Haggai 2:6

KJV

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];

KJV (with Strong's)

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;

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 2:6 delivers a powerful prophetic declaration from the LORD of hosts, assuring the discouraged post-exilic community in Jerusalem that despite the humble appearance of the Second Temple, a future, universal, and cataclysmic shaking of all creation is imminent. This divine upheaval will precede a glorious manifestation of God's presence and the establishment of His unshakeable kingdom, far surpassing any previous glory and inspiring the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the second of Haggai's four prophetic messages, delivered in the seventh month of the second year of Darius I (520 BC). Following the initial push to rebuild the temple (Haggai 1), the people had become disheartened by the perceived inferiority of the new temple compared to Solomon's magnificent structure (Haggai 2:3). God's response, delivered through Haggai, is a profound word of encouragement, promising a future glory that will eclipse the former. Verse 6 specifically introduces the mechanism by which this greater glory will be ushered in: a dramatic, universal shaking. This immediate context underscores God's direct intervention to overcome human discouragement and fulfill His promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, around 520 BC, approximately 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned from Babylon under Zerubbabel and Joshua (Ezra 2). The initial fervor for rebuilding the temple had waned due to Persian opposition, Samaritan interference, and the people's preoccupation with their own homes (Haggai 1:4). The returning exiles were a small, struggling community, facing poverty, crop failures, and a sense of insignificance. Culturally, the memory of Solomon's opulent temple still loomed large, making the modest foundations of the new temple appear utterly unimpressive. This backdrop of national and spiritual despondency made God's promise of a future, unprecedented shaking and glory all the more impactful, aiming to rekindle their faith and commitment to the temple's completion.
* **Key Themes:** Haggai 2:6 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book and broader prophetic literature. It powerfully emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, as the "LORD of hosts" declares His absolute control over all cosmic and earthly realms, capable of initiating such a profound transformation. The concept of a **Future Shaking and Transformation** is central, indicating a cataclysmic intervention that will dismantle the old order and usher in a new era of divine glory and judgment. This shaking is not merely destructive but **Preparatory for God's Glory**, serving as a prelude to the filling of the temple with a glory greater than the first (Haggai 2:7-9). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Encouragement Amidst Discouragement**, providing a future-oriented hope that transcends the present struggles of the rebuilding community, shifting their focus from the visible, humble structure to God's magnificent, unfolding plan for His kingdom, which is also seen in the broader prophetic messages of God's ultimate reign over all nations, as in [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ_):** This composite divine title, frequently used in the prophetic books, identifies God as the sovereign commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, encompassing both celestial beings and human forces. It underscores His supreme authority, omnipotence, and ability to execute His will across all creation, providing immense assurance to a struggling people that their God is indeed powerful enough to fulfill His promises.
* **shake (Hebrew, _râʻash_):** This verb denotes a violent trembling, quaking, or undulation. It implies a cataclysmic, disruptive event, far beyond a gentle movement. Its use here signifies a profound, universal upheaval of cosmic and terrestrial elements, indicating God's active and powerful intervention in history to dismantle existing structures and prepare for a new, glorious order.
* **a little while (Hebrew, _mᵉʻaṭ_):** This term suggests a relatively short, though undefined, period. It conveys imminence and serves to encourage the hearers that the promised, dramatic intervention of God is not indefinitely postponed but will occur within a discernible timeframe. This immediacy was crucial for a people who were losing hope due to the perceived slowness of God's work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD of hosts;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and certainty of the ensuing prophecy. It is a direct word from God Himself, delivered through His prophet, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and power as the "LORD of armies" or "LORD of all creation."
* **"Yet once, it is a little while,":** This clause indicates a specific, singular future event that is imminent. "Yet once" (Hebrew: *ʼechâd*) points to a unique, decisive occurrence, while "a little while" (Hebrew: *mᵉʻaṭ*) conveys that this momentous event will not be delayed indefinitely, providing a sense of urgency and hope.
* **"and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];":** This is the core of the prophecy, detailing the scope of God's impending action. The verb "shake" (Hebrew: *râʻash*) signifies a violent, universal upheaval. The comprehensive list—heavens, earth, sea, and dry land—underscores that this shaking will encompass all realms of creation, leaving no part untouched. It speaks to a cosmic, all-encompassing divine intervention that will disrupt the established order.

