Haggai 2:20

KJV

¶ And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth [day] of the month, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And again {H8145} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto Haggai {H2292} in the four {H702} and twentieth {H6242} day of the month {H2320}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI came a second time to Hagai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, as follows:

Berean Standard Bible

For the second time that day, the twenty-fourth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to Haggai, saying,

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came the second time unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 2:20 introduces the fourth and final divine oracle given to the prophet Haggai, marking a specific date—the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month—which underscores the precise and timely nature of God's communication. This verse serves as a crucial preamble to a significant prophecy directed specifically to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, shifting the focus from the general community's defilement and promised blessings to a future-oriented message of cosmic shaking and divine election, culminating in a powerful declaration of the Lord's steadfastness and ultimate triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Haggai 2:20 immediately follows the third prophetic message, delivered on the same day, which addressed the people's defilement and the subsequent promise of blessing for their obedience in rebuilding the temple ([Haggai 2:10-19](/haggai/2-10-19 "Haggai 2:10-19 - The Promise of Blessing")). This verse acts as a distinct introduction to a new, pivotal oracle, setting it apart from the preceding communal message. While the previous messages focused on the present reality of the temple's construction and the people's spiritual state, this final message, beginning in verse 20 and extending through [Haggai 2:21-23](/haggai/2-21-23 "Haggai 2:21-23 - Prophecy to Zerubbabel"), pivots to a future, eschatological vision centered on Zerubbabel, the governor. The repeated formula "the word of the LORD came" signals a new, authoritative divine utterance, building anticipation for the profound promises that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, approximately 520 BC, during the reign of Darius I of Persia. The Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel (governor) and Joshua (high priest), but the rebuilding of the temple had stalled for years due to opposition and apathy. Haggai, along with Zechariah, was raised up by God to spur the people to resume and complete the work. The specific date, "the four and twentieth day of the month" (the ninth month, Chislev), is significant, as it is the same day the previous oracle was given. This precision highlights the urgency and divine timing of God's word, emphasizing that these events were not random but part of God's sovereign plan unfolding in real-time history. The community was still grappling with economic hardship and spiritual lethargy, making God's direct and timely messages crucial for their encouragement and perseverance.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse, while brief, contributes to several overarching themes in Haggai and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it reiterates the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**, emphasizing that the messages are not human wisdom but direct "word of the LORD" ([Haggai 1:1](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - The First Word of the LORD")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Continuous Engagement** with His people, demonstrating His persistent care and active involvement in their affairs, even after previous messages had been delivered. This continuity speaks to God's faithfulness despite human failings. Finally, it builds **Anticipation for Future Promise**, as the introduction to this final oracle sets the stage for a dramatic prophecy concerning the shaking of nations and the exaltation of Zerubbabel, which carries strong Messianic undertones and points to God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation ([Haggai 2:6-7](/haggai/2-6-7 "Haggai 2:6-7 - The Shaking of Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term, H1697, is rich in meaning, extending beyond a mere utterance to encompass a 'matter,' 'thing,' 'affair,' 'decree,' or 'deed.' In the context of "the word of the LORD," it signifies an authoritative, active, and effective divine communication that carries the power to accomplish what it declares. It is not just information but a performative act of God.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God, H3068, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered as "Yahweh." It signifies God's self-existence, eternality, and His covenant faithfulness to Israel. The use of this name underscores the divine speaker's identity as the sovereign, unchanging God who keeps His promises and actively intervenes in history.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559, a primitive root, means "to say" with great latitude, including to 'answer,' 'appoint,' 'command,' 'declare,' or 'speak.' In this context, it emphasizes the directness and intentionality of God's communication to Haggai, indicating that the preceding "word of the LORD" is now being articulated or unfolded through the prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai":** This phrase signals a new, distinct prophetic message, distinct from previous ones, yet part of a continuous divine revelation. The repetition of "the word of the LORD came" emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message, highlighting Haggai's role as a faithful conduit for God's direct communication to His people. The term "again" (H8145, _shênîy_) indicates a second instance or a repetition, underscoring God's persistent and ongoing engagement with His prophet.
* **"in the four and twentieth [day] of the month":** This precise dating specifies the exact historical moment of this divine encounter. It refers to the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month (Chislev), the same day on which the previous oracle (Haggai 2:10-19) was delivered. This meticulous detail grounds the prophecy in real time and history, affirming its authenticity and God's active involvement in the unfolding events of the post-exilic community. The "month" (H2320, _chôdesh_) refers to the new moon, marking the beginning of the lunar month.
* **"saying,":** This single word acts as a direct transition, indicating that what follows is the content of the divine message itself. It prepares the reader for the specific words God is about to speak through Haggai, which, in the subsequent verses, are directed specifically to Zerubbabel, the governor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Repetition** through the recurring prophetic formula, "the word of the LORD came unto Haggai," which serves to emphasize the divine origin and authority of the message. This formula acts as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, a common literary device in prophetic books that authenticates the prophet's words as God's own. The extreme **Precision in Dating** ("in the four and twentieth day of the month") is another significant literary feature. It grounds the divine message in specific historical time, lending credibility and immediacy to the prophecy, demonstrating God's meticulous involvement in human history, and contrasting the timeless nature of God's word with its timely delivery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 2:20, though an introductory verse, powerfully reinforces the enduring theological truth of God's active and authoritative communication with humanity. It underscores that God is not silent but consistently speaks into the affairs of His people, providing guidance, correction, and promises. The precision of the dating highlights God's sovereignty over time and history, demonstrating that His plans unfold according to His perfect schedule. This verse sets the stage for a climactic prophecy, emphasizing that God's ultimate purposes, including the establishment of His kingdom and the exaltation of His chosen one, are certain to come to pass, regardless of present circumstances. It reminds us that divine revelation is a gift, demanding attention and obedience.

