Haggai 1:12

KJV

¶ Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Zerubbabel {H2216} the son {H1121} of Shealtiel {H7597}, and Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Josedech {H3087}, the high {H1419} priest {H3548}, with all the remnant {H7611} of the people {H5971}, obeyed {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}, and the words {H1697} of Haggai {H2292} the prophet {H5030}, as the LORD {H3068} their God {H430} had sent {H7971} him, and the people {H5971} did fear {H3372} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Z'rubavel the son of Sh'alti'el and Y'hoshua the son of Y'hotzadak, the cohen hagadol, with all the rest of the people, paid attention to what ADONAI their God had said and to the words of Hagai the prophet; since ADONAI their God had sent him; and the people were filled with fear in the presence of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the words of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. So the people feared the LORD.

American Standard Version

Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of Jehovah their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as Jehovah their God had sent him; and the people did fear before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 1:12 marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic community's journey, illustrating an immediate and unified response of obedience to God's prophetic word. Following the prophet Haggai's direct challenge concerning their neglect of the Temple's rebuilding, both the civil governor Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua, along with the entire returning remnant, heeded the divine message. Their prompt action, rooted in a profound reverence for the LORD, initiated the crucial work of reconstructing God's house in Jerusalem, demonstrating a powerful example of spiritual awakening and collective commitment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Haggai 1:12 serves as the climax of the initial divine confrontation in the book of Haggai. In the preceding verses, particularly [Haggai 1:2-11](/haggai/1-2-11 "Haggai 1:2-11 - God's Rebuke for Neglecting the Temple"), the LORD, through Haggai, sternly rebukes the people of Judah for prioritizing their own "paneled houses" while His Temple lay in ruins. God directly attributes their economic hardship—such as poor harvests and lack of prosperity—to this misplaced priority. Verse 12 provides the immediate and positive response to this divine indictment, setting the stage for God's subsequent promise of His presence and blessing in [Haggai 1:13-15](/haggai/1-13-15 "Haggai 1:13-15 - God's Promise and the Work Begins"), as the people begin the work of rebuilding. This swift obedience is crucial, demonstrating the efficacy of God's word and the people's receptiveness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Haggai take place around 520 BC, approximately 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity, following Cyrus the Great's decree in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and the Return from Exile"). While the foundation of the Temple had been laid shortly after their return ([Ezra 3:8-13](/ezra/3-8-13 "Ezra 3:8-13 - Laying the Temple Foundation")), opposition and discouragement had caused the work to cease for many years ([Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding")). The people had settled into their own lives, building their homes and tending to their affairs, while the central place of worship remained desolate. Culturally, the Temple was not merely a building but the symbolic center of their national and spiritual identity, the place where God's presence was manifested. Their neglect, therefore, was a profound spiritual failure, impacting their relationship with God and, as Haggai reveals, their material well-being.
* **Key Themes:** Haggai 1:12 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book and broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Obedience to God's Voice**, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through immediate and active compliance with divine commands, as seen in the leaders and people heeding the "voice of the LORD." This is directly contrasted with the prior disobedience of prioritizing personal comfort over God's work. Another crucial theme is the **Fear of the LORD**, which is presented not as terror, but as a profound reverence and awe that motivates genuine obedience and a desire to please God. This reverential fear is often presented in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, as articulated in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). The verse also highlights **Responsive Leadership**, with Zerubbabel and Joshua exemplifying godly leadership by actively responding to God's word and leading the people by example. Finally, the mention of "all the remnant of the people" underscores the theme of **Collective Action and Unity** in fulfilling God's purposes, demonstrating that the monumental task of rebuilding the Temple required a unified effort from the entire community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **obeyed (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From the primitive root H8085, this word signifies more than merely "to hear." It implies an intelligent, attentive hearing that leads to compliance, active listening, and ultimately, obedience. In this context, it means the leaders and people not only heard Haggai's message but also took it to heart and acted upon it, demonstrating a responsive and willing submission to the divine will.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, "dâbâr" is a rich Hebrew term that can mean a "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," or "decree." Here, it refers to the specific messages, pronouncements, and commands delivered by Haggai. The people's obedience to the "words of Haggai" is explicitly equated with obedience to the "voice of the LORD their God," underscoring the prophet's role as a direct messenger of divine revelation.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From the primitive root H3372, "yârêʼ" encompasses a spectrum of meanings from terror to profound reverence and worship. In this context, "the people did fear before the LORD" indicates a healthy, reverential awe and respect for God's authority and holiness. This fear is not paralyzing dread but a motivating force that leads to humble submission and a desire to align one's life with God's commands, recognizing His ultimate power and sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest":** This clause identifies the two key leaders of the post-exilic community. Zerubbabel, the civil governor ([H2216](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - Zerubbabel, the Governor")), represented the Davidic line and political authority, while Joshua, the high priest ([H3091](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - Joshua, the High Priest")), represented the spiritual authority. Their immediate and unified response was crucial for the people to follow suit, demonstrating the importance of leadership by example in God's work.
