). Once a person truly repents and accepts Christ Jesus as Saviour, they are given the Holy Spirit, and once you have Him, He abides with you "for ever" (Jn.14:16; 2 Jn.2).
According to the Word that I covenanted with you . . . some say that this means Christ, the essential WORD, who was promised to the people of Israel at that time (Deut.18:15). It is Christ Jesus (the Jews' Messiah) in whom ALL the Promises are, because He IS the Covenant of Grace itself (Rom.6:14-15; Heb.10:29). This Covenant was indeed made with Him from eternity, but was made manifest, or much more clearly manifest, to the Jewish ancestors, when they came out of Egypt. Now here, it is again promised, for the encouragement of the Jews as they go in the work of building the temple. This divine Word, by His Spiritual Presence, should be with them also, to counsel, assist, strengthen and protect them; just as did He when He went before their fathers in the wilderness "in a pillar of cloud by day, and of fire by night" (Ex.13:21-22). The Angel of the Lord (Ex.3:1-6; Acts 7:30-38), redeemed, saved and carried them all the days of old. I believe that the Angel of the Lord was the pre-incarnate Christ, because NO common angel would ever say the following words: Exodus 3:5-6 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. (KJV) . . . Plus there are other instances where the Angel of the Lord permitted worship of Him, where a common angel REFUSES any worship that belongs to God alone (Rev.19:10; 22:9). The Word that was in the beginning with God, WAS God and by whom all things were created (Jn.1:1-3); and Who would become flesh, and dwell among them (Jn.1:14), and would appear in this very Temple that they were now building (Mat.21:12-14,23-27).
Messianic Prophecies: http://www.hisservants.org/messianic_prophecies_h_s.htm
Father/Son Covenants: http://www.hisservants.org/father_son_covenants_h_s.htm
So my Spirit remaineth among you . . . continues in the midst of you; not only God the Father, and His Divine Word were with them; but His Spirit also, His Holy Spirit, the third Person in the Trinity, of which these words are proof! The very same Spirit that was in Moses and others in his time, for the building of the tabernacle, is now promised unto these people and would continue with the builders, as a Spirit of wisdom and counsel to direct them, and as a Spirit of might and power to strengthen and assist them. The Spirit of God (Gen.1:2; 41:38; Ex.31:3; 35:31; Num.24:2; 1 Sam.10:10; 11:6; 2 Chron.15:1; 24:20; Job 27:3; 33:4; Mat.3:16; Jn.3:34; Rom.8:9,14; 15:19; 1 Cor.2:11,14; 3:16; 6:11; 7:40; 12:3; 2 Cor.3:3; 1 Jn.4:2).
Remember: Jesus IS God! . . . http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
And so He is today, and will continue in the TRUE churches of Christ. He is in the midst of His people, helping pastors to preach the Word, and the people in hearing, praying and praising God. Christ Jesus and His Spirit carry on His own work in them; to comfort, to seal with a Promise of "the earnest" (2 Cor.1:22; 5:5) and pledge of their future glory. He does NOT, nor will NOT ever depart from them (Isa.59:21; Ps. 33:11; 102:27; 111:3).
Fear ye not . . . although this new building was not very impressive, God tells them, "My spirit remaineth among you." That was much better than a fancy temple without the Presence of God. This tells us the difference between the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament and New Testament times. Back then . . . He was "among" the people. Today, He is IN believers (Rom.8:9). Things changed after Christ came! This is one of the great benefits we have as believers in Christ.
Haggai 2:6 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; (KJV)
For thus saith the Lord of hosts . . . for more and greater encouragement to the builders, the Lord of hosts has more to say. By the Word of God, Haggai looks back to when God's revelation by Moses and to His people. The Seed of the woman, Who should bruise the serpent's head (Gen.3:15), was promised on the fall of Adam; meaning the Messiah way out in the future, would be the blessing through Abraham's seed (Gen.12:2-3); by Moses, the prophet like unto him (Deut.18:15,18); by David, an everlasting covenant (2 Sam.23:5).
When the time was right, the Messiah would come, and appear in this house that they were now building, and give it a greater glory than Solomon's temple ever had. There are vast multitudes today that would NOT agree with this! Most today would rather have that magnificent gold temple, NOT the glory of God in the form of Jesus!
The sad fact is, the time is hastening to when we TRUE believers, shall be punished for even mentioning the Name of JESUS! Many do not know it, but "Christian" chaplains are forbidden to speak the Name of Jesus, by our government, for fear of offending a Muslim or other cult member. How ridiculous! WHY are the chaplains even there? If a chaplain is professing to be a "Christian" and does what the government tells them . . . they are NOT a Christian! A TRUE Christian MUST speak out and they MUST tell of Christ Jesus because HE is the ONLY Way to Heaven! NO other god can get you to Heaven! NO other religion can get you to Heaven! And for certain, Mary CANNOT get you there! Just JESUS!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
1 John 5:10-12 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV)
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (KJV)
Yet once, it is a little while . . . over 500 years would go by until the birth of Christ. Here it is called "a little while" because God's time clock and our time clock are quite different!
Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (KJV)
2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (KJV)
And I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land . . . this could mean He intends to make changes in the several kingdoms and nations of the world, between this prophecy and the coming of Christ, and which soon began to take place; because the Persian monarchy, quickly shook and was subdued by the Grecians; and in a little time the Grecian monarchy was destroyed by the Romans, plus other changes they made in each of the nations.
Or, it could mean the wonderful things that were done in the heavens, Earth and sea, at the birth of Christ, during His life, and at His death. At His birth a new star appeared in the heavens, which brought the wise men from the east to visit Him; the angels of Heaven descended, and sang Glory to God in the highest; Herod and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were shaken, moved, and troubled at the tidings of His birth. The people in all parts of Judea were being taxed in their respective cities at this time. Stormy winds agitated the waters of the sea in His lifetime; on which He walked (Mat.14:26), and which He rebuked (Mk.4:39). This clearly showed Christ Jesus to be the mighty God. At His death the heavens were darkened, the earth quaked, and rocks were rent asunder (Mat.27:51).
Something for us to consider: whatever preludes of fulfillment there were at our Lord's First Coming, they shall be slight to the fulfillment in His Second Coming. Isaiah 24:19-20 The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. 20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. (KJV)
After that, follows an announcement of the final judgment of men and angels (Jude 1:6, 14-15; Rev.11:18; 14:7; 20:12), and the everlasting kingdom of the blessed in the Presence of God (Ps.145:13; Dan.4:3,34; 7:14,27; 2 Pet.1:11).
Haggai 2:7 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. (KJV)
And I will shake all nations . . . by changing governors and forms of government which was done by the Romans, when subdued by them, and by bringing wars which caused changes . . . plus the fact the nations were shaken by the preaching of the Gospel, both in Judea, and in the Gentile world. The Gospel can indeed shake up hearts and consciences by the Spirit and grace of God. Some who face the Gospel of Christ will submit to it and obey Him, His Truths and ordinances; while most others (Mat.7:13-14) reject it and are filled with distrust, resentment and hatred, and who rise up to oppose and stop it. I will shake: (Eze.21:27; Dan.2:44-45; 7:20-25; Joel 3:9-16; Lk.21:10-11).
And the desire of all nations shall come . . . NOT the desirable things of all nations, such as their silver and gold. "The desire of all nations" is the Christ, the Messiah!
He whom they longed for, either through the knowledge of Him spread by the Jews in their dispersion, or by the aching and craving of the human heart, longing for the restoration from its decay. "The earnest expectation of the creature" did not begin with the Coming of Christ, nor was it limited to those, who actually came to Him (Rom. 8:19-22. "The whole creation," Paul said, "groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." Our enslaved soul longs to be free; every motion of grace in the sinful heart of man longs for its Deliverer; every weariness cries out, "Come and help us." Man, being formed in the image of God (Gen.1:26-27), ache to be reformed by and for Him.
One far more glorious and excellent, is meant here, the Messiah, in Whom all nations of the Earth were to be blessed (Gen.12:2-3).
The word "come" may mean His frequent coming in different respects: His Coming as Man (Lk.2:1-20); His Coming for the church (1 Thes.4:13-18); His Coming to indwell us (Jn.14:16-20; Rom.8:9); His coming to take vengeance on the Jews (Rev.chapters 6-18); and His Second Coming (Zec.14:1-5; Rev.19:11-21).
And I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts . . . meaning the glory which filled the tabernacle of Moses (Ex.29:43; 40:34-35), and the temple of Solomon (1 Ki.8:11; 2 Chron.5:14; 7:2), but as great as that was, it would be just a dim shadow of glory compared to the Real One, when Christ appeared in Person, Who is the brightness of His Father's glory (Lk.9:26; Heb.1:1-3).
If you are hungry, Jesus is the Bread of Life (Jn.6:33,35,47-51). If you are thirsty, Jesus is the Water of Life (Jn.4:10-14; Rev.21:6; 22:1). If you are sick, Jesus is the Great Physician (Mat.9:12-13; Mk.2:17; Lk.5:31). If you are confused or worried, Jesus is the Best Counsellor (Ps.73:24; Rom.11:33-36). If you are afraid of dying, Jesus can give you peace (Jn.3:16-17; 5:24; 14:27). If you want beauty, He is "fairer than the children of men" (Ps.45:2). If you want wealth, in Him are "all treasures" (Col.2:2-3) yea in Him "the fullness of the Godhead dwelleth" (Col.2:9). If you want a friend, there is NONE greater than Jesus (Jn.15:13-15). If you want eternal life in Heaven, Jesus IS eternal Life (Jn.3:15-16; 5:39; 6:54,68; 8:24; 14:6; 17:2-3; 1 Jn.5:20).
