{N}2,{/}3: With utter frankness, Haggai points out how modest was the work they have achieved. It was better that way, since they did not build the Temple for the sake of the Temple to be proud of it, but rather to show that they had surrendered to Yahweh.
{C}"Do not be afraid, for my spirit is in your midst:" {/}(2:5). We already pointed out that Spirit achieves union. Here the prophet emphasizes that Spirit removes our fears.
{C}I will fill this House with glory{/} (v. 7): the very poverty of the Temple invites God to hasten the time of his visitation to fill it with his glory. In a short time, Yahweh will end this transitory world in which the Jews are living and will establish his kingdom.

{N}2,{/}10: The question posed to the priests was in line with the mentality of those days (see commentary on Lev 8:1 and 11:1): there are "clean" or "holy" things and persons that may come into contact with God and others which are "unclean" or "profane" that cannot enter the Temple. Besides, "uncleanliness" is seen as something which can be transmitted through contact.
The conclusion is the following: These people are unclean as long as they do not provide for their God a house worthy of him; thus all their prayers and offerings are unclean simply for having passed through their hands.

{N}2,{/}20: Just like Zechariah (Zec 6:12), Haggai thinks that Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, might be the Messiah who will restore the nation of Israel. He does not clearly say so, but suggests it in interpreting a word of God as congratulating Zerubbabel. The prophet was wrong in that; his mistake shows how divine truth and human interpretation - always fallible - can be intertwined even in the words of an authentic prophet.

