Haggai's Sermon on October 21.
Haggai 2:1 f. is mainly editorial. The work begun on Sep. 24 had consisted mainly of preparation, the actual rebuilding is now begun. Haggai 2:3 has reference to the simplicity of the design which was necessitated by the builders-' poverty. Ezra 3:12 f. is probably a picturesque inference from this passage. Ezra 1:6-11; Ezra 6:8 ff. are at variance with the natural meaning of Haggai's words. Haggai 2:5 a seems to be a mutilated and misplaced fragment. Read, for I am with you, and my spirit abideth among you. The heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land is an idiomatic way of saying the whole world, which to Haggai meant the vast Persian empire. The shaking refers to the revolts which broke out in various parts of the empire early in the reign of Darius, which Haggai expected to end in the downfall of Persia and the consequent freedom and enrichment of the Jews. Neither he nor Zechariah shows the slightest goodwill or gratitude towards Persia. The terms desirable things and glory denote national riches. After Haggai 2:9 the LXX has a curious addition, probably not original, which, it is supposed, corresponds to a Heb. clause meaning and quietness of soul to restore all the foundation, to raise up the Temple. Its author seems rightly to have understood the address on Oct. 21 as having been delivered at the laying of the foundation stone. The date in Haggai 2:18 is probably a mistaken repetition from Haggai 2:10 and should be omitted.