"Now this is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, says: "Carefully consider your ways:

Now when Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jozadak the high priest, with the remnant of the people, heard the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of the Prophet Haggai, like as the LORD their God had sent him, the people did fear the LORD.

Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying,

"Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? And what does it look like now? From what you can see, it seems like nothing, doesn't it?

Now be strong, Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD, "and be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the LORD. "Go to work, because I am with you,' declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

Do not fear, because I made a promise to your ancestors when they left Egypt, and my spirit even now testifies to you.'

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,

Then said Haggai, "Now if one being defiled with a dead carcass, touch any of these: shall it also be unclean?"

Pay attention from now on to how things used to be before one stone had been laid upon another in the Temple of the LORD.

"Pay attention from now on, from this twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, when the foundation of the LORD's Temple was laid. Pay attention!

Is there seed left in the granary? Up until now, neither the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, nor the olive tree has borne fruit, but from this very day I will bless you.'"