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Created page with "{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Haggai | subtopics = The Prophet Haggai | opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} * [..."
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Haggai |
subtopics = The Prophet [[Book of Haggai|Haggai]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Haggai, Book of|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Haggai]] |
}}
Read the [[Book of Haggai]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Haggai 1|1]]
[[Haggai 2|2]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Haggai 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Haggai 2|2]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Book of Haggai]]'''
After the return from captivity, Haggai was sent to encourage the people to rebuild the temple, and to reprove their neglect. To encourage their undertaking, the people are assured that the [[glory]] of the second [[temple]] shall far exceed that of the first, by the appearing therein of [[Christ]], the Desire of all nations.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
Haggai reproves the [[Jews]] for neglecting the temple.
(1-11)
He promises [[God]]'s assistance to them.
(12-15)
'''Verses''' 1-11
Observe the [[sin]] of the [[Jews]], after their return from captivity in Babylon. Those employed for [[God]] may be driven from their work by a storm, yet they must go back to it. They did not say that they would not build a temple, but, Not yet. Thus men do not say they will never repent and reform, and be religious, but, Not yet. And so the great business we were sent into the [[world]] to do, is not done. There is a proneness in us to think wrongly of discouragements in our duty, as if they were a discharge from our duty, when they are only for the trial of our courage and faith. They neglected the building of [[God]]'s house, that they might have more time and money for worldly affairs. That the punishment might answer to the [[sin]], the poverty they thought to prevent by not building the temple, [[God]] brought upon them for not building it. Many good works have been intended, but not done, because men supposed the proper time was not come. Thus [[believer]]s let slip opportunities of usefulness, and sinners delay the concerns of their souls, till too late. If we labour only for the meat that perishes, as the [[Jews]] here, we are in danger of losing our labour; but we are sure it shall not be in vain in the [[Lord]], if we labour for the meat which lasts to eternal life. If we would have the comfort and continuance of temporal enjoyments, we must have [[God]] as our Friend. See also Lu 12:33. When [[God]] crosses our temporal affairs, and we meet with trouble and disappointment, we shall find the cause is, that the work we have to do for [[God]] and our own souls is left undone, and we seek our own things more than the things of [[Christ]]. How many, who plead that they cannot afford to give to pious or charitable designs, often lavish ten times as much in needless expenses on their houses and themselves! But those are strangers to their own interests, who are full of care to adorn and enrich their own houses, while [[God]]'s [[temple]] in their hearts lies waste. It is the great concern of every one, to apply to the necessary duty of self-examination and communion with our own hearts concerning our spiritual state. Sin is what we must answer for; duty is what we must do. But many are quick-sighted to pry into other people's ways, who are careless of their own. If any duty has been neglected, that is no reason why it should still be so. Whatever [[God]] will take pleasure in when done, we ought to take pleasure in doing. Let those who have put off their return to [[God]], return with all their heart, while there is time.
'''Verses''' 12-15
The people returned to [[God]] in the way of duty. In attending to [[God]]'s ministers, we must have respect to him that sent them. The word of the [[Lord]] has success, when by his [[grace]] he stirs up our spirits to comply with it. It is in the day of [[Divine]] power we are made willing. When [[God]] has work to be done, he will either find or make men fit to do it. Every one helped, as his ability was; and this they did with a regard to the [[Lord]] as their [[God]]. Those who have lost time, need to redeem time; and the longer we have loitered in folly, the more haste we should make. [[God]] met them in a way of [[mercy]]. Those who work for him, have him with them; and if he be for us, who can be against us? This should stir us up to be diligent.
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
Greater [[glory]] promised to the second [[temple]] than to the first.
(1-9)
Their sins hindered the work.
(10-19)
The kingdom of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] foretold.
(20-23)
'''Verses''' 1-9
Those who are hearty in the [[Lord]]'s service shall receive encouragement to proceed. But they could not build such a [[temple]] then, as [[Solomon]] built. Though our gracious [[God]] is pleased if we do as well as we can in his service, yet our proud hearts will scarcely let us be pleased, unless we do as well as others, whose abilities are far beyond ours. Encouragement is given the [[Jews]] to go on in the work notwithstanding. They have [[God]] with them, his [[Spirit]] and his special presence. Though he chastens their transgressions, his faithfulness does not fail. The [[Spirit]] still remained among them. And they shall have the [[Messiah]] among them shortly; "He that should come." Convulsions and changes would take place in the Jewish [[church]] and state, but first should come great revolutions and commotions among the nations. He shall come, as the Desire of all nations; desirable to all nations, for in him shall all the earth be blessed with the best of blessings; long expected and desired by all [[believer]]s. The house they were building should be filled with glory, very far beyond [[Solomon]]'s temple. This house shall be filled with [[glory]] of another nature. If we have silver and gold, we must serve and honour [[God]] with it, for the property is his. If we have not silver and gold, we must honour him with such as we have, and he will accept us. Let them be comforted that the [[glory]] of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former, in what would be beyond all the glories of the first house, the presence of the [[Messiah]], the Son of [[God]], the [[Lord]] of glory, personally, and in human nature. Nothing but the presence of the Son of [[God]], in human form and nature, could fulfil this. [[Jesus]] is the [[Christ]], is He that should come, and we are to look for no other. This prophecy alone is enough to silence the [[Jews]], and condemn their obstinate rejection of Him, concerning whom all their prophets spake. If [[God]] be with us, [[peace]] is with us. But the [[Jews]] under the latter [[temple]] had much trouble; but this promise is fulfilled in that spiritual [[peace]] which [[Jesus Christ|Jesus Christ]] has by his blood purchased for all [[believer]]s. All changes shall make way for [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] to be desired and valued by all nations. And the [[Jews]] shall have their eyes opened to behold how precious He is, whom they have hitherto rejected.
