Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the Lord's message came to Haggai the prophet. He spoke to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest.

The people said it was not yet time for the Lord's house to be built, but the Lord of hosts declared, "Consider your ways! You have sown much and brought in little; you eat, but are not satisfied. You drink, but your thirst is still not quenched. You clothe yourselves, but the cold still chills you. And those who work hard earn just enough to fill a leaky bag.

The Lord of hosts says again, "Consider your ways! Is it time for you to live in your well-furnished homes while this house, which is God's dwelling place, lies neglected? You have sown much and brought in little; you eat but are not satisfied. You drink, but your thirst remains unquenched. You clothe yourselves, but the cold still bites.

The Lord of hosts says once more, "Consider your ways! But I will tell you why things have been this way: my house lies in ruins while each of you is busy with his own home. The heavens withhold their dew, and the earth withholds its fruit because of my house that lies waste. You run to your own homes, but I call for a drought upon the land and all it produces – grain, new wine, oil, livestock, and every labor of human hands.

Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua the high priest, along with all the remnant of God's people, listened to the Lord's voice through Haggai the prophet. They stood in awe before the Lord. The Lord stirred up the spirits of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all God's people, and they came together to work on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God.

On the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius, a great change took place.