Haggai 2:7

KJV

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will shake {H7493} all nations {H1471}, and the desire {H2532} of all nations {H1471} shall come {H935}: and I will fill {H4390} this house {H1004} with glory {H3519}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasures of all the nations will flow in; and I will fill this house with glory," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

and I will shake all nations; and the precious things of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 2:7 delivers a profound prophetic promise from the LORD of hosts, assuring the disheartened post-exilic community that despite the humble appearance of their rebuilt temple, God's sovereign power will orchestrate a global upheaval, culminating in the arrival of the "desire of all nations." This divine intervention will not only shake earthly powers but will also usher in an unparalleled era of glory, filling the new temple with a splendor far surpassing that of Solomon's, ultimately pointing to a greater, spiritual fulfillment in the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Haggai's second prophetic message, delivered on the twenty-first day of the seventh month (Tishri), approximately one month after the first message that spurred the people to resume temple construction ([Haggai 1:15](/haggai/1-15 "Haggai 1:15 - Work Resumes")). The immediate preceding verses ([Haggai 2:1-3](/haggai/2-1-3 "Haggai 2:1-3 - Encouragement to Build")) address the discouragement felt by those who remembered the magnificence of Solomon's first Temple and now viewed the modest new foundation with disdain. God's promise in [Haggai 2:4-5](/haggai/2-4-5 "Haggai 2:4-5 - Be Strong and Work") encourages them to be strong, for He is with them and His Spirit remains among them. Verse 7 then amplifies this encouragement by shifting their focus from the present humble structure to a future, far greater glory that God Himself would bring, transcending any material comparison. This promise of a future shaking and the coming "desire" serves as a powerful incentive for perseverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity following Cyrus's decree in 538 BC. After laying the temple foundation in 536 BC, work ceased for about sixteen years due to Samaritan opposition and the people's preoccupation with building their own homes ([Ezra 4:1-5](/ezra/4-1-5 "Ezra 4:1-5 - Opposition to Rebuilding")). Haggai's ministry, alongside Zechariah's, began in 520 BC, aiming to re-ignite their zeal for the temple. The people were impoverished, their crops were failing ([Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Haggai 1:6 - You Have Sown Much, But Harvest Little")), and they faced political instability. Culturally, the temple was the center of Jewish identity and worship, and its dilapidated state was a source of national shame and spiritual malaise. The promise of God "shaking all nations" would have resonated with their understanding of divine judgment and sovereignty over the empires that had oppressed them, offering hope for a reversal of fortunes and the ultimate vindication of God's people.

* **Key Themes:** Haggai 2:7 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating global events ("I will shake all nations") to fulfill His purposes, irrespective of human obstacles or perceived insignificance. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Future Glory and Restoration**, promising a splendor for the rebuilt temple that would far exceed the first, a promise that ultimately finds its truest fulfillment in the Messianic age. This contrasts with the present discouragement over the temple's humble appearance ([Haggai 2:3](/haggai/2-3 "Haggai 2:3 - Comparison of Temple Glories")). Thirdly, the phrase "desire of all nations" is a pivotal **Messianic Prophecy**, pointing to the coming of a figure who would be universally longed for and would bring ultimate glory, transcending the physical temple. This theme connects with other Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's universal appeal and ultimate reign, such as those found in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House") and [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shake (Hebrew, _râʻash'_):** This primitive root means "to undulate," "to move," "quake," or "tremble," often through fear. In this context, it signifies a profound, violent upheaval or convulsion, not merely a gentle tremor. It implies divine judgment and the destabilization of earthly powers, preparing the way for God's ultimate plan. The shaking is comprehensive ("all nations"), indicating a universal impact of God's sovereign action.
* **Desire (Hebrew, _chemdâh'_):** This feminine noun derives from a root meaning "to delight." It can refer to "delight," "precious thing," or "treasure." Its use here, "the desire of all nations," is rich in meaning. While it could encompass the valuable goods and wealth of nations brought to the temple, its primary and most significant interpretation, especially in Christian theology, points to a person—the one who is truly precious, longed for, and treasured by all humanity, namely the Messiah.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From a root meaning "weight," this word figuratively denotes "splendor," "honor," or "copiousness." When applied to God, it refers to His manifest presence, majesty, and inherent worth. The promise to "fill this house with glory" signifies a divine indwelling and manifestation of God's presence that would confer honor and splendor upon the temple, far exceeding any material adornment or even the glory of the first temple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will shake all nations":** This clause declares God's absolute sovereignty over the world. The "shaking" implies a divinely initiated, comprehensive upheaval among the Gentile nations. This is not a random event but a purposeful act of God, designed to destabilize existing world orders and prepare the way for His ultimate purposes. It speaks to God's power to dismantle human systems and pride, asserting His supreme authority over all earthly powers.
* **"and the desire of all nations shall come":** This is the pivotal phrase, widely understood as a Messianic prophecy. Following the global shaking, the one truly longed for by all peoples—the Messiah—will arrive. This "desire" is not merely material wealth or treasures, but the ultimate spiritual treasure, the person who embodies salvation, peace, and true glory, fulfilling humanity's deepest yearnings across all cultures and nations. His coming marks the culmination of God's redemptive plan.
* **"and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts":** This final clause provides the ultimate assurance and purpose of the preceding actions. The "house" refers to the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. God promises to fill it with His own "glory," a divine manifestation of His presence and splendor. This promise implies that the second temple, though humble in its physical beginnings, would receive a unique and unparalleled glory through the presence of the "desire of all nations" within its courts, foreshadowing the even greater spiritual glory of God's dwelling among His people in Christ and the Church. The phrase "saith the LORD of hosts" serves as a powerful divine authentication of this profound prophecy.