'''Verses''' 10-19
Many spoiled this good work, by going about it with unholy hearts and hands, and were likely to gain no advantage by it. The sum of these two rules of the law is, that [[sin]] is more easily learned from others than [[holiness]]. The impurity of their hearts and lives shall make the work of their hands, and all their offerings, unclean before [[God]]. The case is the same with us. When employed in any good work, we should watch over ourselves, lest we render it unclean by our corruptions. When we begin to make conscience of duty to [[God]], we may expect his blessing; and whoso is wise will understand the loving-kindness of the [[Lord]]. [[God]] will curse the blessings of the wicked, and make bitter the prosperity of the careless; but he will sweeten the cup of affliction to those who diligently serve him.
'''Verses''' 20-23
The [[Lord]] will preserve Zerubbabel and the people of [[Judah]], amidst their enemies. Here is also foretold the establishment and continuance of the kingdom of Christ; by union with whom his people are sealed with the [[Holy Spirit|Holy Ghost]], sealed with his image, thus distinguished from all others. Here also is foretold the changes, even to that time when the kingdom of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] shall overthrow and occupy the place of all the empires which opposed his cause. The promise has special reference to [[Christ]], who descended from Zerubbabel in a direct line, and is the sole Builder of the [[gospel]] temple. Our [[Lord]] [[Jesus]] is the Signet on [[God]]'s right hand, for all power is given to him, and derived from him. By him, and in him, all the promises of [[God]] are yea and amen. Whatever changes take place on earth, all will promote the comfort, honour, and happiness of his servants.
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Book of Haggai]]
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Haggai |
subtopics = The Prophet [[Book of Haggai|Haggai]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Haggai, Book of|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Haggai]] |
}}
Read the [[Book of Haggai]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Haggai 1|1]]
[[Haggai 2|2]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Haggai 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Haggai 2|2]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Book of Haggai]]'''
After the return from captivity, Haggai was sent to encourage the people to rebuild the temple, and to reprove their neglect. To encourage their undertaking, the people are assured that the [[glory]] of the second [[temple]] shall far exceed that of the first, by the appearing therein of [[Christ]], the Desire of all nations.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
Haggai reproves the [[Jews]] for neglecting the temple.
(1-11)
He promises [[God]]'s assistance to them.
(12-15)
'''Verses''' 1-11
Observe the [[sin]] of the [[Jews]], after their return from captivity in Babylon. Those employed for [[God]] may be driven from their work by a storm, yet they must go back to it. They did not say that they would not build a temple, but, Not yet. Thus men do not say they will never repent and reform, and be religious, but, Not yet. And so the great business we were sent into the [[world]] to do, is not done. There is a proneness in us to think wrongly of discouragements in our duty, as if they were a discharge from our duty, when they are only for the trial of our courage and faith. They neglected the building of [[God]]'s house, that they might have more time and money for worldly affairs. That the punishment might answer to the [[sin]], the poverty they thought to prevent by not building the temple, [[God]] brought upon them for not building it. Many good works have been intended, but not done, because men supposed the proper time was not come. Thus [[believer]]s let slip opportunities of usefulness, and sinners delay the concerns of their souls, till too late. If we labour only for the meat that perishes, as the [[Jews]] here, we are in danger of losing our labour; but we are sure it shall not be in vain in the [[Lord]], if we labour for the meat which lasts to eternal life. If we would have the comfort and continuance of temporal enjoyments, we must have [[God]] as our Friend. See also Lu 12:33. When [[God]] crosses our temporal affairs, and we meet with trouble and disappointment, we shall find the cause is, that the work we have to do for [[God]] and our own souls is left undone, and we seek our own things more than the things of [[Christ]]. How many, who plead that they cannot afford to give to pious or charitable designs, often lavish ten times as much in needless expenses on their houses and themselves! But those are strangers to their own interests, who are full of care to adorn and enrich their own houses, while [[God]]'s [[temple]] in their hearts lies waste. It is the great concern of every one, to apply to the necessary duty of self-examination and communion with our own hearts concerning our spiritual state. Sin is what we must answer for; duty is what we must do. But many are quick-sighted to pry into other people's ways, who are careless of their own. If any duty has been neglected, that is no reason why it should still be so. Whatever [[God]] will take pleasure in when done, we ought to take pleasure in doing. Let those who have put off their return to [[God]], return with all their heart, while there is time.
