TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Haggai 1:12–15. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
As an ear-ring of gold (says Solomon), and an ornament of fine gold, so amiable, so acceptable, in the sight of God and man, is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear, Pro 25:12. The prophet here was a wise but faithful reprover, in God's name, and he met with an obedient ear. The foregoing sermon met with the desired success among the people, and their obedience met with due encouragement from God. Observe,
I.How the people returned to God in a way of duty.
All those to whom that sermon was preached received the word in the love of it, and were wrought upon by it. Zerubbabel, the chief governor, did not think himself above the check and command of God's word. He was a man that had been eminently useful in his day, and serviceable to the interest of the church, yet did not plead his former merits in answer to this reproof for his present remissness, but submitted to it. Joshua's business, as high priest, was to teach, and yet he was willing himself to be taught, and willingly received admonition and instruction. The remnant of the people (and the whole body of them was but a remnant, a very few of the many thousands of Israel) also were very pliable; they all obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and bowed their neck to the yoke of his commands, and it is here recorded to their honour that they did so, Hag 1:12. Their father said, Sons, go work today in my vineyard, in my temple; and they not only said, We go, sir, but they went immediately.
1.They looked upon the prophet to be the Lord's messenger, and the word he delivered to be the Lord's message to them; and therefore received it not as the word of man, but as the word of Almighty God; they obeyed his words, as the Lord their God had sent him, Hag 1:12. Note, In attending to God's ministers we must have an eye to him that sent them, and receive them for his sake, while they act according to their commission.
2.They did fear before the Lord. Prophecy was a new thing with them; they had had no special messenger from heaven for a great while, and therefore now that they had one, and but one, they paid an extraordinary regard to him; whereas their fathers, who had many prophets, mocked and misused them. It is sometimes so; when good preaching is most scarce it does most good, whereas the manna that is rained in plenty is loathed as light bread. And, because they so readily received this prophet, God, within a month or two after, raised them up another, Zac 1:1. They feared before the Lord; they had a great regard to the divine authority and a great dread of the divine wrath, and were of those that trembled at God's word. The judgments of God which they had been under, though very severe, had not prevailed to make them fear before the Lord, until the word of God was sent to expound his providences, and then they feared. Note, A holy fear of God will have a great influence upon our obedience to him. Serve the Lord with fear; if we fear him not, we shall not serve him.
3.The Lord stirred up their spirits, Hag 1:14.
(1.)He excited them to their duty, and put it into their hearts to go about it. Note, Then the word of God has its success when God by his grace stirs up our spirits to comply with it; and without that grace we should remain stupid and utterly averse to every thing that is good. It is in the day of a divine power that we are made willing.
(2.)He encouraged them in their duty, and with those encouragements enlarged their hearts, Psa 119:32. When they heard the word they feared; but, lest they should sink under the weight of that fear, God stirred them up, and made them cheerful and bold to encounter the difficulties they might meet with. Note, When God has work to do, he will either find or make men fit to do it, and stir them up to it.
4.They applied to their work with all possible vigour: They came and did work in the house of the Lord of hosts their God. Every one, according as his capacity or ability was, lent a hand, some way or other, to further that good work; and this they did with an eye to God as the Lord of hosts, and as their God, the God of Israel. The consideration of God's sovereign dominion in the world by his providence, and his covenant-relation to his people by his grace, should stir up our spirits to act for him, and for the advancement of the interest of his kingdom among men, to the utmost of our power.
5.They did this speedily; it was but on the first day of the sixth month that Haggai preached them this sermon, and by the twenty-fourth of the same month, little more than three weeks after, they were all busy working in the house of the Lord their God, Hag 1:15. To show that they were ashamed of their delays hitherto, now that they were convinced and called they were resolved to delay no longer, but to strike while the iron was hot, and to set about the work while they were under convictions. Note, Those that have lost time have need to redeem time; and the longer we have loitered in that which is good the more haste we should make when we are convinced of our folly.
II.How God met them in a way of mercy.
