Haggai 1:14

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} stirred up {H5782} the spirit {H7307} of Zerubbabel {H2216} the son {H1121} of Shealtiel {H7597}, governor {H6346} of Judah {H3063}, and the spirit {H7307} of Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Josedech {H3087}, the high {H1419} priest {H3548}, and the spirit {H7307} of all the remnant {H7611} of the people {H5971}; and they came {H935} and did {H6213} work {H4399} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, their God {H430},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI roused the spirit of Z'rubavel the son of Sh'alti'el, governor of Y'hudah, and the spirit of Y'hoshua the son of Y'hotzadak, the cohen hagadol, and the spirits of all the rest of the people; so that they came and began to work on the house of ADONAI-Tzva'ot their God.

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 1:14 marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic history of Judah, detailing the divine empowerment that moved the people and their leaders from spiritual apathy to active obedience. Following God's rebuke and promise, the Lord sovereignly "stirred up the spirit" of Governor Zerubbabel, High Priest Joshua, and the entire remnant, enabling them to overcome their procrastination and diligently resume the crucial work of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, signifying a renewed commitment to God's presence and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic response to God's direct challenge to the returned exiles. In [Haggai 1:1-11](/haggai/1-1-11 "Haggai 1:1-11 - God's Rebuke and Call to Action"), the prophet Haggai, speaking on behalf of the Lord, confronts the people for prioritizing their own paneled houses while the Temple of God lay in ruins, linking their economic hardship (drought, poor harvests) directly to their neglect. [Haggai 1:12](/haggai/1-12 "Haggai 1:12 - The People's Obedience") records the people's initial, crucial step of obedience: "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." This immediate obedience is met with a divine promise in [Haggai 1:13](/haggai/1-13 "Haggai 1:13 - God's Promise of Presence"), "Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD." Verse 14, therefore, is the direct and tangible manifestation of God's promised presence and empowering grace, leading to the resumption of the Temple work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Haggai 1:14 unfold in 520 BC, the second year of King Darius I of Persia. Approximately sixteen years prior, a group of Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, had returned to Judah from Babylon following Cyrus'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 in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Laying the Temple Foundation"), opposition and discouragement had caused the work to cease for over a decade, as described in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Temple Rebuilding"). The people had settled into their own lives, building their homes and tending to their fields, while God's house remained unfinished. Culturally, the Temple was not merely a building; it was the central place of worship, the symbol of God's presence among His people, and essential for the proper functioning of the Levitical sacrificial system. Its neglected state reflected a spiritual malaise and misplaced priorities among the returnees. The stirring of their spirit by the Lord was a divine intervention to re-align their priorities with God's covenantal expectations.