Haggai 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV)
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts . . . some think that God, in speaking of the glory with which He should fill the house, meant material riches. I do NOT think that is correct. There were NO silver ornament in the Solomon's temple. Everything was gold or overlaid with gold. Only in the tabernacle were there any bowls of silver, but in Solomon's temple they all were of gold (1 Ki.7:50; 2 Chron.4:8). Silver, it seems was worthless, "was nothing accounted of" (1 Ki.10:21) in the days of Solomon. He "made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones" because of its abundance (1 Ki.10:27). The Desire of all nations, Christ, would come, and HE would be the glory of the Temple, NOT silver and gold, to which any and all other glory would be NOTHING!
ALL belongs to God: (Gen.31:9; Ex.9:29; 19:5; Deut.10:14; 1 Ki.6:20-35; 1 Chron.29:11,14-16; Job 41:11; Dan.2:38; 4:25; Ps.8:6-8; 24:1; 50:10-12; 89:11; 98:7; 104:14, 4-25; Isa.60:13,17; Jer.27:5-6; Nah.1:5; 1 Cor.10:26)
Haggai 2:9 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. (KJV)
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts . . . the "former" or first House, was the Temple built by Solomon, and was a very glorious one indeed. If one would consider the immense treasure of riches laid up by David, and given to Solomon to build it; and the great number of workmen employed in it; the stateliness of the fabric, the like to which was never seen. The model was drawn by the Lord Himself; the decoration of it; the vessels in it; and, above all, the glory of the Lord that filled it, and continued in it; and yet this "latter" or second House exceeded it. It must be a glory very great indeed to exceed this!
See 1 Kings 5-7 for the building of it.
In this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts . . . NOT temporary peace, for there was not much of that during the second Temple; this speaks of spiritual peace, through the Blood and righteousness of Christ; peace with God; reconciliation for sin, through the sacrifice of the Son of God, in Whom He is well pleased (Mat.3:17; Mk.1:11; Lk.3:22; 2 Pet.1:17). Christ Himself surely is meant, the Prince of peace, the Man the peace, who is our peace (Isa.9:6), the author of peace between God and men, between Jew and Gentile; the giver of spiritual and eternal peace!
"How can the glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former" . . . the unconverted Jew (or Gentile) could NOT know the answer to this. It was because "Through the Presence of God, in the form of man; through the Son of God given to us, Whose name should be Mighty God" (Isa.9:6; Jer.32:18) The glory of this temple was in Him "Who was made Flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (Jn.1:14).
It was in this temple "There Christ, the Son of God, was, as a Child, presented to God" (Lk.2:22-23). It was there that He sat in the midst of the Doctors, asking questions (Lk.2:41-47). It was there that He taught and revealed things, hidden from the foundation of the world (Ps.42:9; 49:4; 78:2; Am.3:7; Mat.13:14; 21:4-5; Acts 15:18; Rom.16:25-26; 1 Cor.2:7; Eph.3:9; Heb.1:1-3).
The glory of the Temple of Solomon was, that in it the majesty of God appeared, veiling itself in a cloud (2 Chron.5:14), but in this second Temple, that same Majesty showed itself completely by the Only Begotten Son of God (Jn.3:16). He was God in the Flesh, very visible to sight: so that Jesus Himself said, "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father" (Jn.14:9). This was of Whom Malachi sang with joy, "The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in" (Mal.3:1). Absolutely NO material magnificence can ever replace the spiritual glory of God.
Spiritual peace is, all through prophecy, part of the Promise of the Gospel. Christ Himself was to be "the Prince of peace: of the increase of His government and of His peace there was to be no end" (Isa.9:6-7). In His days "the mountains were to bring peace to the people; there should be abundance of peace, so long as the moon endureth" (Ps.72:3,7); "the work of righteousness shall be peace" (Isa.32:17), "the chastisement of our peace (that which obtained it) was upon Him" (Isa.53:5), "great should be the peace of her children" (Isa.54:13), in the Gospel God would give true peace, to the "far off and the near" (Isa.57:19). He would extend "peace to her like a river" (Isa.66:12), the good things of the Gospel was "the publishing of peace" (Isa.52:7). The Gospel is described as "a covenant of peace" (Eze.34:25-26), the promised King "shall speak peace unto the heathen" (Zec.9:10). He Himself should be "our peace" (Mic.5:5). And when He was born, the angels proclaimed "on earth peace, goodwill toward men" (Lk.2:14). The Gospel promises "to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death" (Lk.1:79). "The Dayspring from on high visited us" (Lk.1:78). He Himself says, "My peace I leave with you" (Jn.14:27). He spoke, that "in Me ye might have peace " (Jn.16:33). What a wonderful Saviour we have!
