A disputed Temple (Haggai 2,1-9)

Haggai 2,1-9 describes the people's derisory attitude towards the new Temple that was just being built. This attitude was so strong that they referred to the new Temple as "nothing". Although the size and prestige of the building were important, it is difficult to understand the derisory attitude of the people towards the Temple. This article suggests that following the destruction of the Temple the people assumed that God had abandoned them. This feeling did not dissipate even after the return to Zion. This could have been the reason why the people thought that the new Temple should not be built, and that what was now being built lacked any significance. Haggai challenged this claim by declaring decisively that God was with them and that His spirit was among them. The people were, therefore, exhorted to be resolute and continue to build the Temple. Their expectations would indeed be fulfilled but through a difficult process. Only after the Temple had been completed the ultimate good would be achieved: "And I will establish peace in this place".