* **Key Themes:** Haggai 1:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Haggai and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Initiative and Empowerment**. The verse explicitly states that "the LORD stirred up the spirit," emphasizing that genuine spiritual revival and the ability to accomplish God's work are not born of human will alone but are divinely initiated and sustained. This echoes God's sovereign hand in history, as seen when He "stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia" to allow the exiles to return in [Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Heart Stirred by God"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **United Leadership and Community Action**. The Lord stirred the spirit of both the political leader (Zerubbabel) and the religious leader (Joshua), alongside "all the remnant of the people." This unity of purpose and action, from leadership to the common person, was vital for the monumental task of rebuilding, demonstrating the power of collective obedience and the importance of all parts of the community participating in God's work, a principle echoed in [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - The People's Willingness to Build"). Finally, it exemplifies the theme of **Obedience Leading to Fruitful Labor**. The stirring of their spirit was not an end in itself but directly resulted in tangible action: "they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts." This demonstrates that true faith and repentance are evidenced by practical, diligent labor in service to God, moving from passive neglect to active participation in the [reconstruction of the Temple](/ezra/6-14 "Ezra 6:14 - Completion of the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stirred up (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** This verb (H5782) means to "wake," "arouse," or "excite." In this context, it signifies a divine act of invigorating or awakening the inner will, resolve, and motivation of individuals who had become lethargic or discouraged. It implies a supernatural quickening of their spirit, moving them from apathy to active engagement. The Lord did not merely suggest or command; He supernaturally empowered them from within.
* **spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** The term (H7307) refers to wind, breath, or, as here, the inner essence of a rational being—the mind, will, and emotions. When God "stirred up the spirit," it means He moved their innermost being, their resolve, their courage, and their willingness. It was a profound spiritual reawakening that transformed their disposition from self-focus and procrastination to zeal for God's house.
* **work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** This noun (H4399) denotes employment, ministry, or work, especially that which is not servile, often implying a skilled or purposeful activity. Here, it specifically refers to the labor involved in rebuilding the Temple. The "work" was not just physical exertion but a sacred task, a ministry performed in response to God's stirring, signifying their renewed devotion and obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah,"**: This clause highlights God's sovereign initiative in the renewal of the Temple work. The Lord, YHWH (H3068), is the active agent, directly intervening to awaken the inner resolve ("spirit," H7307) of Zerubbabel (H2216), the political leader (H6346) of the Jewish community in Judah (H3063). This divine stirring was essential, as human leadership alone had failed to overcome the inertia and opposition.
* **"and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest,"**: The divine stirring extended specifically to Joshua (H3091), the high priest (H3548), the religious head of the community. This dual focus on both political and religious leadership underscores the comprehensive nature of God's work and the necessity of unified leadership in God's service. By stirring both, God ensured that the entire community would be led with common purpose.
* **"and the spirit of all the remnant of the people;"**: Crucially, God's empowerment was not limited to the leaders but encompassed "all the remnant" (H7611) of the people (H5971)—those who had returned from exile and were the inheritors of God's covenant promises. This demonstrates that the work of God requires the participation and spiritual vitality of the entire community, not just its leaders. It was a widespread spiritual revival that permeated every level of society.
* **"and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,"**: This final clause describes the direct and tangible outcome of God's divine stirring. The awakened spirits led to immediate action: "they came" (H935) to the site of the Temple and "did work" (H6213, H4399) on the "house" (H1004) of the "LORD of hosts" (H3068, H6635), their God (H430). The title "LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's supreme power and authority over all heavenly and earthly armies, reinforcing that the work was undertaken under His mighty command and protection. This physical labor was an act of worship and obedience, signifying their renewed covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Haggai 1:14 employs several effective **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "the spirit of." This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's divine stirring, affecting not just one leader but both key leaders (Zerubbabel and Joshua) and, significantly, "all the remnant of the people." This highlights the unity of purpose and the widespread spiritual awakening God orchestrated. The verse also utilizes **Divine Agency**, with "the LORD" explicitly stated as the one who "stirred up" their spirits. This underscores God's sovereignty and His active involvement in human affairs, positioning Him as the primary mover behind the Temple's reconstruction. Furthermore, there is an implied **Contrast** between the previous state of apathy and neglect (as described in the preceding verses) and the newfound zeal and action. This highlights the transformative power of God's intervention. Finally, the phrase "house of the LORD of hosts" functions as **Metonymy**, referring to the Temple itself, but also implicitly to the worship, presence, and covenant relationship that the physical structure represented.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 1:14 powerfully illustrates the principle that true spiritual renewal and effective service for God are ultimately rooted in divine initiative and empowerment. Human effort, no matter how well-intentioned, often falters without the quickening of God's Spirit. This verse demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they have been disobedient; His promise "I am with you" (Haggai 1:13) is immediately followed by His enabling action. The comprehensive stirring of leaders and people alike underscores the biblical truth that God's work is a corporate endeavor, requiring the unified commitment and participation of the entire community. It teaches that God provides both the will and the ability to accomplish His purposes, transforming hearts from apathy to zealous obedience, leading to tangible acts of worship and service.

* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in Us")
* [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Mind to Work")
* [Ezra 6:14](/ezra/6-14 "Ezra 6:14 - Completion of the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 1:14 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that spiritual apathy and procrastination, often born of misplaced priorities, can hinder God's work. Just as the post-exilic community prioritized their own comfort over God's house, we too can become preoccupied with our personal pursuits, neglecting the "house of the LORD" in its contemporary forms—the church, the global mission, and our personal walk with God. This verse is a powerful testament to God's ability to awaken dormant spirits. When we feel overwhelmed by the tasks before us, or when our zeal wanes, we are reminded that the same God who "stirred up the spirit" of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant is alive and active today. Our responsibility is to be obedient to His Word and available to His Spirit, trusting that He will provide the inner motivation and strength to accomplish what He calls us to do. It also highlights the vital role of unified leadership and a responsive congregation in advancing God's kingdom, urging us to work together, empowered by the Spirit, for the glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "house of the LORD" might I be neglecting in my life or community, prioritizing my own "paneled house" instead?**
* **In what areas of my life or service do I need the Lord to "stir up my spirit" and move me from apathy to action?**
* **How can I better align my personal priorities with God's purposes for His church and kingdom?**
* **How does the unity of leaders and people in Haggai 1:14 challenge or encourage my participation in my faith community?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "the LORD stirred up the spirit"?**

Answer: The phrase "the LORD stirred up the spirit" signifies a powerful, supernatural act of divine intervention. It means God actively awakened, invigorated, and motivated the innermost being (the will, resolve, and courage) of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the people. They had been lethargic and discouraged, neglecting the Temple's rebuilding for years. God did not merely give a command; He supernaturally empowered them from within, transforming their apathy into a zealous desire and ability to work. This divine enabling is the key to their renewed obedience and diligent labor, demonstrating that genuine spiritual revival and accomplishment of God's work are ultimately God's doing, not solely human effort. This concept is also seen in [Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Heart Stirred by God"), where God stirred the spirit of King Cyrus.

**Who were Zerubbabel and Joshua, and why were they significant?**

Answer: Zerubbabel and Joshua were the two primary leaders of the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon following Cyrus's decree. Zerubbabel, identified as "the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah," was the political leader and a descendant of David, making him a figure of messianic hope (see [Haggai 2:23](/haggai/2-23 "Haggai 2:23 - Zerubbabel as God's Signet Ring")). Joshua, "the son of Josedech, the high priest," was the religious leader, responsible for the spiritual life and worship of the community. Their significance lies in their dual leadership roles—political and religious—which represented the entire community. God stirring both their spirits, along with the people's, underscored the comprehensive nature of the revival and the necessity of unified leadership for the successful rebuilding of the Temple and the restoration of proper worship in Jerusalem. Their leadership was crucial for mobilizing the people to obey God's command to rebuild His house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 1:14, while rooted in the historical context of the Second Temple's rebuilding, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The "stirring up of the spirit" by the LORD foreshadows the ultimate outpouring of the Holy Spirit, promised by God and fully realized through Christ. Just as God empowered the Old Testament leaders and remnant for a physical building project, so too does the Holy Spirit empower believers today for the spiritual building of God's kingdom, which is the Church, the true "house of God" (cf. [1 Timothy 3:15](/1_timothy/3-15 "1 Timothy 3:15 - The Church as the House of God")). Jesus, as the greater Zerubbabel and Joshua, is both the King and the High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus as King of Kings")), who not only perfectly fulfills their roles but also provides the ultimate spiritual impetus. He promised that He would "build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")). The work of rebuilding the physical Temple pointed forward to the spiritual Temple, which is the body of Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Thus, the divine stirring in Haggai 1:14 ultimately finds its deepest and most comprehensive fulfillment in the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, enabling them to live out their faith and participate in the ongoing construction of God's spiritual house, built upon the foundation of Christ Jesus Himself (cf. [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of God's Dwelling")).

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

2 Chronicles 36:22

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,

1 Chronicles 5:26

And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.

Ezra 1:1

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, 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,

Haggai 2:21

Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

Ezra 1:5

¶ Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all [them] whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem.

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.