Haggai 2:10 In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, (KJV)
In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month . . . the month Chisleu, which is part of November, and part of December. This was two months and three days after the former discourse or prophecy, and just three months from the time the Jews began to work in the house of the Lord (Hag.1:14).
In the second year of Darius . . . the same year that all the former sermons and prophecies were delivered.
Came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet . . . again, this states that what was spoken by Haggai, was NOT his own words, but was given to him by the Lord. The humble prophet was just the Lord's minister and messenger.
Saying . . . as follows:
Haggai 2:11 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord of hosts . . . the Lord speaks to Haggai the prophet.
Ask now the priests concerning the law . . . it was the job of the Levitical priests to understand the law and to teach it. They were to answer the people's questions, and resolve their doubts concerning it . . . NOT according to their will and pleasure; BUT according to the rules and instructions given within the Word of God. The prophet is sent from the Lord to the priests, to bring questions before them.
Saying . . . putting the following questions to them.
Haggai 2:12 If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No. (KJV)
If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment . . . "holy flesh" means the sacred meat of creatures offered in sacrifice, which were sanctified or set apart for holy use; part of which belonged to the priests, who might carry it in their pockets to the proper place of eating it.
And with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat . . . which were not holy, and not set aside for holy use, but were common meats and drinks. Pottage: (Gen.25:29-30,34; 2 Ki.4:38-40). The question about this is . . .
Shall it be holy? . . . meaning if either of those common things were touched by the skirt, in the pockets of which the holy flesh were carried, whether they were made holy by such a touch, and no more remained common or profane?
And the priests answered and said, No . . . they were not sanctified, even though the garment itself was sanctified and might not be used in common use till washed; that sanctified garment could not convey holiness to whatever it touched, or that touched it. (Ex.29:37; Lev.6:27,29; 7:6; Eze.44:19).
Haggai 2:13 Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. (KJV)
Then said Haggai . . . to the priests. Since he does not object to their answer; but was satisfied with it, he asks another question.
If one that is unclean by a dead body . . . (Num.5:2; 9:6,10; 19:11,13; 31:19; Lev.11:31; 21:1,11; Lam.4:14).
Touch any of these, shall it be unclean? . . . meaning that if a ceremonially impure person, who should touch any of the above things, bread, pottage, wine, or oil, or any meat, would not they become unclean and so not fit for use?
And the priests answered and said, it shall be unclean . . . which was rightly answered; for whatever such an unclean person touched was unclean, according to the law (Lev.19:22). Pollution is always more easily and more extensively conveyed than holiness.
Haggai 2:14 Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. (KJV)
Then answered Haggai, and said . . . to the priests, and before the people. And made an application of these things to them.
So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the Lord . . . the truth and nothing but the truth . . . not only those people that were present and at work at the temple, but those that were absent, ALL of the people were unclean! Although they were "pure in their own eyes" (Pro.30:12), they certainly were not so before the Lord!
My friend, the Lord can see and read all hearts and minds (Eze.11:5). From the heart springs all their actions and words, and ours! Just as a garment carrying in it "holy flesh" could not sanctify other things touched by it that were common and profane, but left them as they were; so too were their ritual devotions, and external holy actions! Just as an impure person made everything impure that he touched; so too, they being impure in heart, ALL their actions, even their religious ones, were also impure.
Consider the next:
And so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean . . . pointing to the altar, which they had built, and offered sacrifice on ever since they came out of Babylon, even though the temple was not yet built (Ezra 3:3). But ALL their outward religious services, and ALL the sacrifices they offered up, were in the Lord's eyes impure and abominable, as well as themselves; for it all came from an unsanctified heart. The unsanctified heart is full of iniquity: (Gen.6:5; Deut.29:18; 1 Sam.17:28; Ps.95:10-11; Pro.6:14,18; 11:20; Ecc.8:11; 9:3; Jer.4:14,18; 17:5,9-10; Rom.1:21; Mat.12:34-35).
Their sacrifices were offered up with unclean hands, and without repentance towards God, and they were also living in other ways being disobedient to God . . . especially their negligence in the building of the temple. They were quite satisfied with offering sacrifices on the altar, when the house of God lay in waste (Hag.1:4,9). Stiffnecked people: (Ex.32:9; 33:3,5; 34:9; Deut.9:6,13). Uncleanness: (Lev.5:2-3; 7:20-21; 17:15; 21:1-15; 22:2-8).
I can find no Biblical description for the altar of burnt offering in the Second Temple. But, there certainly was an altar constructed even before the Temple was rebuilt (Ezra 3:1-6). Josephus described the altar in the rebuilt Temple of Herod, saying that the altar was fifty cubits square and fifteen cubits high with a ramp leading to the top. If this were so, this altar would have been much larger than the earlier ones.
