Haggai 2:2

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H559} now to Zerubbabel {H2216} the son {H1121} of Shealtiel {H7597}, governor {H6346} of Judah {H3063}, and to Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Josedech {H3087}, the high {H1419} priest {H3548}, and to the residue {H7611} of the people {H5971}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Speak now to Z'rubavel the son of Sh'alti'el, governor of Y'hudah, and to Y'hoshua the son of Y'hotzadak, the cohen hagadol, and to the rest of the people; say this to them:

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and also to the remnant of the people. Ask them,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 2:2 initiates a direct divine address, delivered through the prophet Haggai, to the key leaders and the entire community of post-exilic Judah. This verse precisely identifies Zerubbabel, the civil governor, Joshua, the high priest, and the surviving remnant of the people as the immediate recipients of God's urgent message concerning the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, setting the stage for a powerful call to action and encouragement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Haggai 2:2 immediately follows the Lord's command to Haggai in [Haggai 2:1](/haggai/2-1 "Haggai 2:1 - The Word of the Lord Comes to Haggai") to speak, specifying the exact date (the twenty-first day of the seventh month). This precise dating underscores the urgency and divine origin of the message. The preceding chapter, [Haggai 1](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - Call to Rebuild the Temple"), details God's rebuke of the people for neglecting the Temple's reconstruction while prioritizing their own homes ([Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - People Dwell in Paneled Houses")). The people had responded to this initial rebuke by beginning the work ([Haggai 1:14](/haggai/1-14 "Haggai 1:14 - The Spirit Stirs Up the People")), but this second message indicates a need for renewed encouragement and a clear directive for the ongoing task, especially in light of potential discouragement over the Temple's modest appearance compared to Solomon's ([Haggai 2:3](/haggai/2-3 "Haggai 2:3 - Comparison to Solomon's Temple")). Thus, [Haggai 2:2](/haggai/2-2 "Haggai 2:2 - Addressed to Leaders and People") serves as the formal introduction to this crucial second prophetic oracle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is approximately 520 BC, during the early post-exilic period. Following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")), the first wave of returnees, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, began rebuilding the Temple. However, due to Samaritan opposition ([Ezra 4:1-5](/ezra/4-1-5 "Ezra 4:1-5 - Opposition to Rebuilding")) and their own economic difficulties and spiritual apathy, the work ceased for about 16 years. The people had settled into their own lives, neglecting the house of God. Culturally, the Temple was the spiritual and national center of Israelite life, symbolizing God's presence among His people and serving as the focal point for worship and atonement. Its dilapidated state reflected the spiritual condition of the community and hindered their full restoration. Haggai's message, therefore, was a divine intervention to re-ignite their commitment to this foundational task.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Haggai and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as God Himself initiates the communication and directs the rebuilding effort, demonstrating His ongoing care for His covenant people despite their failures. Secondly, it underscores **Leadership Responsibility**, by specifically naming Zerubbabel (civil authority) and Joshua (spiritual authority), emphasizing that leaders are divinely appointed and held accountable for guiding the community in obedience to God's will. Their combined leadership was essential for the people to respond. Thirdly, the inclusion of "the residue of the people" reinforces the theme of **Corporate Responsibility and the Remnant**, showing that God's call to obedience and service extends to every member of the community, not just the leaders. This "remnant" is the preserved portion of Israel, entrusted with the task of restoring proper worship and preparing for future blessings, a theme also found in books like [Isaiah](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah") and [Zechariah](/zechariah "The Book of Zechariah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This word, H559, denotes a direct and authoritative pronouncement. It signifies more than mere conversation; it is a declaration, a command, or a solemn utterance. In this context, it emphasizes that the message is not Haggai's own opinion but a divine mandate, requiring immediate attention and obedience from its recipients. The Lord is not suggesting but commanding.
* **governor (Hebrew, _pechâh'_):** The term H6346 refers to a prefect or an appointed official, often of foreign origin, overseeing a city or small district. Zerubbabel's title as "governor of Judah" indicates his administrative and political authority under the Persian Empire. The divine address to him acknowledges his crucial role in mobilizing resources and people for the Temple's reconstruction, highlighting the integration of spiritual and civil leadership in God's plan.
* **residue (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** This word, H7611, signifies a remainder, a surviving portion, or a remnant. The "residue of the people" refers to those who survived the Babylonian exile and returned to Judah. Theologically, the concept of the remnant is significant, representing God's faithfulness in preserving a portion of His people through judgment for His redemptive purposes. Here, it underscores that the divine call is not exclusive to leaders but extends to every member of the covenant community, emphasizing collective responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah,"**: This clause identifies the first key recipient: Zerubbabel. He is explicitly named with his patronymic ("son of Shealtiel") and his official title ("governor of Judah"). This highlights his royal Davidic lineage (through Shealtiel, a descendant of King David) and his administrative authority as the appointed civil leader under Persian rule. By addressing him first, God emphasizes the crucial role of civil leadership in facilitating the spiritual and national restoration. The "now" (Hebrew: _na'_) conveys immediacy and urgency, demanding prompt delivery of the message.
* **"and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest,"**: The second key recipient is Joshua, also identified by his patronymic ("son of Josedech") and his sacred office ("the high priest"). Joshua represented the spiritual authority and the restored priestly line, essential for the proper functioning of the Temple and the re-establishment of Israel's worship life. His inclusion alongside Zerubbabel signifies the necessary partnership between civil and religious leadership in executing God's will, ensuring both practical organization and spiritual purity in the rebuilding effort.
* **"and to the residue of the people, saying,"**: This final clause broadens the scope of the divine message to include "the residue of the people." This refers to the entire community of returnees—the "remnant" who survived the exile and were now living in Judah. By including them, God makes it clear that the responsibility for rebuilding and obeying His word is not solely on the leaders but is a collective endeavor for the entire covenant community. The concluding "saying" indicates that the following verses (Haggai 2:3-9) contain the specific content of the Lord's message to all these parties.

