EGW WritingsHaggai 2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 162, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 162, 1897, par. 1

The Sabbath is past, and there was so large a number present to attend the dedication of the house of worship that we could not be accommodated in the upper room of the school building. The church was done. I had not allowed myself to go upon the ground since the foundation was laid. I felt that the building was under the especial supervision of God; and it was so. The circumstances had been arranged by the Lord, without any of our wisdom. There were leading carpenters who receive high wages for their work; but this we had not considered at all. The word of the Lord came to me unexpectedly in the night season, calling my attention to the first two chapters of Haggai. Both chapters were to be carefully studied.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 116, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 116, 1897, par. 18

“For thus saith the Lord of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:1-9.]

12LtMs, Ms 116, 1897, par. 34

From the destruction of the first Temple, which the Lord could not bless because the people had corrupted their ways, till the second was built, there was a space of seventy years. Though some murmured over the inferiority of the second temple, the Lord declared it to be superior, because it was to be connected in a special sense with the Messiah. “I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:7.] “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh come, and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” [Genesis 49:10.] “Be strong, saith the Lord, for I am with you.” [Haggai 2:4.]

12LtMs, Ms 116, 1897, par. 36

“Slothful servants” is the charge that God makes of those in the churches. [Matthew 25:26.] His will is not done when sacred things are left to remain in a withered, neglected condition. Self-sacrifice, self-denial, in every church would change the order of things. “The silver is mine and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:8.] When that gold and silver is used for selfish purposes, to gratify ambition or pride or selfish indulgence, as has been done, God is dishonored. Can those who are representative men be so sound asleep that they do not comprehend that the state of things that exists is a result of neglect on their part. When the people chosen by God embellish their own houses, and invest God’s money in bicycles and various things for selfish gratification, knowing that the very means thus used should be used to keep the house of God in the very best condition, that no means may be taken from the treasury to defray running expenses, they cannot be blessed.

12LtMs, Ms 116, 1897, par. 37

I have a message from the Lord. The churches must awaken from their torpor and think of these things. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Verse 8.] Are we, as families, appropriating the Lord’s silver and gold to selfish purposes, and doing nothing to lighten the debt on His house? The churches are burdened with debt, not because it is impossible for them to be freed, but because of selfish indulgence on the part of the members. By this neglect God is dishonored, and if he binds about your resources, be not blind as to the cause.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 56, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 56, 1897, par. 2

The question was asked, Shall the house of the Lord be left as the last consideration? Read this chapter of inspiration, and take heed unto it. The first and second chapters contain lessons for us. I received instruction to speak to the people, and tell them that we are not to leave the house of the Lord until the last consideration. There is no place of worship we can secure in which to assemble. In the cities, halls can be obtained, but the place in which we worship is becoming too small for us. This is not according to the will of God. Our first consideration should be to build a house for the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 175, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 175, 1897, par. 64

This is a great enterprise for this part of the country. Our school being established here demands that we arise and build. We cannot present to the Lord any meager offering. We want, when this work is done, to have done our best according to the light God has given. We want to hear from the Lord the word of approval as did the remnant who obeyed the voice of the Lord their God coming to them through Haggai the prophet, when “they came and did work in the house of the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 1:14. The word of approval came, “I am with you, saith the Lord.” Haggai 2:4. “Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies; my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.” Zechariah 1:16. Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 are chapters appropriate for our study. We are to learn our lessons from these chapters, for history will be and is being repeated.

12LtMs, Ms 175, 1897, par. 67

I spoke to a room full in regard to building a house for the Lord. I spoke from Haggai, chapter 1. This had been urged home upon my mind, also chapter 2. I also urged the people to show honor to God at once by building a house for Him, where we could worship God in all humbleness of mind, where we could kneel down to worship God, and could serve the Lord becomingly and in order.

12LtMs, Ms 175, 1897, par. 68

I have a message from the Lord in regard to building a house for God. I read Haggai first and second chapters, and Ezra, third chapter. I bore a clear and decided testimony, and appealed to all to rise up and build a house for the Lord. Elder Haskell spoke to the point, and we know the people felt indeed in earnest in the matter to do all they could.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 97, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 97, 1897, par. 5

But that night light was given me from the Scripture in the first and second chapters of Haggai. The matter I wrote then I will send you, if it has not been already sent. The next mail brought me a letter with a donation of £200 for the meeting house in Cooranbong. This made £300 wherewith to make a start. We then set men at work to clear the land.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 29, 1911

Haggai

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 95, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 2

Satan is not omnipotent. His power must be destroyed in order that Christ’s power may be fully established. The Lord declares: “I will overthrow the throne (strength) of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.” [Haggai 2:22.]

