The Glory of the Latter House Haggai 2:9

To prove His omnipotent power to the Israelites, the LORD shared how He would “shake” the “heavens, earth, sea and dry ground”. He also told them He would “shake” the nations, and how the “silver and the gold” is His. In chapter two and verse nine of his prophesy, Haggai shares how the LORD speaks to the Israelites concerning “the glory of the latter house”. We read:

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, says the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, says the LORD of hosts.

The verse begins, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, says the LORD of hosts:” Haggai began with, “The glory” or “honor, abundance, splendor, dignity, reputation and reverence” “of this latter” which means “behind, following, subsequent, hinder-most and last of time” “house” which literally means a “dwelling, habitation, shelter or abode” and refers to “the temple of the LORD” “shall be greater than” or “larger in number, intensity and importance” “of the former” which refers to “first, primary, foremost and chief” “says” or “utters, speaks and avows” “the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for one true God” “of hosts” which refers to “that which goes forth to war as an army or warfare”.

The verse continues, “and in this place will I give peace, says the LORD of hosts.” Haggai added, “and in this place” which refers to “a standing station, post, office, city, land, region, locality, spot, space, room, quarter or direction” “will I give” or “put, set, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, exchange, commit, entrust, deliver up, yield, produce or extend” “peace” which means “completeness, soundness, welfare, safety, soundness, welfare, health, prosperity, quiet, tranquility and contentment” “says” or “utters, speaks and avows” “the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for one true God” “of hosts” which refers to “that which goes forth to war as an army or warfare”.

When we meditate upon Haggai's words, we are encouraged by this “latter” temple. Often the outward appearance may seem less desirable than what is actually revealed, and when the people of Israel compared this “latter” house with “Solomon's temple”, it seemed inferior. Yet, the LORD had a different idea in mind. He would put His stamp upon this house, and though it had an inferior look on the outside, what He would do with it would be greater than it ever was before. When we consider how the LORD has brought Jesus Christ into this world to save sinners from the penalty of sin, we understand “the glory” of “the latter” manner in which the LORD is reaching out to mankind. May we see this effort of the LORD to show the superiority of “this latter house” and “the glory” of it as a promise that a relationship with Jesus will bring about the greatest “glory” we may ever receive.

Next time the LORD shares on the twenty-forth day of the ninth month, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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