The altar in the Second Temple was built on the same foundation as the first altar. But, because the Second Temple was moved farther to the north, for the first time the high priest on Yom Kippur could see directly into the Sanctuary from the east on the Mount of Olives. It is said that the altar in the Second Temple was built off centered to the south in the inner courtyard.
Such was not the case of the First Temple altar. That altar was built right in front of the Temple door and also set in front of the doors of the three gates. That altar was placed in the inner courtyard directly between the porch and the eastern gate. This means that a person looking from the Mount of Olives at the First Temple through the two eastern gates was not able to see into the Sanctuary because the location of the first altar blocked his view, but in the Second Temple the Mishna records that someone standing on the Mount of Olives could see directly into the Holy Chamber of the Temple.
http://www.solomonstemple.com/the-temple/the-brass-altar/
Only people in an obedient state of mind deserve to be called "My people" (Tit.1:15). Here he applies the two cases just stated. By the first case, "this people" is NOT made "holy" by their offerings "there" (namely, on the altar built in the open air, under Cyrus, Ezra 3:3); although the ritual sacrifice can ordinarily sanctify outwardly so far as it reaches (Heb. 9:13), as the "holy flesh" sanctified the "skirt," yet it CANNOT make the offerers or their works acceptable to God, because it was lacking the spirit of obedience (1Sam.15:22), as long as they neglected to build the Lord's House. On the contrary, by the second case, they made "unclean" their very offerings by being unclean through "dead works" (disobedience), just as the person unclean by contact with a dead body imparted his uncleanness to all that he touched (Heb.9:14). This all applied to them as they had been, not as they are now that they have begun to obey. The plan is to guard them against falling back again. The "there" points to the altar, probably in view of the audience which the prophet addressed. My people: (Isa.1:3; 5:13; 32:13; 43:20-21; 47:6; 51:4-5; 52:6; 53:8; 65:2-5,19; Dan.9:19-20; Hos.1:9-10; 4:6-8,12; 11:7; Mat.2:6; Rom.9:25-26; 10:21; Rev.18:4).
This people: (Ex.3:21; 5:22-23; 17:4; 32:21,31; 33:12; Num.11:11-14; 14:11,13-14,19; 32:15; Deut.3:28; 5:28; 31:7,16; Josh.1:2,6,; 7:7; Judg.2:20; 1 Ki.5:7; 12:7,9-10,27; 14:2; 18:37; Isa.6:9-10; 8:6; 9:16; 29:13-14; 30:9; 43:21; Jer.4:10-11; 5:14,23; 6:19,21; 7:16,33; 8:5; 9:15; 11:14; 13:10; 14:10-11; 15:1,20; 16:5,10-11; 23:32-33; 28:15; 33:16; 36:7; Mic.2:11; Hag;1:2; 2:14; Mat.15:8; Mk.7:6; Lk.21:23).
Haggai 2:15 And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD: (KJV)
And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward . . . because they were so polluted with sin, especially their neglect of building the temple; the prophet pleaded most earnestly with them and encouraged them in their work.
From before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the Lord . . . the foundation of the temple was laid quickly after the Jews returned from Babylon, upon the proclamation of Cyrus (Ezra 3:10), but when difficulties and discouragements came upon them, they stopped the work, and went no further.
A stone was not laid upon the foundation until this time. Between the first laying the foundation of the Temple, and their present going to work upon it, the prophet wanted them to consider how they had sinned, and how the Lord had been offended by their sin of disobedience. Haggai tells them to look back from the last moment of their neglect in building the house of God, during all those years of neglect, to the beginning of their resuming the building. They were to consider all the difficulties that had overcame them.
In just 38 brief verses of the little Book of Haggai, the word "consider" is mentioned 4 times: Hag.1:5,7; 2:15;18. If it was that important for the Lord to warn the people 4 times, maybe we better pay attention too, and "Consider OUR ways."
Haggai 2:16 Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty. (KJV)
Since those days were . . . from the time the foundation of the temple was laid, unto the time they began to work again, was a period of about fifteen or sixteen years.
When one came to an heap of twenty measures, there were but ten . . . when the farmer gathered in his corn, he was usually a good judge of how much it would yield. When it came to a heap on his floor, and expected it would have produced at least twenty measures or bushels after it was threshed, to his sorrow he had only ten. There was much straw and chaff, but little grain, and when he put it in his granary, where he thought it would be safe, it was either stolen by thieves, or eaten by pests.
When one came to the wine vat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty . . . the amount of grapes that he put into the press to squeeze, he expected to have had fifty measures of wine; but he had instead only twenty. The bunches were so thin, or the grapes bad. There was much less wine than expected.
