6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’”
Prophecy
God now speaks through Haggai using prophecy to encourage them. This continues through the end of the chapter. As with most prophecies in the Old Testament, there are often multiple time periods referred to. It requires quite a bit of research and piecing together to discern and even then, it may still be a mystery.
So it is here. Some questions: What time frame, or frames, is this referring to? What temple? What greater glory? Is this Zerubbabel or Messiah? Let us consider…
Herod’s temple
Maybe it refers to Herod’s temple and Jesus’ advent, His first coming. In Exodus 19:16-20, God came down to the mountain where the Jews were camped and appeared in smoke and lightning and thunder; the mountain shook.
When Jesus died, there was an earthquake and the veil of the temple was ripped in two. Jesus surely brought greater glory. But what gifts were brought by the nations?
Millennial/future temple
Maybe it refers to a yet future time when Jesus returns for His people. Matthew 24:7 ESV “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” This passage is quoted in Hebrews 12:25-29 which also refers to a future event.
Temple of the Spirit
Maybe it refers to Christians since we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is certainly a greater glory but what are the treasures the nations bring in? Maybe it’s us.
The message
This is important but let’s not get too caught up in this. I like John Calvin’s summary: “Wait only a little while, though the promised event is not apparent yet; for soon will God change things for the better: do not stop short with these preludes and fix your eyes on the present state of the temple [CALVIN].
If you’re interested, here’s Handel’s Messiah based on this passage.
