Haggai 2:20
For the second time that day, the twenty-fourth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to Haggai, saying,
For the second time that day
This phrase indicates the urgency and importance of the message. In the context of prophetic literature, receiving a word from the Lord twice in one day underscores the significance of the message. It suggests that God is actively communicating with His people and that the message should be heeded with seriousness. This repetition can be seen in other biblical instances, such as Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams in Genesis 41:32, where the doubling of the dream signifies that the matter is firmly decided by God.

the twenty-fourth day of the month
The specific dating of this prophecy is significant. It is the 24th day of the ninth month, Kislev, in the second year of King Darius's reign (520 BC). This precise dating reflects the historical accuracy and reliability of the biblical text. It also situates the prophecy within the context of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, a central theme in Haggai. The date is significant as it marks a turning point in the encouragement of the people to complete the Temple, aligning with the agricultural calendar and the anticipation of God's blessings.

the word of the LORD came to Haggai
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message. Haggai, as a prophet, serves as a mouthpiece for God, delivering His words to the people. The phrase "word of the LORD" is a common prophetic formula, indicating that the message is not of human origin but is a direct communication from God. This underscores the authority and reliability of the prophecy. The role of the prophet is crucial in the Old Testament, as seen in other prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who also delivered God's messages to guide, warn, and encourage His people.

saying
The use of "saying" introduces the content of the divine message. It prepares the audience for the specific instructions or revelations that follow. In the context of Haggai, this message is part of a series of prophecies aimed at motivating the people to complete the rebuilding of the Temple. The prophetic message often includes elements of both warning and promise, reflecting God's covenant relationship with His people. The forthcoming message will address the future shaking of the heavens and the earth, a theme that resonates with eschatological implications found in other prophetic books like Daniel and Revelation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Haggai
A prophet of God who delivered messages to the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. His role was to encourage the rebuilding of the temple and to convey God's promises and warnings.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who speaks through His prophets to guide, correct, and encourage His people.

3. The Second Message
This refers to the second message given to Haggai on the same day, emphasizing the importance and urgency of God's communication.

4. The Twenty-Fourth Day of the Month
This specific timing highlights the precision and intentionality of God's messages, often aligning with significant events or periods in Israel's history.

5. Post-Exilic Jerusalem
The setting of Haggai's prophecy, where the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile and were tasked with rebuilding the temple and restoring their community.
Teaching Points
God's Timing and Precision
God's messages are timely and precise, often aligning with significant events in our lives. We should be attentive to His guidance and timing.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Haggai play a crucial role in delivering God's messages. We should value and heed the teachings of those who faithfully communicate God's Word today.

Encouragement in Obedience
Just as Haggai encouraged the Israelites to rebuild the temple, we are called to persevere in our God-given tasks, trusting in His provision and strength.

Divine Empowerment
The rebuilding of the temple was a daunting task, but God's Spirit empowered the people. We too can rely on the Holy Spirit to accomplish what seems impossible.

Faithfulness in Small Beginnings
The work on the temple began small, but God valued their faithfulness. We should not despise small beginnings but trust that God can bring great things from them.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the timing of God's message to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month reflect His intentionality in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we discern and respond to God's messages in our current context, similar to how Haggai delivered God's word to the Israelites?

3. How do the themes of encouragement and divine empowerment in Haggai 2:20 relate to the challenges we face in our personal and communal lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of prophets in the Old Testament that apply to how we view spiritual leadership and guidance today?

5. How can we apply the principle of faithfulness in small beginnings to our personal spiritual growth and ministry efforts?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Zechariah 4:6-10
This passage, like Haggai, encourages the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing that it will be accomplished not by might or power, but by God's Spirit. It reinforces the theme of divine empowerment in the face of daunting tasks.

Ezra 5:1-2
This scripture records the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah, who motivated the leaders Zerubbabel and Jeshua to resume the work on the temple, showing the impact of prophetic encouragement.

Isaiah 41:10
This verse offers reassurance of God's presence and strength, similar to the encouragement found in Haggai's messages, reminding believers of God's support in fulfilling His purposes.
Terrible RevolutionsHomilistHaggai 2:20-23
Terrible RevolutionsD. Thomas Haggai 2:20-23
The Blessing of CalamitiesJ. C. Hare, M. A.Haggai 2:20-23
The Final MessageT. Whitelaw Haggai 2:20-23
The Safety of God's People Amidst the Coming CommotionsT. V. Moore, D. D.Haggai 2:20-23
People
Darius, Haggai, Jehozadak, Josedech, Joshua, Shealtiel, Zerubbabel
Places
Egypt, Jerusalem
Topics
Fourth, Haggai, Month, Saying, Twentieth, Twenty, Twenty-fourth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Haggai 2:20-23

     5366   king
     6622   choice

Library
Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 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, 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? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Yet this 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. G od shook the earth when He proclaimed His law to Israel from Sinai. The description, though very simple, presents to our thoughts a scene unspeakably majestic, grand and awful. The mountain was in flames at the top, and
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
By the mouth of His servant Haggai stern rebukes were uttered, and the whole people were aroused. We read in verse twelve of the first chapter, "Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the Lord." All hands were put to the work; course after course of stone began to rise; and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

