What does Haggai 2:18 mean?
"Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid, consider it." - Haggai 2:18
"Haggai 2:18 - Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid, consider it."
In order to fully understand the significance of this verse, it is important to first provide some context. The book of Haggai is one of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. It was written during the time when the Israelites had returned from exile in Babylon and were seeking to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. The people had become complacent in their faith and were prioritizing their own comfort and well-being over the worship of the Lord.
In Haggai 1:3-11, the prophet rebukes the people for neglecting the rebuilding of the temple and prioritizing their own homes. He calls them to consider their ways and to prioritize the Lord's work above their own. In Haggai 2:1-9, the Lord promises to bless and provide for His people as they work to rebuild the temple and restore proper worship.
Now, in Haggai 2:18, the prophet calls the people to consider the work that has been done thus far. He instructs them to look back to the day when the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid, and to consider the progress and blessings that have come since then. This verse serves as a reminder to the people of the faithfulness of the Lord and the importance of acknowledging and celebrating His work in their lives.
The verse can be interpreted as a call to reflect on the progress and blessings that have come from prioritizing the worship of the Lord and to be mindful of His providence in the midst of their efforts. It serves as a reminder that the work of the Lord is foundational and should always be at the forefront of their hearts and minds.
The themes present in this verse include obedience, faithfulness, and the sovereignty of God. The people are being called to be obedient to the Lord's commands and priorities, trusting in His faithfulness to provide for their needs as they prioritize His work. The verse also speaks to the overarching theme of the sovereignty of God, reminding the people that He is the foundation upon which all blessings and progress are built.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the significance of the laying of the foundation of the temple. The temple represents the presence of the Lord among His people and the restoration of proper worship. The laying of the foundation symbolizes the beginning of a new era, a fresh start for the people to recommit themselves to the Lord and His priorities. It is a physical representation of the spiritual work that the people are undertaking, and the progress made thus far is a testament to the faithfulness of the Lord.
In conclusion, Haggai 2:18 serves as a call to reflection and celebration of the faithfulness of the Lord. It is a reminder to the people to prioritize the work of the Lord and to acknowledge His providence in their lives. The verse holds themes of obedience, faithfulness, and the sovereignty of God, and its symbolism lies in the significance of the laying of the temple foundation. This verse carries a timeless message for believers to consider the work of the Lord in their lives and to give Him the reverence and praise He deserves.
Have questions about Haggai 2:18?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Haggai 2:18 Artwork
Haggai 2:18 - "Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid, consider it."
"Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid, consider it." - Haggai 2:18
Haggai 2:20 - "¶ And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,"
Haggai 2:1 - "In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,"
Haggai 2:14 - "Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean."
Haggai 2:10 - "¶ In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,"
Haggai 2:13 - "Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean."
Haggai 2:9
"¶ And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying," - Haggai 2:20
Haggai 2:11 - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,"
Haggai 2:8 - "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts."
Haggai 2:2 - "Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,"
"In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying," - Haggai 2:1
"Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean." - Haggai 2:13
Haggai 2:14 Then Haggai answered and said, “ ‘So is this people, and so is this nation before Me,’ says the LORD, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.
Haggai 2:14 Then Haggai answered and said, “ ‘So is this people, and so is this nation before Me,’ says the LORD, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.
Haggai 2:21 - "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;"
"¶ In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying," - Haggai 2:10
"Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean." - Haggai 2:14
Haggai 2:17 - "I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD."
Haggai 1:2 - "Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built."
Haggai 2:3 - "Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?"
Haggai 2:5 - "According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not."
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;"
Haggai 2:6-7 – "This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.'"
"The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts." - Haggai 2:8
Haggai 2:15 - "And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:"
Haggai 2:7 - "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."
"Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;" - Haggai 2:21
"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." - Haggai 2:7