The same prophet that brought them the reproof brought them a very comforting encouraging word (Hag 1:13): Then spoke Haggai, the Lord's messenger, in the Lord's message, in his name, and as from him, saying, I am with you, saith the Lord. That is all he has to say, and that is enough; as that word of Christ to his disciples is (Mat 28:20), "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. I am with you, that is, I will forgive your neglects hitherto, and they shall not be remembered against you; I will remove the judgments you have been under for those neglects, and will appear for you, as I have in them appeared against you. I am with you to protect you against your enemies that bear ill-will to your work, and to prosper you, and to give you success in it - with you to strengthen your hands, and bless the work of them, without which blessing those labour in vain that build." Note, Those that work for God have God with them; and, if he be for us, who can be against us? If he be with us, what difficulty can stand before us?
Continue studying Haggai 1:15 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Haggai 1:15 serves as a precise chronological marker, detailing the exact date—the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius's reign—on which the people of Judah, spurred by the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah, finally resumed the crucial work of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse signifies a pivotal moment of renewed obedience and commitment after years of neglect and misplaced priorities, marking the culmination of God's stirring of the people's hearts to action.
Context
Literary Context
Haggai 1:15 concludes the first prophetic message delivered by Haggai, which began in Haggai 1:1. The preceding verses (Haggai 1:2-11) contain God's sharp rebuke to the people for prioritizing their own paneled houses while the Lord's house lay in ruins, attributing their economic struggles to this spiritual neglect. Haggai 1:12 records the people's immediate and humble response of obedience, and Haggai 1:13-14 reveals God's encouraging promise of His presence and His powerful act of "stirring up the spirit" of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the entire remnant. Thus, Haggai 1:15 is the tangible outcome of this divine stirring and human obedience, providing the exact timestamp for the recommencement of the Temple construction.
Historical & Cultural Context
The "second year of Darius the king" refers to Darius I Hystaspes, the Persian emperor, placing this event around 520 BC. This period was approximately 16 years after the initial return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon under the decree of Cyrus the Great (Ezra 1:1-4). While the foundation of the Temple had been laid shortly after their return (Ezra 3:8-13), opposition from local adversaries (Ezra 4:1-5) and a subsequent royal decree halting the work (Ezra 4:21-24) led to a prolonged cessation of construction. The people, in the interim, had become complacent, focusing on their own affairs. Haggai's ministry, alongside Zechariah's, was strategically timed by God to re-ignite the spiritual fervor and commitment necessary to complete the sacred task.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Haggai and the broader post-exilic narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Timing, as God orchestrates the precise moment for His work to resume, aligning prophetic word with human action. It underscores the theme of Obedience and Prioritization, demonstrating that when God's people heed His call and prioritize His kingdom, He empowers them for the task. The verse also highlights God's Faithfulness, as He remains committed to His covenant people and their spiritual restoration, even when they falter. The resumption of the Temple building, as marked by Haggai 1:15, is a tangible expression of the people's renewed commitment to Worship and God's Presence, which is central to the entire book of Haggai and the restoration period.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Of Persian origin. This is a specific historical title, rather than a personal name, referring to Darius I Hystaspes, the Persian king who reigned from 522-486 BC. His reign was significant for the Jewish exiles, as it was under his authority that the Temple rebuilding was eventually completed and officially sanctioned, as recorded in Ezra 6. The mention of Darius anchors the prophecy firmly in a verifiable historical period, lending credibility to the narrative.
From an unused root meaning "to be hot." This term refers to a literal day, emphasizing the precise nature of the chronological record. In the context of Haggai 1:15, the specific "four and twentieth day" highlights the immediate and decisive response of the people to God's word, signifying that there was no further delay once their hearts were stirred.
From châdash (to be new). This word refers to the new moon and, by implication, a month. The "sixth month" (Elul in the Jewish calendar) was a time often associated with preparation for the autumn festivals. The precision of the month, combined with the day and year, underscores the meticulous record-keeping of this pivotal moment, indicating its importance in the historical and theological narrative of the post-exilic community.