* [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the LORD Came to Jeremiah")
* [Ezekiel 1:3](/ekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the LORD Came to Ezekiel")
* [Zechariah 1:1](/zechariah/1-1 "Zechariah 1:1 - The Word of the LORD Came to Zechariah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 2:20, though brief, carries profound implications for our walk of faith. The recurring phrase "the word of the LORD came" serves as a powerful reminder that God is a speaking God, actively engaged in the world and in our lives. Just as He spoke precisely and directly to Haggai, He continues to speak to us today, primarily through His written Word, the Bible. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness and anticipation, eagerly listening for His voice amidst the noise of life. The precise dating also teaches us about God's perfect timing; His plans are not haphazard but unfold with meticulous intentionality. This should inspire patience and trust, especially when we face delays or uncertainties. We are encouraged to recognize that every word from God, whether a command, a promise, or a warning, is purposeful and authoritative, demanding our diligent study, humble reception, and faithful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "the word of the LORD" in this verse encourage your trust in the Bible as God's authoritative communication today?**
* **What does God's precise timing, highlighted by the specific date, teach you about patience and trusting His sovereign plan in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater attentiveness to God's voice in your daily life, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the guidance of the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ

**Why is the precise dating ("four and twentieth day of the month") so important in Haggai?**

Answer: The precise dating in Haggai, such as "the four and twentieth day of the month," is critically important for several reasons. Firstly, it grounds the prophetic messages in specific historical events, demonstrating that God's word is not abstract but directly intervenes in real-world circumstances. This historical anchoring validates the authenticity and reliability of the prophecy. Secondly, it highlights God's meticulous sovereignty and perfect timing; the messages are delivered exactly when needed to encourage, correct, or promise. In this instance, it shows God speaking again on the same day as the previous oracle ([Haggai 2:10](/haggai/2-10 "Haggai 2:10 - The Fourth Word of the LORD")), underscoring the urgency and continuity of His communication. Finally, it provides a chronological framework that helps readers understand the progression of events and the development of God's plan for the post-exilic community, particularly regarding the rebuilding of the temple and the future Messianic hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 2:20, by emphasizing the recurring and authoritative "word of the LORD" coming to His prophet, points forward to the ultimate and final revelation of God in Jesus Christ. While God spoke "at various times and in various ways" through the prophets of old ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Spoke Through Prophets")), He has now spoken to us "by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Spoke Through His Son")). Jesus is the living "Word" of God, who "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), embodying the very essence and authority of divine communication. The specific prophecy introduced by this verse, concerning the shaking of nations and the exaltation of Zerubbabel as a "signet ring" ([Haggai 2:21-23](/haggai/2-21-23 "Haggai 2:21-23 - The Shaking of Nations and Zerubbabel")), finds its ultimate fulfillment not merely in Zerubbabel, but in Christ, the true King and Messiah, through whom God establishes His unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:26-28](/hebrews/12-26-28 "Hebrews 12:26-28 - The Unshakable Kingdom")). He is the one chosen and sealed by God, the ultimate "signet ring" of divine authority and covenant faithfulness, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in 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.