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.
-All adversities formerly attended them when neglecting to build the temple; but now God promises all blossoms, as an encouragement to energy in the work. -- Let your hands be strong - be of courageous mind (2 Samuel 16:21, end), not merely in building, but in general, as having such bright prospects, (Zechariah 8:13, etc.)
Ye that hear in these days these words - "these days," including, besides the present time, all the time, counted backward, between the prophet's now speaking "these words" and the time (Zechariah 8:10: cf. Haggai 2:15-19) when they first set about in earnest restoring the temple (Ezra 3:12). "These words" include all the exhortations of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, not only to perseverance on building the temple, but to truth, equity, and mercy (see Zechariah 8:16-17).
The prophets - Haggai and Zechariah himself (Ezra 5:1-2). The same prophets who promised prosperity at the rounding of the temple now promise yet greater blessings hereafter.
Verse 10. For before these days - before the time in which ye again proceeded with the building of the temple (Zechariah 8:9) - namely, at the time that the temple lay neglected.
There was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast - i:e., no produce of the field to repay the labour of man and beast on it (Haggai 1:6; Haggai 1:9-10; Haggai 2:16).
Neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in - (2 Chronicles 15:5). No one could in safety do his business at home or abroad, in the city or in the country, whether going or returning.
Because of the affliction - so sorely pressed were they by the foe outside. Maurer translates х hatsaar (H6862)], 'because of the foe' (Ezra 4:1; Ezra 4:4, "The adversaries (the same Hebrew as here) of Judah" who "weakened the hands of the people ... and troubled them in building." But the Septuagint and the Vulgate support the English version.
Every one against his neighbour. There was intense discord, as well as "foes" from without.
Verse 11. But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the Lord of hosts - `But, now that the temple has been built, I will not do as I had formerly done to those who returned from Babylon' (Jerome). Henceforth, I will bless you because of your obedience in diligently building My temple.
Verse 12. For the seed shall be prosperous - i:e. shall not fail to yield abundantly (Hosea 2:21-22; Haggai 2:19). Contrast with this verse Haggai 1:6; Haggai 1:9-11; Haggai 2:16.
The heavens shall give their dew - especially beneficial in hot countries, where rain is rare.
Verse 13. As ye were a curse ... so ... ye shall be a blessing - as the pagan have made you another name for a curse, wishing to their foes as bad a lot as yours (Jeremiah 24:9; Jeremiah 29:18), so your name shall be a formula of blessing, so that men shall say to their friend, May thy lot be as happy as that of Judah! (Genesis 48:20.) Including also the idea of the Jews being a source of blessing the Gentile nations (Micah 5:7; Zephaniah 3:20).
O house of Judah, and house of Israel. The distinct mention of "Judah" and "Israel" proves that the prophecy has not yet had its full accomplishment, since Israel (the ten tribes) has never yet been restored, though individuals of Israel returned with Judah.