THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
They began to enter the Lord's house and engage in work on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, and on the twenty-first day of the following seventh month, the Lord spoke again to Haggai. It is important to reflect on this word and the reasons behind it. After they had diligently begun their efforts and committed themselves to caring for the sacred temple, even setting aside the twenty-seventh day for this purpose, they succumbed to fear, perhaps discussing quietly amongst themselves that their efforts would amount to nothing, and even if they managed to rebuild the temple, it would never compare to the former one.
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That earlier temple was magnificent, adorned with thoughtful contributions and embellished with gold and silver, whereas this new one would appear bare, lacking in beauty and grandeur. The previous kings of Jerusalem, especially Solomon, had richly decorated that first temple, while those tasked with this new endeavor were still reeling from the scars of captivity, without resources to claim as their own. Despite their careful and troubled work, they became hesitant and sluggish once more. In response, God offered strength to those who were weary and gently inquired if anyone among them had witnessed the temple in its former splendor. Only a handful, those advanced in years, could recall it. For the temple had been devastated by Nebuchadnezzar, and Israel had been taken into exile, returning only after seventy years. Thus, it was rare to find someone among the older generation, someone who had lived before the temple's destruction, endured captivity, and returned to Jerusalem. Hence, He asked, “Who among you is such a person who ‘has seen this house in its former glory’ and perceives the future temple as though it were nonexistent?” This question also serves as a rebuke to them for lacking the faith to recognize that, despite their pressing need for resources, God’s capacity to provide is limitless; He could once more make His house known and splendid.