Haggai 2:3
‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just asking about physical size; it's highlighting the deep emotional weight attached to the memory of the first temple. For those few who remembered Solomon's magnificent structure, the current one likely felt like a hollow echo, a stark reminder of a lost glory, prompting despair rather than hope.
The people of Israel have returned from exile and begun rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, but their work has stalled due to discouragement. Many older individuals who remembered the splendor of Solomon's first Temple are disheartened by the modest appearance of the new structure, feeling it's insignificant in comparison. The prophet Haggai is speaking to them, acknowledging their feelings while also preparing them for a divine message of encouragement and future glory.
Imagine looking at something familiar, but seeing it as a shadow of its former self. What does that comparison do to your heart?
Haggai confronts the returned exiles with a stark question: 'Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory?' The first Temple, built by Solomon, was a marvel of gold, precious stones, and intricate artistry. Many of the older generation who had seen it were now witnessing the humble beginnings of the Second Temple. This new structure, still incomplete and lacking the dazzling ornamentation of the first, felt like 'nothing' in comparison to their memories. This wasn't just about architectural differences; it was about a deep sense of loss and a wavering commitment to the task.
When you look at a project, do you see its potential or only its current imperfections?
While the older generation sadly compared the present Temple to the past, God’s view was entirely different. He knew that outward splendor wasn't the ultimate measure of glory. The new Temple, though seemingly 'nothing' in their eyes, was not insignificant to God. It represented obedience, rebuilding, and the continuation of His covenant people. God’s perspective often transcends human metrics of success and visible grandeur, focusing instead on faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
What if the most incredible part of the story hasn't happened yet?
The contrast Haggai draws is not meant to discourage, but to set the stage for a future promise. While the Second Temple lacked the material glory of the First, God's message through Haggai (and later elaborated in the prophets) points to an even greater glory that would fill it: the presence of the Messiah. This wasn't about gold and jewels, but about the Lord of Glory Himself entering His Temple. This future reality would far surpass any past magnificence, giving ultimate meaning to the present, humble structure.
Understand the original words
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The glory of God refers to the manifestation of His divine presence, majesty, and holiness, often associated with His dwelling place among His people.
The stark contrast between the grandeur of Solomon's Temple and the modest Second Temple, built by returned exiles, deeply discouraged many. Haggai's message challenges their focus on outward appearance, reminding them of God's presence and future glory.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Solomon's Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquer Jerusalem and destroy Solomon's magnificent Temple, initiating the Babylonian exile for many Judeans.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree and Return
Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile.
c. 536 BC
Foundation of the Second Temple
The returning exiles lay the foundation for the Second Temple, but the project is halted due to opposition and discouragement. Many older people who remembered Solomon's Temple weep at the contrast.
c. 520-516 BC— this verse
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people and leaders Zerubbabel and Joshua to resume and complete the Temple construction, leading to its dedication in 516 BC.
This passage directly describes the weeping of the elders who had seen the first temple, highlighting the emotional contrast between the past glory and the present reality, just as Haggai addresses in verse 3.
Ezekiel 43:1-5Ezekiel prophesies a future temple filled with God's glory, which provides a backdrop for understanding the disappointment Haggai's audience felt. This verse speaks to the 'glory' that was missing compared to Solomon's temple.
1 Kings 8:10-11This passage describes the overwhelming glory of Solomon's temple when it was dedicated, illustrating the 'former glory' that the older generation in Haggai's time would remember and compare to the new building.
Zechariah 4:10Zechariah, a contemporary prophet, offers encouragement by stating that the 'day of small things' is not to be despised, providing a counterpoint to the despair Haggai is addressing, as God's perspective differs from human sight.
2 Corinthians 3:18This New Testament passage speaks of the glory of the new covenant, contrasting it with the old, echoing the theme that what appears less glorious outwardly can possess a greater, spiritual glory.
barnesHaggai 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?"
Who is left among you? - The question implies that there were those among them, who had seen the first house in its glory, yet but few. When the foundations of the first temple were laid, there were many Ezra 3:12 . "Many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundations of…
clarkeHaggai 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?"
Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? - Who of you has seen the temple built by Solomon? The foundation of the present house had been laid about fifty-three years after the destruction of the temple built by Solomon and though this prophecy was uttered fifteen years after the foundation of this second temple, yet the…
The verse isn't just asking about physical size; it's highlighting the deep emotional weight attached to the memory of the first temple. For those few who remembered Solomon's magnificent structure, the current one likely felt like a hollow echo, a stark reminder of a lost glory, prompting despair rather than hope.
The people of Israel have returned from exile and begun rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, but their work has stalled due to discouragement. Many older individuals who remembered the splendor of Solomon's first Temple are disheartened by the modest appearance of the new structure, feeling it's insignificant in comparison. The prophet Haggai is speaking to them, acknowledging their feelings while also preparing them for a divine message of encouragement and future glory.
The people of Israel have returned from exile and begun rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, but their work has stalled due to discouragement. Many older individuals who remembered the splendor of Solomon's first Temple are disheartened by the modest appearance of the new structure, feeling it's insignificant in comparison. The prophet Haggai is speaking to them, acknowledging their feelings while also preparing them for a divine message of encouragement and future glory.
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c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated, though it lacks the former glory and some key elements of Solomon's Temple, like the Ark of the Covenant.
"‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes?" — The verse isn't just asking about physical size; it's highlighting the deep emotional weight attached to the memory of the first temple. For those few who remembered Solomon's magnificent structure…