#### Literary Devices
Haggai 2:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping declaration that God will "shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land," emphasizing the immense, all-encompassing nature of God's impending intervention. While literally referring to a cosmic upheaval, it also functions as **Symbolism** for a profound societal and political restructuring, indicating that all human institutions and powers will be unsettled by God's sovereign hand. The use of **Merism**—listing "heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land"—serves to convey totality, implying that every aspect of the cosmos will be affected, from the celestial to the terrestrial, from the fluid to the solid. This creates a sense of the absolute and universal scope of God's power and His ultimate control over all creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 2:6 presents a profound theological statement about God's active involvement in history and His ultimate sovereignty over creation. The "shaking" is not merely a physical phenomenon but a divine act of judgment and purification, designed to remove all that is temporary and unstable, making way for the eternal and unshakeable. This cosmic upheaval serves as a prelude to the establishment of God's kingdom, where His glory will be fully manifested and all nations will be drawn to Him. It speaks to a future eschatological event where God will decisively intervene to bring His redemptive plan to its climax, ensuring that His purposes prevail over all human resistance and natural order.

* [Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26-27 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - The Shaking of Creation and the Unshakeable Kingdom")
* [Joel 3:16](/joel/3-16 "Joel 3:16 - The Lord Roars from Zion")
* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 2:6 offers a powerful antidote to discouragement and a profound call to perseverance for believers today. In a world often characterized by instability, uncertainty, and the apparent insignificance of our efforts, this verse reminds us that the "LORD of hosts" remains sovereign over all things. Our humble endeavors for God's kingdom, whether in personal discipleship, local church ministry, or global missions, are not in vain. God promises a future, decisive intervention that will shake all that is temporary and reveal His eternal glory. This truth should inspire us to live with unwavering hope, to remain steadfast in our faith, and to continue building God's house—His spiritual temple—knowing that our labor in the Lord is never futile. We are called to trust in His timing and His power, recognizing that He is actively working to bring about His ultimate, glorious purposes, even when the present seems small or challenging.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God shaking all things impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel discouraged, and how can the truth of God's ultimate sovereignty in Haggai 2:6 encourage you to persevere?**
* **What does it mean for you to live in light of an "unshakeable kingdom" (as referenced in Hebrews 12:28), and how might that shape your priorities and actions?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for God to "shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a comprehensive, universal, and cataclysmic divine intervention that will disrupt the established order of all creation. It's not merely a physical earthquake, though it includes that, but a profound reordering of cosmic and earthly structures. The prophet [Joel also speaks of the Lord shaking heaven and earth](/joel/3-16 "Joel 3:16 - The Lord Roars from Zion") as part of the Day of the Lord. The New Testament interpretation in [Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26-27 "The Shaking of Creation and the Unshakeable Kingdom") clarifies that this shaking refers to the removal of all that is created and therefore temporary, so that only the unshakeable kingdom of God remains. It speaks to God's ultimate judgment and purification, paving the way for His eternal reign.

**How does this prophecy relate to the building of the Second Temple?**

Answer: The Jewish exiles were disheartened because the Second Temple seemed insignificant compared to Solomon's glorious First Temple (Haggai 2:3). God's promise to "shake" creation was a divine assurance that a far greater glory was coming, one that would make the present temple's humble appearance irrelevant in comparison to the future, divine manifestation. The shaking would usher in this greater glory, indicating that God's plan was not limited by the current circumstances or the physical limitations of the temple structure. It was meant to encourage them to continue building, knowing their efforts were part of a much grander, divine design that would culminate in an unprecedented display of God's presence and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 2:6 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the initial "shaking" might have had partial fulfillments in historical events or the coming of Christ's first advent, the author of Hebrews explicitly links this prophecy to the eschatological work of Christ, stating that the shaking refers to the removal of all that is created and temporary, so that only the unshakeable kingdom of God remains (Hebrews 12:26-27). This points to Christ's role as the one through whom all things are being reconciled and renewed. His first coming inaugurated the kingdom, and His second coming will bring about the final, cosmic shaking that will usher in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:10-13). The "desire of all nations" (Haggai 2:7) is ultimately Christ Himself, who came to fill the temple—not merely a physical structure, but His body, the Church, and ultimately the universe—with His glory (John 1:14; Colossians 1:19-20). The shaking of creation, therefore, is God's sovereign act to prepare the way for the full establishment of Christ's eternal, unshakeable kingdom, where He reigns supreme over all things, bringing all creation into subjection to Himself (1 Corinthians 15:25-28).

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

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;