Haggai 1:14 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

The Lord stirred up: this is the first notable effect of God's presence with them, a sensible performance of his promise. God inclined their minds, fixed their resolutions, and inspired them with courage for this work; whereas the stoutest of them before had no mind to set on this work, now the weakest are forward to it, and bold in it. The spirit; the heart, mind, or inclination. Shealtiel: see Haggai 1:12. Governor: see Haggai 1:1, Josedech: see Haggai 1:1,12. The remnant: see Haggai 1:12. They came, immediately, without delay, and unanimously, without any visible dissent. Did work; every one set their hands to it in such manner as was fit for them; governors did oversee, direct, and encourage the workmen; artificers framed and prepared, and the people all laboured. In the house; which was now to be built upon the old foundations, laid some seventeen years before, when Cyrus gave the Jews leave to return and build their city and temple. The Lord of hosts; by which name he delights to be known among the returned captives; and it was a name best suited to their present state, compassed on all hands with enemies, and in perpetual danger by them. Their God: see Habakkuk 1:12. The Lord stirred up: this is the first notable effect of God's presence with them, a sensible performance of his promise. God inclined their minds, fixed their resolutions, and inspired them with courage for this work; whereas the stoutest of them before had no mind to set on this work, now the weakest are forward to it, and bold in it. The spirit; the heart, mind, or inclination. Shealtiel: see Haggai 1:12. Governor: see Haggai 1:1, Josedech: see Haggai 1:1,12. The remnant: see Haggai 1:12. They came, immediately, without delay, and unanimously, without any visible dissent. Did work; every one set their hands to it in such manner as was fit for them; governors did oversee, direct, and encourage the workmen; artificers framed and prepared, and the people all laboured. In the house; which was now to be built upon the old foundations, laid some seventeen years before, when Cyrus gave the Jews leave to return and build their city and temple. The Lord of hosts; by which name he delights to be known among the returned captives; and it was a name best suited to their present state, compassed on all hands with enemies, and in perpetual danger by them. Their God: see Habakkuk 1:12.