Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which [were] in the day [that] the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.
Ver. 9. Let your hands be strong] Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us take heart of grace against all occasions of distrust and fear, 2 Corinthians 7:1; let us up and be doing, that the Lord may be with us; let us fear lest, such a promise being left us, yea, such a bundle of promises as are contained in the new covenant, any of you, by shrinking from the service, should seem to come short of it, Hebrews 4:1; or by faintly forwarding the temple work, should lose the things that he hath wrought, "but that ye receive a full reward," 2 John 1:8 "Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees," Isaiah 35:3,4. Say to them of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not, &c. Say the same every man to himself. Encourage yourselves in the Lord your God, as David did, 1 Samuel 30:6. Believe the prophets and ye shall prosper, 2 Chronicles 20:20 .
Do ye not hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets?] Myself and Haggai? And should the consolation of God be small unto you? Job 15:11; will you not trust us whom you have already tried? and take comfort by our words now, whom you have formerly found no liars?