Haggai 2: Recalling the Splendor of the First Temple

Haggai encourages those who remembered the greater glory of the First Temple, proclaiming that the Second Temple would eventually surpass it.

2-1 On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai-

2 Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the governor of Judah, and to the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and to the rest of the people- 3 Who is there left among you who saw this House in its former splendor? How does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing to you. 4 But be strong, O Zerubbabel—says the Lord—be strong, O high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak; be strong, all you people of the land—says the Lord—and act! For I am with you—says the Lord of Hosts. 5 So I promised you when you came out of Egypt, and My spirit is still in your midst. Fear not!

6 For thus said the Lord of Hosts- In just a little while longer I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land; 7 I will shake all the nations. And the precious things of all the nations shall come [here], and I will fill this House with glory, said the Lord of Hosts. 8 Silver is Mine and gold is Mine—says the Lord of Hosts. 9 The glory of this latter House shall be greater than that of the former one, said the Lord of Hosts; and in this place I will grant prosperity—declares the Lord of Hosts.