[:en]God told Zerubbabel, Joshua and the remnants of the people to be strong and work and not to be afraid, for He is with them and His Spirit remains among them (vs. 4-5). “The silver is mine and the gold is mine” declared the Lord Almighty. The glory of this house they were building will be greater than the glory of the former house. He will grant peace and bless them. (vs. 8-9)
The phrase “Give careful thought” was repeated for them to consider:
- How things were before one stone was laid on another in the Lord’s temple (v. 15)
- To the day when the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid (v. 18)
- Is there yet any seed left in the barn? (v. 19)
God had taken and chosen Zerubbabel as His servant and made him like His signet ring. (vs. 23)[:]