Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Here is the rewritten chapter in modern English:

In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the Lord spoke to Haggai the prophet. He said, "Speak now to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, and Joshua, the high priest. Tell them that I want you to ask the people about their current situation compared to what it was in the past."

Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, was the one who had been leading the rebuilding effort after their return from exile. The Lord wanted him to know that he and Joshua were not alone; God was with them, just as He had promised when they left Egypt. His Spirit remained among them, giving them strength.

The Lord said, "It's almost time for a major shake-up in the world. The heavens, the earth, the seas, and all dry land will be shaken." This would bring significant changes to the entire planet, but don't be afraid; God is with you.

The silver and gold that were brought into the temple treasury belonged to the Lord of hosts. He said, "This new house will be greater than the original one I authorized through King Solomon. In this place, I will give peace to my people."

Later, in the fourth month of Darius' ninth year as king, the Lord spoke to Haggai again. This time, He asked them to consider their situation from a different perspective: before any stone was laid for the temple's construction.

Haggai asked the priests about a law regarding holy food and its contact with other foods. If someone handled holy meat and then touched bread or wine, would that food become holy? The answer was no; it wouldn't be affected by the holy food. But if they came into contact with something dead, any object they touched would become unclean.

Haggai explained to them that God saw the people in a similar way. Every work of their hands, every action and decision they made, was considered unclean before Him because it didn't meet His standards. It had been like this since the construction began; they'd seen good years with plenty, but those were followed by lean times.

The Lord reminded them that He had punished them for their disobedience by sending blight on their crops and destroying their harvests. Despite this punishment, they still didn't return to Him as they should have.

From the day the foundation of the temple was laid, on the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the people noticed that their crops were suffering. The stores were empty because their fields produced little or nothing; some were even withering away before reaching full maturity.

But now, from this day forward, I will bless you, said the Lord. The word came to Haggai on the same twenty-fourth day of the month: Speak to Zerubbabel and tell him that I will shake everything up – heavens, earth, sea, and all dry land. Kings' thrones will be overthrown; their armies defeated. The chariots they rely on will fall along with those who ride in them.

The Lord promised that He would make Zerubbabel, his chosen servant, a signet ring to show the world His favor towards him.