Haggai 2:17 I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD. (KJV)
I smote you with blasting . . . meaning that their fields and vineyards, were burned with hot winds that consumed them; and blights by east winds (1 Ki.8:37; 2 Chron.6:28).
And with mildew . . . a clammy dew that destroys the fruits of the earth (Am.4:9).
And with hail . . . which battered down the corn and the vines, and broke them to pieces (Ex.9:25; Ps.78:47).
In all the labours of your hands . . . all the work they did raising the corn and vines they planted.
Yet ye turned not to me, saith the Lord . . . they never considered that it was their evil ways that was the cause of it all. They did NOT repent of their sins. They did NOT turn to the Lord or to His worship. They did NOT start the building of His House, which was the main complaint of the Lord.
Haggai 2:18 Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid, consider it. (KJV)
Consider now from this day and upward . . . or from here on.
From the four and twentieth day of the ninth month . . . before observed (Hag.2:10).
Even from the day that the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid, consider it . . . not from the time the foundation was first laid after their return upon the proclamation of Cyrus, but from the time they began to clear that foundation, and to build upon it; after having lain so long neglected.
As the prophet had directed them to consider what adversity and calamities that they had because of their neglect up to this time; he wanted them to especially consider what blessings they would enjoy from here on, because of how pleasing it was to the Lord that they had begun to work and were going on with the building.
Haggai 2:19 Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you. (KJV)
Is the seed yet in the barn? . . . another question; this is the last one in book of Haggai. Haggai asks a total of eight questions in his Book (Hag.1:4,9; 2:3, 12,13,19).
Yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth . . . their various fruits; this not being the time of their bearing fruit, for it was winter.
From this day will I bless you . . . with plenty of good things, in their fields and gardens, in their vineyards and olive trees. What a difference between former and present times! The reason for this could easily be discerned . . . and that was their turning away from their sin. At times in the lives of individuals God has started His blessings on a certain day (Josh. 3:7); the same is true regarding a nation (Ex.12:14; Deut.2:25).
So that this being that month, seed time must have been just over; and the sense, is there any seed in the barn? No, it is sown; and so, is there any remaining in the granary for the support of families until the next harvest? They knew there was none, or very little: but the Lord promises to bless them, so they would have enough.
Haggai 2:20 And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying, (KJV)
And again the word of the Lord came unto Haggai . . . a "second" time, even on the same day as the former one.
In the four and twentieth day of the month . . . of the ninth month Chisleu (Hag.2:10).
Saying . . . as follows:
Haggai 2:21 Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth; (KJV)
Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah . . . the former sermon or prophecy was mainly to the people, for their encouragement in building. This one is directed to the governor over them, to support him under all the changes and revolutions made in the world; and that he would be regarded by the Lord in a very tender manner, and his government continued, as a type of Christ and His kingdom.
Types of Christ: . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/types_of_christ_in_OT.htm
Saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth . . . (Hag.2:6-7) make great commotions, changes and revolutions in the world, by wars, and otherwise: the Persian kingdom being subdued by the Grecian; the Grecian by the Romans; the Roman empire by the Goths and Vandals; and the antichristian states, both Papal and Muslim, by the vials of God's wrath poured out upon them, by means of Christian princes: such revolutions are often designed by the shaking of the heavens, especially by earthquakes in the book of the Revelation (Rev.6:12-14). There was in Zerubbabel's time no shaking of the heavens or of nations, so this I believe was future.
This prophecy is also universal. It is not one throne only, as of Persia, but the throne and the sovereigns of kingdoms. This was not a change of rule, but a destruction of their power, and not just a few powers but all the kingdoms of the heathens and that, their chief strength lay in the chariots and horsemen and their riders, and this, man by man, "every man's sword shall be against his brother" (Eze. 38:21), and this common destruction shall be a trait of the judgments at the end of the world against Gog and Magog and of the yet unfulfilled prophecies of Zechariah (Zec.14:16-17).
At the return from the captivity, governor Zerubbabel stood as the representative of the house of David and heir of the promises to him, even though Israel was in an inferior temporal condition.
Ezekiel 34:23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. (KJV)
Ezekiel 37:24-25 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. 25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. (KJV)
Jeremiah 30:9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. (KJV)
Hosea 3:5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days. (KJV)
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. (KJV)
The Promise to Zerubbabel reaches on through his descendants, on down to Christ. In the midst of all the overthrow of empires, God would protect his sons' sons until Christ would come, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev.19:16), a "kingdom, which shall never be destroyed" (Dan.2:44) "but it shall break in pieces and consume all those kingdoms, and shall stand for ever."
Haggai 2:22 And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother. (KJV)
And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms . . . the Persian monarchy, consisted of various kingdoms and nations, and was destroyed by Alexander the great, after three battles. Some say that the Persian monarchy fell by the Grecians thirty four years after the building of the temple; but others say it lasted longer.