* **"with all the remnant of the people":** This phrase emphasizes the collective nature of the obedience. It was not just the leaders, but the entire community—the surviving portion ([H7611](/haggai/1-12 "Haggai 1:12 - The Remnant of the People")) of Israel who had returned from exile—who responded. This highlights a moment of widespread spiritual conviction and unity of purpose, essential for undertaking the monumental task of rebuilding the Temple.
* **"obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him":** This is the core action of the verse. The people's obedience is explicitly directed towards both the "voice of the LORD" and the "words of Haggai." This underscores the divine authority of Haggai's message; his words were not merely human counsel but the direct communication of God, who "had sent him" ([H7971](/haggai/1-12 "Haggai 1:12 - God Sent Haggai")). The repetition of "the LORD their God" reinforces the covenant relationship and the source of the authoritative command.
* **"and the people did fear before the LORD":** This concluding clause reveals the underlying motivation for their obedience. Their fear ([H3372](/haggai/1-12 "Haggai 1:12 - Fear Before the LORD")) was not a superficial reaction but a deep, reverential awe and respect for God's power, holiness, and authority. This profound reverence compelled them to act, recognizing the seriousness of God's rebuke and the importance of aligning their lives with His will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective **Literary Devices** to convey its powerful message. **Repetition** of the phrase "the LORD their God" (appearing twice in this short verse) serves to emphasize the divine source of the message and the covenant relationship between God and His people, reinforcing the authority behind Haggai's words. **Synecdoche** is present in "the voice of the LORD," where "voice" stands for the entire divine message or command, highlighting that God's communication is direct and authoritative. The structure also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, linking "the voice of the LORD their God" with "the words of Haggai the prophet," thereby affirming Haggai's prophetic authority as a true messenger of God. Furthermore, the listing of the leaders ("Zerubbabel... and Joshua...") followed by "all the remnant of the people" creates an effect of **Emphasis** on the comprehensive and unified nature of the community's response, highlighting that obedience extended from the highest leadership to every individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 1:12 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of divine revelation met with humble obedience. It underscores the biblical principle that God's word is not merely for intellectual assent but for active compliance, leading to spiritual and material flourishing. The immediate response of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the entire remnant illustrates that true faith expresses itself in action, especially when God's priorities are at stake. Their "fear before the LORD" signifies that genuine reverence for God is the wellspring of obedience, fostering a desire to honor Him above all else. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that when God's people, from leaders to the common person, align their wills with His, divine favor and the advancement of His purposes are assured. It demonstrates the direct correlation between spiritual responsiveness and the manifestation of God's blessings, both individually and corporately.
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 1:12 offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to examine our priorities and responsiveness to God's voice. Just as the post-exilic Jews were called to prioritize the rebuilding of God's physical house, we are called to prioritize God's kingdom and His will in our lives and communities. This means dedicating our time, resources, and talents to spiritual matters and the advancement of His purposes, even when it demands sacrifice or challenges our personal comforts. The immediate and unified obedience of the people in Haggai's day serves as a powerful model, urging us to respond promptly to God's promptings, whether through His written Word, the Holy Spirit's guidance, or the counsel of godly leaders. Delaying obedience can lead to spiritual stagnation and missed opportunities for God's blessing. Furthermore, cultivating a genuine "fear of the LORD"—a deep, reverential awe—is essential. This reverence fosters a heart that desires to please God, motivating us to obey even when the path is difficult or inconvenient, and ultimately leading to a deeper trust and reliance on Him. For those in leadership, this verse underscores the critical importance of modeling obedience and faith, inspiring others to follow suit in serving God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "house of the LORD" in my life or community might I be neglecting while prioritizing my own "paneled house" (comforts, ambitions, distractions)?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to immediate and unified obedience to God's voice, and what might be hindering that response?**
* **How does a genuine "fear of the LORD" manifest in my daily decisions and my commitment to God's work?**
* **If I am in a position of leadership, how well do I model responsive obedience to God's word for those I lead?**

