Haggai 2:7

Context of Haggai 2:7

The prophet Haggai delivered his messages to the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon and were attempting to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. After a period of initial zeal, the work had stalled for about 16 years due to opposition and the people's focus on their own homes. In Haggai 2:3, the prophet addresses those who remembered the magnificence of Solomon's first Temple, acknowledging their discouragement regarding the humble appearance of the new foundation. This verse, Haggai 2:7, comes as a powerful assurance and promise from God, encouraging the people to persevere by shifting their focus from the present humble structure to a future, far greater glory that God Himself would bring.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Global Impact: The phrase "And I will shake all nations" emphasizes God's absolute control over world events and human history. This shaking signifies divine judgment and upheaval, preparing the way for a new era. It suggests that no earthly power can withstand God's ultimate plan, ensuring that His purposes will be fulfilled regardless of current obstacles. The author of Hebrews later quotes Haggai 2:6, elaborating on this shaking as a precursor to God's eternal kingdom.
• The Coming of the Messiah: The pivotal phrase "and the desire of all nations shall come" is widely interpreted as a Messianic prophecy. While some may consider it a reference to the wealth of nations being brought into the Temple, the predominant Christian understanding points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate "desire," the one truly longed for by humanity. He is the treasure and the hope that transcends all cultural and national boundaries. His coming brings true glory and fulfillment that no material wealth or earthly building could ever provide. This aligns with other prophecies like Malachi 3:1, which speaks of the Lord suddenly coming to His temple.
• God's Glory in His Dwelling Place: "And I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts." This promise goes beyond the physical temple being rebuilt. While it assured the exiles that the second Temple would indeed have a unique glory (through the Messiah's personal presence within its courts), its ultimate fulfillment is spiritual. The true "house" of God's glory is ultimately revealed in Christ Himself (John 2:21, where Jesus spoke of the temple of His body), and in the Church, which is the spiritual dwelling place of God through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). This promise points to an immeasurable glory that far surpasses any previous manifestation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "the desire of all nations" is chemdath kol-goyim (חֶמְדַּת כָּל־גּוֹיִם). The word chemdah can mean "desire," "precious thing," or "treasure." This multifaceted meaning reinforces the interpretation of the Messiah as the most precious and longed-for treasure of all peoples, not just the physical wealth or desirable goods of nations.

Practical Application

Haggai 2:7 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It teaches us that:

• God's Plans Prevail: Even when circumstances seem dire or efforts appear insignificant, God's ultimate plan for His glory and the coming of His Anointed One will be fulfilled. We should trust in His sovereign hand.
• Focus on the Greater Glory: We are often tempted to be discouraged by present difficulties or the humble beginnings of spiritual endeavors. This verse reminds us to look beyond immediate appearances to the magnificent, eternal glory that God promises, centered on Christ.
• Christ is Our Ultimate Hope: The "Desire of all nations" is Christ. He is the answer to humanity's deepest longings and the source of true glory. Our hope and focus should always be on Him and His coming.
• God Dwells Among Us: The promise to fill "this house with glory" is fulfilled in Christ's incarnation and continues through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers and the Church. We are called to be vessels of His glory in the world.