1. In the seventh month on the twenty-first day, the word of Yahweh came through Haggai the prophet, saying,
2. “Speak now to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying,
3. ‘Who among you is left that saw this house in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it seem like nothing to you?
4. ‘But now take courage, Zerubbabel,’ declares Yahweh. ‘Take courage, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and take courage, all the people of the land,’ declares Yahweh. ‘Do the work, because I am with you,’ declares Yahweh of hosts,
5. ‘according to the promise that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. My spirit is with you; do not be afraid.’
6. For thus says Yahweh of hosts: ‘Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and dry land.
7. I will shake all the nations so that the treasure of all the nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says Yahweh of hosts.
8. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares Yahweh of hosts.
9. ‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says Yahweh of hosts, ‘and in this place I will give peace’ declares Yahweh of hosts.’ ”
10. On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Haggai, saying,
11. “Thus says Yahweh of hosts: ‘Ask now the priests for a ruling:
12. If a man carries consecrated meat in the hem of his garment, and his hem touches bread, or stew, or wine, or olive oil, or any kind of food, will it become holy?’ ” The priests answered, “No.”