What does Haggai 2:17 mean?
"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 2:17

Haggai 2:17 (KJV) says: "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."
This passage from the book of Haggai addresses the disobedience of the Israelites and the consequences they faced as a result. It is a reflection of God's judgment and the people's refusal to heed his warnings and commands. The verse speaks to the theme of repentance and the importance of turning to God in times of trouble.
In order to fully understand the significance of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it was written. The book of Haggai is a part of the Old Testament and is one of the twelve minor prophets. Haggai was a prophet who delivered God's message to the people of Israel after their return from exile in Babylon. The Israelites had been neglecting the reconstruction of the temple, which was a direct disobedience to God's command. Haggai's message was a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of living in disobedience to God.
In Haggai 2:17, the Lord speaks of the punishment he inflicted upon the Israelites for their disobedience. The mention of "blasting," "mildew," and "hail" represents the various forms of natural disasters and agricultural failures that plagued the Israelites. These calamities affected the labor and productivity of the people, highlighting the harsh consequences of their disobedience. Despite these hardships, the Israelites refused to acknowledge God and continued to live in disobedience.
The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of repentance. It also emphasizes the role of God as a just judge who holds his people accountable for their actions. The passage conveys a sense of urgency in turning to God and seeking forgiveness, as the consequences of disobedience are severe.
Symbolically, the blasting, mildew, and hail can be interpreted as representing the various hardships and challenges that people face in life. These could be seen as obstacles, failures, and difficulties that individuals encounter when they turn away from God. The refusal to turn to God despite these challenges reflects the stubbornness and pride of the human heart.
Overall, Haggai 2:17 underscores the significance of repentance and the consequences of living in disobedience to God. The passage serves as a cautionary reminder of the need to seek God in times of trouble and to heed his warnings and commands. It conveys the message that living in obedience to God leads to blessings, while disobedience leads to hardship and judgment.
In conclusion, Haggai 2:17 is a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of repentance. The verse conveys a sense of urgency in seeking God's forgiveness and living in obedience to his commands. It serves as a timeless message of God's justice and mercy, as well as a call to turn to God in times of trouble.
Have questions about Haggai 2:17?
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 2:17 Artwork
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."
"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 2:17
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 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.'"
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."
"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