Verse Breakdown
"In the four and twentieth day"
This clause provides the specific day of the month. The precision of this date emphasizes the immediate and decisive obedience of the people and their leaders. It marks the exact point in time when the stirring of their spirits, mentioned in the preceding verse, translated into concrete action, signaling an end to the period of apathy and delay.
"of the sixth month"
This specifies the month in the Jewish calendar (Elul), which typically falls between August and September. This detail further narrows down the exact timing of the recommencement of the Temple work. The inclusion of the month, along with the day and year, highlights the historical accuracy and importance of this event for the chronicler.
"in the second year"
This refers to the second regnal year of King Darius I. This chronological marker firmly places the event within a known historical period, allowing for cross-referencing with other historical records and biblical books like Ezra. It signifies that the work resumed relatively early in Darius's reign, after a significant pause under previous Persian rulers.
"of Darius the king"
This identifies the specific monarch whose reign is being referenced. Darius I was a powerful and influential Persian king who eventually issued a decree that supported and protected the Jewish efforts to rebuild the Temple (Ezra 6:1-12). The mention of his name underscores the broader political and imperial context in which the divine work of rebuilding was taking place.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Haggai 1:15 is Chronological Precision. The verse is entirely composed of specific temporal markers: day, month, and year, anchored by the name of a historical king. This meticulous dating serves to emphasize the historical veracity and significance of the event. It is not merely a general statement but a specific, verifiable moment in time. This precision also creates a sense of Narrative Progression and climax, as the preceding verses detail the divine rebuke and the people's repentance, leading directly to this moment of resumed action. The strong emphasis on exact timing highlights the Divine Orchestration of events, implying that this resumption was not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Haggai 1:15, though a simple chronological statement, carries profound theological weight, marking a turning point from spiritual stagnation to active obedience. It demonstrates that God's prophetic word is not merely for instruction but for transformation, stirring His people to align their priorities with His. The precise dating underscores the importance of immediate and decisive action when God calls, revealing that genuine repentance leads to tangible steps of faith and service. This verse is a testament to the power of God's Spirit to move hearts, even after prolonged apathy, enabling His people to accomplish His purposes.
Reflection and Application
Haggai 1:15 serves as a powerful reminder that God's call to action is often accompanied by a specific timing and requires a prompt, obedient response. For us today, this verse challenges us to examine our own priorities: Is God's "house"—His kingdom, His glory, His purposes—truly paramount in our lives, or are we, like the Israelites, more focused on our own comfort and security? The precision of the date implies that there was no further delay once the people's spirits were stirred. This prompts us to consider areas where God might be calling us to immediate obedience, whether it's in our service, our giving, our relationships, or our personal spiritual disciplines. Just as God empowered the Israelites to resume the Temple work, He promises to empower us for the tasks He sets before us, reminding us that His enablement follows our willingness to obey.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the exact date so important in Haggai 1:15?
The exact date in Haggai 1:15 is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the historical veracity of the events, grounding the prophecy in a specific, verifiable timeline. This precision lends credibility to the divine message and the people's response. Secondly, it highlights the immediacy of the people's obedience. After God's strong rebuke and promise of presence, the people did not delay; they began the work on a specific day. This emphasizes the theme of prompt obedience. Lastly, it marks a significant turning point in the post-exilic community's history, signaling the end of a long period of stagnation and the beginning of renewed commitment to God's work, leading to the eventual completion of the Second Temple.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Haggai 1:15 records the resumption of building a physical temple, its ultimate fulfillment points to Christ and the spiritual temple He builds. The physical Temple in Jerusalem, which the Israelites were tasked with rebuilding, was a shadow of the true dwelling place of God, which is found in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body. Just as God stirred the spirits of Zerubbabel and Joshua to build a house for His presence, so too does He empower believers today, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to become living stones in the spiritual house that is the Church, with Christ as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20-22). The precise timing in Haggai 1:15 foreshadows God's perfect timing in sending His Son, for when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, to accomplish the ultimate work of redemption and establish a new covenant where God dwells not in buildings made with hands, but in the hearts of His people. The King Darius mentioned here ultimately points to Christ, the true King who reigns eternally and whose kingdom is being built not with bricks and mortar, but with transformed lives.