### FAQ

**Who were Zerubbabel and Joshua, and why were their roles significant in this verse?**

Answer: Zerubbabel ([H2216](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - Zerubbabel, the Governor")) was the civil governor of Judah, a descendant of King David, and thus represented the political leadership and the royal line. Joshua ([H3091](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - Joshua, the High Priest")), the son of Josedech ([H3087](/haggai/1-12 "Haggai 1:12 - Joshua, Son of Josedech")), was the high priest, representing the spiritual leadership and the Aaronic priesthood. Their roles were significant because they were the two divinely appointed leaders responsible for guiding the returned exiles. Their immediate obedience to God's word, as delivered by Haggai, set a crucial example for "all the remnant of the people," demonstrating the unity of spiritual and civil authority in responding to God's call to rebuild the Temple. Their compliance signaled to the entire community that the message was legitimate and required action, thereby galvanizing the people to participate in the work.

**Why was rebuilding the Temple so important to God and the people at this time?**

Answer: Rebuilding the Temple was profoundly important for several reasons. For God, it was about restoring His dwelling place among His people, symbolizing His presence, covenant faithfulness, and the continuation of His redemptive plan. The Temple was the designated place for worship, sacrifice, and communion with God, essential for the spiritual health of the nation. For the people, the Temple was the physical manifestation of their identity as God's chosen people and the center of their religious and national life. Its dilapidated state reflected their spiritual apathy and misplaced priorities. God directly linked their economic hardships (lack of prosperity, poor harvests) to their neglect of His house, showing that their spiritual condition had tangible consequences ([Haggai 1:6-11](/haggai/1-6-11 "Haggai 1:6-11 - God's Judgment for Neglect")). Rebuilding it was an act of repentance, obedience, and a renewal of their covenant relationship with the LORD, which would in turn unlock divine blessings and restore their national purpose.

**What does "the people did fear before the LORD" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "the people did fear before the LORD" ([H3372](/haggai/1-12 "Haggai 1:12 - Fear Before the LORD")) does not primarily mean terror or fright, but rather a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's majesty, authority, and holiness. It signifies a recognition of God's sovereignty and a humble submission to His will. This "fear" is often linked in Scripture to wisdom and true worship, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). It was this reverential fear that motivated their immediate obedience to Haggai's message, prompting them to abandon their self-focused priorities and commit to the challenging work of rebuilding the Temple. It implies a healthy understanding of God's power to both judge and bless, leading to a desire to please Him and avoid His displeasure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 1:12, with its emphasis on obedience, the rebuilding of God's house, and the fear of the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The leaders and the remnant's obedience to God's voice, delivered through Haggai, foreshadows the perfect obedience of Jesus. While the people of Haggai's day struggled with delayed obedience, Christ perfectly embodied submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the Temple that Zerubbabel and Joshua were called to rebuild was a shadow of the true Temple. Jesus declared Himself to be the ultimate Temple, saying, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")), referring to His body. Through His resurrection, He established a new spiritual temple, the Church, in which believers are living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")). The "fear before the LORD" that motivated the people's work is transformed in Christ into a reverent awe and worship of God, now accessible through the Son. Our obedience, unlike that of the Old Testament, is not merely a response to law but a Spirit-empowered response to grace, flowing from our union with the perfectly obedient Son, Jesus Christ, who is both our High Priest and the ultimate Builder of God's eternal house ([Hebrews 3:3-6](/hebrews/3-3-6 "Hebrews 3:3-6 - Christ Greater Than Moses")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 50:10

¶ Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Ezra 5:2

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem: and with them [were] the prophets of God helping them.

Haggai 1:14

And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

Psalms 112:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Proverbs 1:7

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Haggai 2:2

Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,

Haggai 1:1

¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,