Persian empire: . . . http://www.crystalinks.com/persia.html
http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/persianempir1/a/persialongevity.htm
And I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen . . . the empire of Alexander, was a very strong one, containing many kingdoms and nations, even the whole world, at least he thought so. After his death, it was divided into several kingdoms; thus the strength was greatly weakened by this, and was finally entirely destroyed by the Romans. . . . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great
And I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down . . . may refer either to the chariots and horses, and their riders, belonging to the Grecians, and used in their wars; or this may mean the Roman empire, which when its turn would come, would be destroyed. It was famous for their triumphal chariots.
Everyone by the sword of his brother . . . by civil wars (Isa.19:2; Mat.24:9-10), remarkably true of the successors of Alexander according to Josephus, but this may apply to all the kingdoms of this world, which will all be demolished, and be brought into subjection to Christ, and His kingdom shall be set up in the world, the Son and Antitype of Zerubbabel, of whom the following words are to be understood (Dan.2:44). Some say it shall of the army of Gog and Magog, who shall fall everyone by the sword of his brother. Overthrow: (Ex.14:17,28; 15:4,19; Jdg.7:22; 1 Sam.14:16; 2 Chron.20:22; Ps.46:9; 76:6; Isa.14:16; 19:2; 60:12; Eze.21:27; 39:20; Dan.2:34-35,38-45; 7:25-27; 8:25; Mic.5:10-15; Zep.3:8; Zec.4:6; 9:10; 10:11; 12:2-5; 14:1-5; Mat.24:7-10; Rev.11:15).
In Daniel 2:31-45 . . . this image represented the kingdoms of the Earth, that should successively rule the nations, and influence the affairs of the Jews. #1. The head of gold signified the Chaldean empire, then in being. #2. The breast and arms of silver signified the empire of the Medes and Persians. #3. The belly and thighs of brass signified the Grecian empire, founded by Alexander. #4. The legs and feet of iron signified the Roman empire. The Roman empire branched into ten kingdoms, as the toes of these feet. Some were weak as clay, others strong as iron. Attempts will be made to unite them, to strengthen the empire, but in vain.
"The stone was cut out of the mountain without hands," represents our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Kingdom of which would be set up in the kingdoms of the world, upon the ruins of Satan's kingdom. Christ Jesus was the Stone which the builders refused (Ps.118:22; Mat.21:42; Lk.20:17-18; Acts 4:11-12; 1 Pet.2:6-8), because it was not cut out by their hands, but He IS the Head Stone of the corner (Eph.2:20). Of the increase of Christ's government and peace there shall be no end (Isa.9:7). The Lord shall reign, not only to the end of time, but for eternity. Daniel's prophetic vision has been most exact and undeniable. Future ages shall witness this Stone destroying the image, and filling the whole Earth.
Haggai 2:23 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV)
In that day, saith the Lord of hosts . . . "that day" is when all these kingdoms are destroyed. This prophecy cannot be meant to be of Zerubbabel, who did not live to see these things, but is meant of his Descendant.
Will I take thee, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord . . . meaning the Messiah. The Messiah is of the Descendant of Zerubbabel (Lk.3:27); and He shall be the Seal of the Covenant, and the end of the kingdoms. This no doubt concerns the days of the expected Messiah who will be of the Seed of Zerubbabel. So this Promise was not fulfilled in Zerubbabel; for at the time of this prophecy he was just governor of Judah, and he never rose to a greater glory than what he then had.
And will make thee as a signet . . . the Lord reverses to Zerubbabel the sentence on Jeconiah for his impiety. To Jeconiah He had said: "though he were the signet upon My right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence; and I will give thee into the hand of them that seek thy life" (Jer.22:24-25).
The "signet" was very precious to its owner. It was kept close, never parted with, or only to those to whom authority was given, such as by Pharaoh to Joseph (Gen.41:42), or by Ahasuerus to Haman (Esther 3:10) and then to Mordecai (Esther 8:2). By these rings, the owner's will was expressed. Song 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. (KJV)
The "signet" was also an ornament to him who wore it. The Lord is glorified in His saints. 2 Thes.1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (KJV) . . . WHAT is OUR signet? It should be our light that shines out to others in this dark and evil world (Mat.5:14-16; 2 Cor.4:6; Eph.5:8; Col.1:12; 1 Thes.5:5-8; 1 Pet.2:9-10; 1 Jn.1:7; 2:10). We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit to confirm God's ownership of us (2 Cor.1:22; Eph.1:13; 4:30). The Holy Spirit is given to everyone who truly repents (Jn.14:16-18; Rom.8:9,14-16; 2 Cor.1:22; Eph.1:13; 4:30) and anyone who has the Spirit of Christ, has God's seal that he belongs to the heavenly family. It is the Promise of Almighty God to preserve, protect and defend us, and to love and watch over us as we live in this world.
