Haggai 2:18

Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth [month, even] from the day that the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid, consider [it].

Consider {H7760}{H3824} now from this day {H3117} and upward {H4605}, from the four {H702} and twentieth {H6242} day {H3117} of the ninth {H8671} month, even from the day {H3117} that the foundation {H3245} of the LORD'S {H3068} temple {H1964} was laid, consider {H7760}{H3824} it.

'So please keep this in mind, from this day on, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day the foundation of ADONAI's temple was laid, consider this:

Consider carefully from this day forward—from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day the foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid—consider carefully:

Consider, I pray you, from this day and backward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, since the day that the foundation of Jehovah’s temple was laid, consider it.

Commentary

Haggai 2:18 is a pivotal verse in the book of Haggai, marking a significant turning point for the returned exiles in Jerusalem. The prophet Haggai delivers a powerful command from the Lord, urging the people to reflect on a specific date and its profound implications for their future.

Context of Haggai 2:18

The book of Haggai is set during the post-exilic period, around 520 BC, after the Jewish people had returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity. While they had begun rebuilding the temple altar and laying its foundation shortly after their return (see Ezra 3:10), the work had ceased for approximately sixteen years due to opposition and the people's misplaced priorities. They focused on building their own paneled houses while the Lord's house lay in ruins (as addressed in Haggai 1:4). Haggai, along with Zechariah, was raised up by God to stir the people to resume the work. This verse specifically references the "four and twentieth day of the ninth month" (the month of Kislev), which was the day they had finally recommenced the work on the temple's foundation, marking a renewed commitment to God's command.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Call to Reflection: The repeated phrase "Consider it" (Hebrew: simu lev, meaning "set your heart" or "pay attention") is a direct command from God for the people to deeply ponder and remember this specific day. It's not just a casual thought but a serious introspection on the significance of their actions.
  • A New Beginning: The laying of the temple's foundation on this specific date signifies a fresh start. Despite years of neglect and struggle, this act of obedience inaugurated a new phase of divine blessing. It marked the moment when the people, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, finally put God's house first.
  • God's Faithfulness and Promise: This verse serves as a prelude to the assurance of God's blessing that follows in Haggai 2:19. The act of obedience in rebuilding the temple foundation is the catalyst for God to pour out His favor. It underscores the principle that when humanity takes a step of faith, God responds with His abundant provision.
  • The Importance of Obedience: The previous verses in Haggai highlighted the consequences of disobedience (lack of prosperity, blight). This verse, by contrast, points to the turning point where obedience began to usher in blessing. It teaches that our spiritual state and material well-being are often interconnected with our prioritization of God's will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "consider now from this day and upward" (simu lev min hayom hazeh vama'alah) emphasizes a forward-looking perspective rooted in a specific past event. It means "pay close attention from this day forward." This isn't just about remembering the past, but understanding how God's blessing will flow from this point onwards because of their renewed commitment.

Practical Application

For believers today, Haggai 2:18 offers several profound lessons:

  • Acknowledge Turning Points: Just as God called the Israelites to "consider" this day, we are called to recognize moments of renewed commitment or obedience in our own lives. These can be spiritual milestones where we recommit to God's purposes.
  • Prioritize God's Work: The lesson of putting God's house (His kingdom, His will) first remains timeless. When we align our priorities with His, even humble beginnings can lead to significant spiritual growth and divine blessing.
  • Trust in God's Timing and Blessing: God's blessings may not appear immediately, but they are assured for those who are obedient. This verse encourages perseverance and faith, reminding us that God remembers our efforts and will bless them "from this day and upward."
  • Don't Despise Small Beginnings: The foundation of the temple was a humble start, especially compared to Solomon's temple. Yet, God focused on the obedience and commitment behind the act, promising future glory and blessing (Haggai 2:9). This encourages us to be faithful in the small things, knowing God can make them great.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Zechariah 8:9

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which [were] in the day [that] the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

  • Haggai 2:15

    And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:

  • Ezra 5:1

    ¶ Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that [were] in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, [even] unto them.

  • 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.

  • Deuteronomy 32:29

    O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!

  • Zechariah 8:12

    For the seed [shall be] prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these [things].

  • Haggai 2:10

    ¶ In the four and twentieth [day] of the ninth [month], in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
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