Haggai 2:6

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Yet once {H259}, it is a little while {H4592}, and I will shake {H7493} the heavens {H8064}, and the earth {H776}, and the sea {H3220}, and the dry {H2724} land;

For this is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: "It won't be long before one more time I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land;

For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.

For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;

Haggai 2:6 (KJV) delivers a powerful prophetic word of encouragement from the LORD of hosts to the disheartened Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon. They were struggling to rebuild the Second Temple, which seemed insignificant compared to Solomon's glorious first temple. This verse serves as a divine assurance of a future, far greater manifestation of God's power and glory.

Context

The book of Haggai is set around 520 BC, shortly after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. Their initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the temple had waned, largely due to opposition and their own focus on personal dwellings rather than God's house. Haggai, along with Zechariah, was raised up by God to stir the people to resume and complete the work on the temple. In this chapter, God directly addresses the people's discouragement concerning the temple's perceived lack of glory, promising a future glory that will far surpass anything they can imagine. Verse 6 introduces a dramatic future event that underscores God's ultimate control and power.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's absolute authority over all creation and armies, highlighting His ability to fulfill His promises.
  • Future Shaking and Transformation: The prophecy of God shaking the heavens, earth, sea, and dry land speaks to a profound, universal upheaval that will precede a new era of divine intervention and glory. It signifies God's active involvement in history and His ultimate judgment.
  • Encouragement Amidst Discouragement: For a people feeling insignificant and seeing their efforts as meager, this promise serves as a tremendous source of hope, shifting their focus from the present humble structure to God's magnificent future plans.
  • God's Unfolding Plan: This verse hints at a climactic moment in God's redemptive history, where the old order will be powerfully disturbed to make way for the new.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is a significant divine title, frequently used in the prophetic books. It portrays God as the sovereign commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, emphasizing His omnipotence and control over all creation and spiritual forces. The Hebrew word for "shake" (ra'ash) implies a violent trembling or quaking, suggesting a cataclysmic event rather than a gentle movement. This powerful imagery underscores the magnitude of God's impending action.

Related Scriptures

The prophecy in Haggai 2:6 is famously quoted and interpreted in the New Testament. The author of Hebrews 12:26-27 references this very passage, explaining that the "shaking" refers not only to the physical creation but also to the removal of all things that can be shaken, so that only the unshakeable kingdom of God remains. This points to the ultimate transformation of all things and the establishment of God's eternal reign. The idea of God shaking the nations is also found in Joel 3:16. Ultimately, this shaking prepares the way for the greater glory of God's presence, as seen in the promise of the new heaven and new earth where God dwells with His people (Revelation 21:1-4).

Practical Application

Haggai 2:6 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. When facing discouragement in ministry, personal struggles, or societal chaos, this verse reminds us that God is actively in control. He promises a future transformation that will reveal His glory in ways we cannot yet comprehend. It encourages perseverance in God's work, knowing that our efforts, however humble, are part of His grand, unfolding plan. We are called to trust in the ultimate sovereignty of the "LORD of hosts" and to live with hope, knowing that He will indeed shake all things to establish His everlasting kingdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 12:26

    Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

  • Hebrews 12:28

    Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

  • Isaiah 10:25

    For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.

  • Acts 2:19

    And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

  • Luke 21:25

    And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

  • Luke 21:27

    And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

  • Haggai 2:21

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

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