#### Literary Devices
Haggai 2:2 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction. Here, it is a direct address to specific individuals (Zerubbabel, Joshua) and a group ("the residue of the people") through the prophet Haggai. This directness conveys the immediacy and personal nature of God's communication, ensuring the message is received as a direct divine mandate rather than a general exhortation. Furthermore, the naming of the two principal leaders alongside the broader community utilizes a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where the leaders represent the entire body politic and religious community. By addressing them, God effectively addresses the entire nation. The precise identification of each leader by name, lineage, and office also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring their specific roles and responsibilities in the divine plan for restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 2:2 powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, even when they have faltered. It highlights the divine pattern of calling specific individuals to lead, yet simultaneously holding the entire community accountable. The naming of Zerubbabel and Joshua signifies the essential partnership between civil and spiritual authority, both divinely ordained to guide the people in fulfilling God's purposes. The concept of the "residue" or remnant is deeply theological, emphasizing God's faithfulness to preserve a portion of His covenant people through judgment, not for their own merit, but for the continuation of His redemptive plan, particularly the lineage leading to the Messiah and the restoration of true worship. This verse sets the stage for a message of encouragement, reminding the disheartened community that their labor in rebuilding the Temple is not in vain, as God's presence and future glory will ultimately fill it.

* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power") - This verse, from a contemporary prophet, affirms that the rebuilding will be accomplished "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," underscoring the divine enablement for the task.
* [Ezra 5:1-2](/ezra/5-1-2 "Ezra 5:1-2 - Prophets Stir Up the People") - This passage explicitly states that Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem, and "then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, rose up and began to build the house of God," showing the immediate impact of the prophetic word.
* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1-8 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads the Law") - This passage illustrates the importance of both spiritual and civil leadership (Ezra and Nehemiah) in instructing and guiding the returned remnant in the Law of God, mirroring the partnership of Joshua and Zerubbabel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 2:2 serves as a timeless reminder that God often communicates His will through chosen vessels, and His call to action extends to all levels of His people—from those in prominent leadership to every individual member. For us today, this means recognizing that spiritual leadership, whether in the church, home, or community, bears a weighty responsibility to discern and articulate God's direction. However, it also means that every believer, as part of the "residue" or remnant of God's people, has a vital role to play in fulfilling His purposes. We are called not just to listen, but to respond with obedience and diligence, even when the task seems daunting or the initial results appear insignificant. Just as the post-exilic community was called to prioritize the physical house of God, we are called to prioritize God's kingdom and His will in our lives, recognizing that our spiritual "building" (our lives, our churches) should reflect His glory. This verse challenges us to consider if we are truly heeding God's urgent call in our own lives and communities, and if we are supporting those whom He has appointed to lead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's word, whether through Scripture, a sermon, or godly counsel, calls me to an immediate and specific action?**
* **In what ways am I, as part of God's "residue" or people, actively participating in His work, rather than leaving it solely to designated leaders?**
* **What "temple" (spiritual priority, area of service, personal discipline) might God be calling me to "rebuild" or re-prioritize in my life right now?**

### FAQ
**Why does God specifically name Zerubbabel and Joshua, and what is the significance of their roles?**

Answer: God specifically names Zerubbabel and Joshua because they represented the two primary spheres of authority in the post-exilic community: Zerubbabel as the civil governor (a descendant of David, representing political leadership) and Joshua as the high priest (representing spiritual and religious leadership). Their combined leadership was crucial for the successful rebuilding of the Temple and the restoration of the nation. By addressing them directly, God emphasized their unique responsibility to lead by example, mobilize the people, and ensure that both the practical and spiritual aspects of the Temple's reconstruction were properly managed. Their roles were complementary and essential for the community's obedience and the fulfillment of God's plan for His people. This partnership is also seen in other biblical contexts, such as [Exodus 18:21-22](/exodus/18-21-22 "Exodus 18:21-22 - Moses and the Elders") and later with Ezra and Nehemiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 2:2, by identifying Zerubbabel and Joshua, foreshadows the ultimate unified leadership found in Jesus Christ. Zerubbabel, as a descendant of King David, stands in the lineage of the promised Messiah, through whom the Davidic covenant of an eternal kingdom would be fulfilled ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Jesus is the true "governor" and King, the one who perfectly rules God's people ([Matthew 2:6](/matthew/2-6 "Matthew 2:6 - Prophecy of Bethlehem's Ruler")). Similarly, Joshua, the high priest, points to Christ as our great High Priest, who perfectly mediates between God and humanity. Unlike the Old Testament priests who offered repeated sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself once for all, entering the true heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The rebuilding of the physical Temple, which Zerubbabel and Joshua oversaw, ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ Himself, who declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), referring to His body. Furthermore, the "residue of the people" called to participate in the Temple's rebuilding prefigures the Church, the spiritual temple built of living stones, with Christ as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones and a Spiritual House")), where all believers are called to participate in the ongoing work of God's kingdom under the perfect leadership of their King and High Priest, Jesus Christ.

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

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,

Nehemiah 8:9

¶ And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

Ezra 1:8

Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.

Ezra 2:63

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

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,