17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 7

God will not suffer one of His true-hearted workers to be left alone to struggle against great odds and be overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel every one whose life is hid with Christ in God. Of every such an one He says, “I ... will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.” [Verse 23.]

17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 8

In speaking of the building of a house for God, the prophet Haggai shows in parables what God endorses and what He condemns. “In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts: according to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the Lord of Hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. ... The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Verses 1-7, 9.]

17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 9

“Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No.” [Verses 11, 12.]

17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 11

“Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.” [Verse 13.]

17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 13

“Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before Me, saith the Lord; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the Lord: since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty. I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labors of your hands; yet ye turned not to Me, saith the Lord.” [Verses 14-17.]

17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 14

“Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid, consider it. Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.” [Verses 18, 19.]

The Great Controversy

Chapter 1—The Destruction of Jerusalem

GC 23.2

A thousand years before, the psalmist had magnified God’s favor to Israel in making her holy house His dwelling place: “In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling place in Zion.” He “chose the tribe of Judah, the Mount Zion which He loved. And He built His sanctuary like high palaces.” Psalm 76:2; 78:68, 69. The first temple had been erected during the most prosperous period of Israel’s history. Vast stores of treasure for this purpose had been collected by King David, and the plans for its construction were made by divine inspiration. 1 Chronicles 28:12, 19. Solomon, the wisest of Israel’s monarchs, had completed the work. This temple was the most magnificent building which the world ever saw. Yet the Lord had declared by the prophet Haggai, concerning the second temple: “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former.” “I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:9, 7.

GC 23.3

After the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar it was rebuilt about five hundred years before the birth of Christ by a people who from a lifelong captivity had returned to a wasted and almost deserted country. There were then among them aged men who had seen the glory of Solomon’s temple, and who wept at the foundation of the new building, that it must be so inferior to the former. The feeling that prevailed is forcibly described by the prophet: “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” Haggai 2:3; Ezra 3:12. Then was given the promise that the glory of this latter house should be greater than that of the former.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem

GC88 23.2

A thousand years before, the psalmist had magnified God’s favor to Israel in making her holy house his dwelling-place: “In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling-place in Zion.” [Psalm 76:2.] He “chose the tribe of Judah, the Mount Zion which he loved. And he built his sanctuary like high palaces.” [Psalm 78:68, 69.] The first temple had been erected during the most prosperous period of Israel’s history. Vast stores of treasure for this purpose had been collected by King David, and the plans for its construction were made by divine inspiration. [1 Chronicles 28:12, 19.] Solomon, the wisest of Israel’s monarchs, had completed the work. This temple was the most magnificent building which the world ever saw. Yet the Lord had declared by the prophet Haggai, concerning the second temple, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former.” “I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:9, 7.]

GC88 23.3

After the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar, it was rebuilt about five hundred years before the birth of Christ, by a people who from a life-long captivity had returned to a wasted and almost deserted country. There were then among them aged men who had seen the glory of Solomon’s temple, and who wept at the foundation of the new building, that it must be so inferior to the former. The feeling that prevailed is forcibly described by the prophet: “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” [Haggai 2:3.] Then was given the promise that the glory of this latter house should be greater than that of the former.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem

4SP 23.2

A thousand years before had the psalmist magnified God’s favor to Israel in making her holy house his dwelling-place: “In Salem is his tabernacle, and his dwelling-place in Zion.” [Psalm 76:2.] “He chose the tribe of Judah, the Mount Zion which he loved. And he built his sanctuary like high palaces.” [Psalm 78:68, 69.] The first temple had been erected during the most prosperous period of Israel’s history. Vast stores of treasure for this purpose had been collected by King David, and the plans for its construction were made by divine inspiration. Solomon, the wisest of Israel’s monarchs, had completed the work. This temple was the most magnificent building which the world ever saw. Yet the Lord had declared by the prophet Haggai, concerning the second temple, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former.” “I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:9, 7.]

4SP 23.3

After the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar, it was rebuilt about five hundred years before the birth of Christ, by a people who from a lifelong captivity had returned to a wasted and almost deserted country. There were then among them aged men who had seen the glory of Solomon’s temple, and who wept at the foundation of the new building, that it must be so inferior to the former. The feeling that prevailed is forcibly described by the prophet: “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” [Haggai 2:3.] Then was given the promise that the glory of this latter house should be greater than of the former.