'''Verses''' 12-15
The people returned to [[God]] in the way of duty. In attending to [[God]]'s ministers, we must have respect to him that sent them. The word of the [[Lord]] has success, when by his [[grace]] he stirs up our spirits to comply with it. It is in the day of [[Divine]] power we are made willing. When [[God]] has work to be done, he will either find or make men fit to do it. Every one helped, as his ability was; and this they did with a regard to the [[Lord]] as their [[God]]. Those who have lost time, need to redeem time; and the longer we have loitered in folly, the more haste we should make. [[God]] met them in a way of [[mercy]]. Those who work for him, have him with them; and if he be for us, who can be against us? This should stir us up to be diligent.
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
Greater [[glory]] promised to the second [[temple]] than to the first.
(1-9)
Their sins hindered the work.
(10-19)
The kingdom of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] foretold.
(20-23)
'''Verses''' 1-9
Those who are hearty in the [[Lord]]'s service shall receive encouragement to proceed. But they could not build such a [[temple]] then, as [[Solomon]] built. Though our gracious [[God]] is pleased if we do as well as we can in his service, yet our proud hearts will scarcely let us be pleased, unless we do as well as others, whose abilities are far beyond ours. Encouragement is given the [[Jews]] to go on in the work notwithstanding. They have [[God]] with them, his [[Spirit]] and his special presence. Though he chastens their transgressions, his faithfulness does not fail. The [[Spirit]] still remained among them. And they shall have the [[Messiah]] among them shortly; "He that should come." Convulsions and changes would take place in the Jewish [[church]] and state, but first should come great revolutions and commotions among the nations. He shall come, as the Desire of all nations; desirable to all nations, for in him shall all the earth be blessed with the best of blessings; long expected and desired by all [[believer]]s. The house they were building should be filled with glory, very far beyond [[Solomon]]'s temple. This house shall be filled with [[glory]] of another nature. If we have silver and gold, we must serve and honour [[God]] with it, for the property is his. If we have not silver and gold, we must honour him with such as we have, and he will accept us. Let them be comforted that the [[glory]] of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former, in what would be beyond all the glories of the first house, the presence of the [[Messiah]], the Son of [[God]], the [[Lord]] of glory, personally, and in human nature. Nothing but the presence of the Son of [[God]], in human form and nature, could fulfil this. [[Jesus]] is the [[Christ]], is He that should come, and we are to look for no other. This prophecy alone is enough to silence the [[Jews]], and condemn their obstinate rejection of Him, concerning whom all their prophets spake. If [[God]] be with us, [[peace]] is with us. But the [[Jews]] under the latter [[temple]] had much trouble; but this promise is fulfilled in that spiritual [[peace]] which [[Jesus Christ|Jesus Christ]] has by his blood purchased for all [[believer]]s. All changes shall make way for [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] to be desired and valued by all nations. And the [[Jews]] shall have their eyes opened to behold how precious He is, whom they have hitherto rejected.
'''Verses''' 10-19
Many spoiled this good work, by going about it with unholy hearts and hands, and were likely to gain no advantage by it. The sum of these two rules of the law is, that [[sin]] is more easily learned from others than [[holiness]]. The impurity of their hearts and lives shall make the work of their hands, and all their offerings, unclean before [[God]]. The case is the same with us. When employed in any good work, we should watch over ourselves, lest we render it unclean by our corruptions. When we begin to make conscience of duty to [[God]], we may expect his blessing; and whoso is wise will understand the loving-kindness of the [[Lord]]. [[God]] will curse the blessings of the wicked, and make bitter the prosperity of the careless; but he will sweeten the cup of affliction to those who diligently serve him.
'''Verses''' 20-23
The [[Lord]] will preserve Zerubbabel and the people of [[Judah]], amidst their enemies. Here is also foretold the establishment and continuance of the kingdom of Christ; by union with whom his people are sealed with the [[Holy Spirit|Holy Ghost]], sealed with his image, thus distinguished from all others. Here also is foretold the changes, even to that time when the kingdom of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] shall overthrow and occupy the place of all the empires which opposed his cause. The promise has special reference to [[Christ]], who descended from Zerubbabel in a direct line, and is the sole Builder of the [[gospel]] temple. Our [[Lord]] [[Jesus]] is the Signet on [[God]]'s right hand, for all power is given to him, and derived from him. By him, and in him, all the promises of [[God]] are yea and amen. Whatever changes take place on earth, all will promote the comfort, honour, and happiness of his servants.
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Book of Haggai]]
