Haggai here informs his hearers of the reason for the weeping of the “old” men who saw the first temple and who, as the remnant, were now gazing upon the re-layed foundation of the second temple. These were NOT tears of joy. No, others shouted in joy. Haggai clearly tells the reader that these were tears of dismay, of despair, tears of weakness, tears of impotence. This foundation that had been laid some 14 years previously, was not the same foundation (in terms of size) when compared to the original structure. And so the “old” men knew that the outcome, the finished building, the completed second temple, would be nothing of the sort which Solomon built in all its glory and majesty. The splendor would not be evident. The power of their God and of their nation, would not be on display. Bringing weeping to their hearts and eyes. What could Haggai do? He proclaimed to them, one again, the very word of God. Here we will learn that the perceived weakness within the church is overcome by the reality of the power of the covenant, and the promise of the glory to come. |
