Introduction
1On the first day of the sixth month of King Darius’ second year, theLord spoke this message through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak:
The Indifference of the People
2TheLord who rules over all says this: “These people have said, ‘The time for rebuilding theLord’s temple has not yet come.’”3So theLord spoke through the prophet Haggai as follows:4“Is it right for you to live in richly paneled houses while my temple is in ruins?5Here then is what theLord who rules over all says: ‘Think carefully about what you are doing.6You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but are never filled. You drink, but are still thirsty. You put on clothes, but are not warm. Those who earn wages end up with holes in their money bags.’”
The Instruction of the People
7“Moreover, theLord who rules over all says: ‘Pay close attention to these things also.8Go up to the hill country and bring back timber to build the temple. Then I will be pleased and honored,’ says theLord.9‘You expected a large harvest, but instead there was little, and when you brought it home it disappeared right away. Why?’ asks theLord who rules over all. ‘Because my temple remains in ruins, thanks to each of you favoring his own house!10This is why the sky has held back its dew and the earth its produce.11Moreover, I have called for a drought that will affect the fields, the hill country, the grain, new wine, fresh olive oil, and everything that grows from the ground; it also will harm people, animals, and everything they produce.’”
The Response of the People
12Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, along with the whole remnant of the people, obeyed theLord their God. They responded favorably to the message of the prophet Haggai, who spoke just as theLord their God had instructed him, and the people began to respect theLord.13Then Haggai, theLord’s messenger, spoke theLord’s word to the people: “I am with you!” says theLord.14So theLord energized and encouraged Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the whole remnant of the people. They came and worked on the temple of their God, theLord who rules over all.15This took place on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month of King Darius’ second year.