Psalms 73:24-25 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. (KJV)
For I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts . . . again, this is not talking about Zerrubbel, but the Messiah, the Redeemer and Saviour of His people. One glorious day, He shall be their King and Governor, and the Judge of the world. Christ is God's elect, and my friend, it is ONLY in Him (JESUS) Whom all His people are chosen.
"In thee I am well pleased'' . . . which is said by God the Father concerning Christ more than once (Mat.3:17; 17:5; Mk.1:11; Lk.3:22; Jn.12:28; 2 Pet.1:17). This was exaltation of Christ after He had done His work, as the Lord's Servant, and will be just the same in the latter day, when He shall be King over all the Earth.
Great honor shall be put upon Christ as a Faithful Servant, and great love and affection shall be expressed to Him (Isa.45:23; Rom.14:11; Phil.2:10).
ALL shall honor Christ one day: (Num.14:21,28; Ps.72:11; Isa.45:22;25; Eze.5:11; Zep.2:9; Mat.10:32; Rom.10:9; 15:9; Phil.2:10; 1 Jn.4:15; 2 Jn.1:7; Rev.5:14).
The Messiah, Christ Jesus, is in His Manhood, the signet of God:
#1. God the Father was/is united with the Son of God;
#2. because the Word impressed on His Humanity the likeness of Himself, His knowledge, virtue, holiness, thoughts, words, acts and conversation;
#3. because the Man, Jesus, was the seal, a most evident sign and witness of the attributes of God, His power, justice, wisdom, and especially His exceeding love for man. Jesus came as Man so that God might show that He willed that His Son should be Incarnate. Thus, the Incarnate Christ is as a seal, in which we see the love, mercy, grace, justice, power and wisdom of our God.
#4. because Christ is a Seal, revealing and certifying to us the will of God, His doctrine, His law, His commands, etc., those which He taught in the Gospel.
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (KJV) . . . So, God the Father gave to Christ the power of working miracles, that He might confirm His words as by a seal, and demonstrate that they were revealed and empowered to Him by God, as it is stated in John 6:27, "Him hath God the Father sealed." Christ is also the seal of God, because by His emphasizing the faith, grace, virtue and lifestyle from Him and by His emphasizing Baptism and the other sacraments, 'He willed to conform us to the Image of His Son' (Rom.8:29). And, that "as we have borne the image of the earthly, we may also bear the image of the heavenly" (1 Cor.15:49).
Then too, Christ, like a seal, seals and guards ALL His faithful ones against all temptations and enemies. "Set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh" (Eze.9:4), and "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God" (Rev.7:2). The seal of Christ is the cross, for the cross guards us against the temptations of the flesh, the world and the devil. It also makes us His followers and soldiers. God's chosen: (Ex.6:7; Deut.7:6; Song 8:6-7; Isa.42;1; 43:10; 49:1-3; Zec.4:6-14; Mat.12:18; 20:16; 22:14; 25:34; Jn.6:27; 15:16; 1 Cor.1:26-29; Eph.1:4-6; 2 Thes.2:13-14; 2 Tim.2:19; Jam.2:5; 1 Pet.1:2; 2:4-5,9-10; Rev.17:14; 20:15).
I think that we have seen the spirit of part of this prophecy fulfilled. The Earth has been shaken, by wars and natural disasters. But, these are just the start! There is more on the way! Matthew 24:7-8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (KJV)
Wild weather: http://video.foxnews.com/v/1336160515001/wild-weather-in-2011/
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500202_162-57349601/top-five-wild-weather-events-of-2011/
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-weather/stories/a-look-back-at-the-wild-weather-of-2011
JESUS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS,
AND ALL PEOPLE!
Psalms 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. (KJV)
Psalms 24:7-10 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. (KJV)
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV)
Isaiah 32:1-2 Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. 2 And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. (KJV)
Isaiah 33:22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. (KJV)
Jer.23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. (KJV)
Jer.23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (KJV)
Eze.37:24-26 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. 25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. (KJV)
Zep.3:15 The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. (KJV)
Luke 1:31-33 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (KJV)
Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (KJV)
Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. (KJV)
Eph.1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV)
1 Thes.2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. (KJV)
1 Pet.1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (KJV)
Rom.8:16-17 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV)
1 Cor. 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV)
Gal. 5:19-23 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (KJV)
Eph.5:3-7 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (KJV)
2 Tim.2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (KJV)
2 Tim.4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (KJV)
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (KJV)
John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV)
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (KJV)
1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV)
1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (KJV)
Rev.5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (KJV)
Rev.21:7-8 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV)
1 Cor.2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (KJV)
Heb.11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (KJV)
1 Peter 1:18-21 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (KJV)
Book of Haggai
Ch.1 . Ch.2 . Home Page
|