What’s easy to miss is that God didn't just prompt them to work; He actively stirred up their spirits, suggesting their previous motivation had waned. This divine "stirring" reignited a dormant zeal in everyone, from the governor and high priest down to the last person, enabling them to overcome apathy and fear.
And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Haggai has just delivered a sharp rebuke to the people and their leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, for prioritizing their own comfortable homes over rebuilding the Temple. Following this divine message, the people and their leaders are overcome with fear and reverence for God. Haggai's words have finally broken through their apathy, leading them to repent and prepare to obey God's command.
Ever feel stuck, like something is missing to get things done? This verse reveals that sometimes, the greatest catalyst is God Himself.
The verse opens with a powerful declaration: 'And the LORD stirred up the spirit...' This wasn't just a casual nudge; it was a divine impartation of energy, zeal, and courage. The commentaries highlight that this 'stirring' came from God, both to those who knew His will (like Zerubbabel and Joshua) and even sometimes to those who didn't, to accomplish His purposes.
When God moves, He doesn't just spark one person; He ignites a movement. See how leaders and people are brought together.
The verse specifically names Zerubbabel (the governor) and Joshua (the high priest) – representing the civil and religious leadership. But it doesn't stop there. It explicitly includes 'all the remnant of the people.' This shows that God's work requires unified effort across all levels of society.
Ask a follow-up
Why does the Bible call the Temple 'the house of the LORD of hosts, their God'? This title carries immense significance.
The verse concludes by identifying the house they worked on as 'the house of the LORD of hosts, their God.' This isn't just a label; it's a declaration of identity and power that would have resonated deeply with the people.
Understand the original words
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The core of the human personality, encompassing the intellect, will, and emotional life. When God 'stirs' or 'wakes' this spirit, He is empowering, motivating, and directing the individual to fulfill a specific divine purpose or mission.
Yahweh Sabaoth · Hebrew Noun
A title indicating God's absolute sovereignty over all created beings and spiritual powers in the universe. It underscores that He is the Commander of all heavenly armies and possesses supreme authority to execute His will.
This verse captures the pivotal moment when God's Spirit empowers Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people to overcome years of apathy and opposition, finally reigniting the crucial work of rebuilding the Temple.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, paving the way for his decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
538 BC
Cyrus's Edict for Return and Rebuilding
Cyrus issues an edict permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the return to Zion.
c. 537 BC
First Return of Exiles to Jerusalem
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, a large group of Jews returns to Jerusalem. They immediately begin rebuilding the altar and laying the foundation for the Temple.
c. 536 BC
Temple Foundation Laid Amidst Opposition
The foundation of the Second Temple is laid, but the project soon faces significant opposition from local Samaritans and other surrounding peoples, leading to its cessation.
c. 522-520 BC
Period of Neglect and Indifference
Following the initial setback, the Jewish community enters a period of apathy. Their focus shifts to building their own homes while the Temple lies in ruins.
520 BC— this verse
Haggai and Zechariah Begin Prophesying
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah begin their ministry, challenging the people's indifference and urging them to resume the work of rebuilding the Temple. This verse marks the response to their prophetic call.
This passage directly parallels Haggai 1:14 by showing God stirring up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, to permit and encourage the rebuilding of the temple, highlighting God's sovereign initiative in such endeavors.
2 Chronicles 21:16This verse illustrates God stirring up spirits, not for good, but to bring judgment through enemies against a wicked king, showing that God's 'stirring' can manifest in diverse ways according to His purposes.
Nehemiah 2:18Nehemiah recounts how he shared Haggai’s message with the leaders and how 'the hand of my God was gracious upon me,' similar to the people's renewed work in Haggai, emphasizing God's enabling grace for His people's tasks.
1 Corinthians 15:10The Apostle Paul describes his own intense labor for the gospel, stating 'by the grace of God I am what I am,' which echoes the sentiment in Haggai that the work is not solely human effort but divinely empowered.
Philippians 2:13This verse teaches that it is God who works in us, both to will and to do for His good pleasure, directly supporting the idea in Haggai 1:14 that the people’s renewed commitment and action were initiated and sustained by God's Spirit.
wesleyHaggai 1:14: "And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,"
1:14 The Lord of hosts - By which name he delights to be known among the returned captives; and it was a name best suited to their present state, compassed on all hands with enemies.
barnesHaggai 1:14: "And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,"
And the Lord stirred up the spirit - The words are used of any strong impulse from God to fulfill His will, whether in those who execute His will unknowingly as Pul 1 Chronicles 5:26 , to carry off the trans-J…
What’s easy to miss is that God didn't just prompt them to work; He actively stirred up their spirits, suggesting their previous motivation had waned. This divine "stirring" reignited a dormant zeal in everyone, from the governor and high priest down to the last person, enabling them to overcome apathy and fear.
The prophet Haggai has just delivered a sharp rebuke to the people and their leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, for prioritizing their own comfortable homes over rebuilding the Temple. Following this divine message, the people and their leaders are overcome with fear and reverence for God. Haggai's words have finally broken through their apathy, leading them to repent and prepare to obey God's command.
The prophet Haggai has just delivered a sharp rebuke to the people and their leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, for prioritizing their own comfortable homes over rebuilding the Temple. Following this divine message, the people and their leaders are overcome with fear and reverence for God. Haggai's words have finally broken through their apathy, leading them to repent and prepare to obey God's command.
"And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the hous…" — What’s easy to miss is that God didn't just prompt them to work; He actively stirred up their spirits, suggesting their previous motivation had waned. This divine "stirring" reignited a dormant zea…
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Last reviewed October 2026