The Desire of all Nations
"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."--Haggai 2:7. THE second temple was never intended to be as magnificent as the first. The first was to be the embodiment of the full glory of the dispensation of symbols and types, and was soon to pass away. This comparative feebleness had been proved by the idolatry and apostasy of the people Israel, and when they returned to Jerusalem they were to have a structure
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

The Overturning which is visible on Every Hand.
"I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is" (Ezek. 21:27). In close accord with this prophecy through Ezekiel is the word recorded in Haggai 2:6, 7--"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." Note carefully the coupling of these two things together--the coming of the Desire
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
"The Holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified."--John vii. 39. We have come to the most difficult part in the discussion of the work of the Holy Spirit, viz., the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the tenth day after the ascension. In the treatment of this subject it is not our aim to create a new interest in the celebration of Pentecost. We consider this almost impossible. Man's nature is too unspiritual for this. But we shall reverently endeavor to give a clearer insight
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

His Throat is Most Sweet, Yea, He is Altogether Lovely. This is My Beloved, and this is My Friend, O Daughters of Jerusalem.
The good qualities of ordinary things may be sufficiently well expressed by ordinary phrases of commendation, but there are some subjects so above expression that they can only be worthily admired by declaring them above all praise. Such is the Divine Bridegroom, who, by the excess of His perfections, renders His Bride dumb when she endeavors most worthily to praise Him, that all hearts and minds may be attracted to Him. Her passion causes her to burst out into the praise of some of the excellencies
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

"Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from Before Mine Eyes; Cease to do Evil,"
Isaiah i. 16.--"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil," &c. There are two evils in sin,--one is the nature of it, another the fruit and sad effect of it. In itself it is filthiness, and contrary to God's holiness; an abasing of the immortal soul; a spot in the face of the Lord of the creatures, that hath far debased him under them all. Though it be so unnatural to us, yet it is now in our fallen estate become, as it were, natural, so that
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Christian Business World
Scripture references: Proverbs 22:29; Romans 12:11; Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8; Psalm 49:6,10,16,17; 62:10; Matthew 13:22; Mark 10:23,24; Job 31:24-26; Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 25:14-30; 24:45-51; 6:19-21; Luke 12:16-21. THE IDEAL IN THE BUSINESS WORLD There is often a wide difference between the methods actually employed in doing business and when they should be. Good men who are in the thick of the battle of competition and rivalry with other firms in the same line of trade, are the quickest
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober Reason,
appears of itself highly credible and probable, and abundantly recommends itself in its native simplicity, merely by its own intrinsic goodness and excellency, to the practice of the most rational and considering men, who are desirous in all their actions to have satisfaction and comfort and good hope within themselves, from the conscience of what they do: So it is moreover positively and directly proved to be actually and immediately sent to us from God, by the many infallible signs and miracles
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

The Cities of the Levites.
Concerning them, see Numbers, chapter 35, and Joshua chapter 21. "The suburbs of the cities of the Levites were three thousand cubits on every side; viz. from the walls of the city, and outwards; as it is said, 'From the walls of the city and outwards a thousand cubits: and thou shalt measure from without the city two thousand cubits' (Num 35:4,5). The former thousand were the suburbs, and the latter two thousand were for fields and vineyards. They appointed the place of burial to every one of those
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive.
1. Men either idolatrous, profane, hypocritical, or regenerate. 1. Idolaters void of righteousness, full of unrighteousness, and hence in the sight of God altogether wretched and undone. 2. Still a great difference in the characters of men. This difference manifested. 1. In the gifts of God. 2. In the distinction between honorable and base. 3. In the blessings of he present life. 3. All human virtue, how praiseworthy soever it may appear, is corrupted. 1. By impurity of heart. 2. By the absence of
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free from the Law of Sin and Death. "
Rom. viii. 2.--"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." You know there are two principal things in the preceding verse,--the privilege of a Christian, and the property or character of a Christian. He is one that never enters into condemnation; He that believeth shall not perish, John iii. 15. And then he is one that walks not after the flesh, though he be in the flesh, but in a more elevate way above men, after the guiding and leading
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Fourth Commandment
Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it. Exod 20: 8-11. This
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Mount Zion.
"For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them: for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: but ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Haggai
The post-exilic age sharply distinguished itself from the pre-exilic (Zech. i. 4), and nowhere is the difference more obvious than in prophecy. Post-exilic prophecy has little of the literary or moral power of earlier prophecy, but it would be very easy to do less than justice to Haggai. His prophecy is very short; into two chapters is condensed a summary, probably not even in his own words, of no less than four addresses. Meagre as they may seem to us, they produced a great effect on those who heard
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Haggai 2:20 NIV
Haggai 2:20 NLT
Haggai 2:20 ESV
Haggai 2:20 NASB
Haggai 2:20 KJV

Haggai 2:20 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Haggai 2:19
Top of Page
Top of Page