“This is what the Lord of Armies says: These people say it’s not the right time to rebuild the house of the Lord.”

Now, this is what the Lord of Armies says: Carefully consider your ways!

This is what the Lord of Armies says: Carefully consider your ways!

“You expected a lot, but you received a little. When you bring something home, I blow it away. Why?” declares the Lord of Armies. “It’s because my house lies in ruins while each of you is busy working on your own house.

The Lord inspired them ⌞to rebuild his house⌟. So Zerubbabel (who was the son of Shealtiel and was governor of Judah), the chief priest Joshua (who was the son of Jehozadak), and the faithful few who returned from Babylon began working on the house of the Lord of Armies, their God.

“But now, Zerubbabel, be strong,” declares the Lord. “Chief Priest Joshua (son of Jehozadak), be strong. Everyone in the land, be strong,” declares the Lord. “Work, because I am with you,” declares the Lord of Armies.

“This is what the Lord of Armies says: Once again, in a little while, I am going to shake the sky and the earth, the sea and the dry land.

I will shake all the nations, and the one whom all the nations desire will come. Then I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Armies.

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of Armies.

This new house will be more glorious than the former, declares the Lord of Armies. And in this place I will give ⌞them⌟ peace, declares the Lord of Armies.”

“This is what the Lord of Armies says: Ask the priests for a decision.

On that day, declares the Lord of Armies, I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel (son of Shealtiel), declares the Lord. I will make you like a signet ring, because I have chosen you, declares the Lord of Armies.’ ”