#### Literary Devices
Haggai 2:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Fiat** is evident in the repeated "I will" statements ("I will shake," "I will fill"), emphasizing God's absolute authority and determinative action in history. This direct declaration underscores His sovereignty and the certainty of His promises. The phrase "shake all nations" is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Metonymy**, where the shaking of nations symbolizes the comprehensive upheaval of their political, social, and religious systems, signifying divine judgment and the reordering of the world. The "desire of all nations" functions as **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**, representing not just material wealth but, more profoundly, the person of the Messiah as the ultimate treasure and longing of humanity. Finally, the entire verse is a potent **Prophecy**, foretelling future events that transcend the immediate historical context of the temple's rebuilding, pointing towards the coming of Christ and the establishment of His glorious kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 2:7 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His grand redemptive plan, which extends far beyond the immediate circumstances of a struggling post-exilic community. The prophecy highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His intention to bring about a glorious future centered on the arrival of His chosen one. This promise of a universal "desire" coming and the temple being filled with glory points directly to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of humanity's deepest longings and the very embodiment of God's glory. It teaches that true glory is not found in physical structures or earthly riches, but in the manifest presence of God Himself, supremely revealed in the Messiah.

* [Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26-27 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - The Shaking of Creation")
* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")
* [Revelation 21:22-24](/revelation/21-22-24 "Revelation 21:22-24 - The New Jerusalem Has No Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 2:7 offers profound encouragement and a vital shift in perspective for believers today. In a world often marked by instability, personal struggles, or the humble beginnings of spiritual endeavors, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign over all global events, orchestrating even chaos for His ultimate redemptive purposes. We are called to look beyond our immediate circumstances and perceived limitations, trusting in God's power to bring about a glory far greater than anything we can imagine. Our focus should not be on the grandeur of our own efforts or the visible success of our ministries, but on the coming of Christ, who is the true "desire" of all hearts and the source of all lasting glory. This prophecy encourages perseverance in faith and work, knowing that our labor is not in vain, for God Himself will ensure the ultimate triumph of His kingdom and the full manifestation of His glory, both in the world and within His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God shaking all nations encourage you when facing global instability or personal challenges?**
* **In what ways do you see Jesus Christ as the "desire of all nations" in your own life and in the world today?**
* **How can you contribute to filling God's "house" (the Church, your life) with His glory, even when circumstances seem humble or difficult?**
* **What present-day "temple" (physical or spiritual endeavor) might you be tempted to despise, and how can this verse reframe your perspective?**

### FAQ
**What does "the desire of all nations" mean in Haggai 2:7?**

Answer: The phrase "the desire of all nations" (Hebrew, _chemdath kol-goyim_) is a rich and multifaceted prophecy. While some interpretations suggest it refers to the material wealth and precious goods that nations would bring to the rebuilt temple, the predominant and most profound understanding, especially within Christian theology, identifies it as a direct Messianic prophecy. It points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate "desire"—the one truly precious, longed for, and treasured by all humanity. He is the one who fulfills the deepest spiritual yearnings of people from every nation, bringing true glory, salvation, and peace that no material wealth or earthly building could ever provide. This interpretation aligns with other prophecies that speak of the Messiah's universal appeal and ultimate reign, such as [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations") and [John 4:42](/john/4-42 "John 4:42 - The Savior of the World").

**How does the "shaking of all nations" relate to God's plan?**

Answer: The "shaking of all nations" signifies God's sovereign and powerful intervention in human history. It implies a comprehensive upheaval and destabilization of earthly powers, kingdoms, and systems, not as an act of random chaos, but as a deliberate and purposeful divine act. This shaking serves to prepare the way for the coming of the "desire of all nations"—the Messiah—and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. It demonstrates God's absolute control over world events, ensuring that His ultimate redemptive purposes will be fulfilled regardless of human opposition or the perceived strength of earthly empires. The author of [Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26-27 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - The Shaking of Creation") later quotes Haggai 2:6 (the immediate preceding verse, referring to the same shaking) to emphasize that this shaking is a precursor to the removal of all that is temporary, so that only the unshakeable kingdom of God remains.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 2:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "desire of all nations" is supremely embodied in Him, for He is the one truly longed for by humanity, the answer to our deepest spiritual yearnings, and the source of true glory. His incarnation, where God "tabernacled" among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), represents the ultimate filling of God's "house" with glory, far surpassing any physical temple. Jesus Himself declared that He was greater than the temple ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Something Greater Than the Temple is Here")), and spoke of the temple of His body, which would be destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Through His death and resurrection, He became the new and living temple, the place where God's glory dwells fully and is accessible to all. Furthermore, the "shaking of all nations" foreshadows the disruptive and transformative impact of Christ's first coming, which overturned spiritual strongholds and established a new covenant, and His second coming, which will bring about the final judgment and the establishment of His eternal, unshakeable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:26-29](/hebrews/12-26-29 "Hebrews 12:26-29 - The Unshakeable Kingdom")). The ultimate "house" filled with glory is not merely a physical structure, but the Church, the spiritual dwelling place of God through the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - A Holy Temple in the Lord")), and finally, the New Jerusalem, where God's glory illuminates all, and there is no need for a temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22-23 "Revelation 21:22-23 - God and the Lamb Are Its Temple")).

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

Malachi 3:1

¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Kings 8:11

So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Daniel 2:45

Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Isaiah 60:7

All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

Luke 2:46

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.