Sons and Daughters of God

Be Strong, for God Is With Us, July 14

SD 202.1

Be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:4.

Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)

The Hastening Pace

4BIO 318.2

Ellen White spoke at the worship service on Sabbath morning. She had no difficulty in selecting a text for the sermon, and read from Haggai 1:14 and 2:4, the call for God’s people of old for the building of a house of worship. This had been urged upon her mind. She reported the matter in this way:

From Splendor to Shadow

God Sends a Comforting Message

SS 296.5

Less than a month after work on the temple was resumed, the builders received a comforting message: “Take courage, O Zerubbabel, ... take courage, O Joshua, ... take courage all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:4, RSV.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Teacher and Saviour of Humanity, September 13

JNN 271.5

Thus the builders were not left to struggle alone; “with them were the prophets of God helping them;” and the Lord of hosts Himself had declared, “Be strong ... and work: for I am with you” (Ezra 5:2; Haggai 2:4).—Prophets and Kings, 576, 577.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

Lessons From the Building of the Second Temple

10MR 123.2

From the destruction of the first Temple which the Lord could not bless because the people had corrupted their ways, till the second was built, there was a space of seventy years. Though some murmured over the inferiority of the second Temple, the Lord declared it to be superior, because it was to be connected in a special sense with the Messiah. “I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:7). “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be” (Genesis 49:10). “Be strong, ... saith the Lord, ... for I am with you” (Haggai 2:4).

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 46—“The Prophets of God Helping Them”

PK 575.4

In less than a month after the work on the temple was resumed, the builders received another comforting message. “Be strong, O Zerubbabel,” the Lord Himself urged through His prophet; “be strong, O Joshua; ... and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:4.

PK 577.2

Thus the builders were not left to struggle alone; “with them were the prophets of God helping them;” and the Lord of hosts Himself had declared, “Be strong, ... and work: for I am with you.” Ezra 5:2; Haggai 2:4.

PK 577.3

With heartfelt repentance and a willingness to advance by faith, came the promise of temporal prosperity. “From this day,” the Lord declared, “will I bless you.” Verse 19.

PK 577.4

To Zerubbabel their leader—he who, through all the years since their return from Babylon, had been so sorely tried—was given a most precious message. The day was coming, the Lord declared, when all the enemies of His chosen people would be cast down. “In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, My servant, ... and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.” Verse 23. Now the governor of Israel could see the meaning of the providence that had led him through discouragement and perplexity; he could discern God’s purpose in it all.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 41, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 41, 1907, par. 9

For the work in and about Nashville, we should do all we can to put it on a solid basis. The work should be conducted in a simple way, but in a way that will recommend the truth. There are many places in the South open to our work; but by all means begin the work in the important cities, and carry the message now. “For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations will come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:6, 7.]

From Splendor to Shadow

The Important Work: Deliverance From Sin

SS 359.2

Thus God spoke to the world concerning the coming of a Deliverer from sin. Inspired prophecy pointed to the advent of “the Desire of all nations.” Haggai 2:7. Even the place of His birth and the time of His appearance were specified. The Son of David must be born in David’s city. Out of Bethlehem “shall He come forth ... that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer

PK 697.4

Thus, through patriarchs and prophets, as well as through types and symbols, God spoke to the world concerning the coming of a Deliverer from sin. A long line of inspired prophecy pointed to the advent of “the Desire of all nations.” Haggai 2:7. Even the very place of His birth and the time of His appearance were minutely specified.

Ellen White: Woman of Vision

Decision On The Title

WV 359.8

Up to this point the project had been referred to as the “Life of Christ,” and it was assumed that that would be the title. With the possible exceptions of The Great Controversy and the Testimonies, Ellen White did not select the titles for her books. As the time approached when a final decision on the title had to be made, suggestions came from various people in Australia and America. Writing to C. H. Jones, manager of the Pacific Press, on October 22, W. C. White said, “As regards the title, I do not wish to say much till I have the criticism of others” (11WCW, p. 20). Some, he felt, were “a hundred miles nearer being appropriate than the best of the others that have been recommended to us.” He promised to send a cable after consulting “the wise men here, and have Mother’s opinion, and that of Sister Davis.” The suggestion of the publishers narrowed down to “The Desire of All Nations” and “The Desire of Ages,” both based on Haggai 2:7, “The desire of all nations shall come.”

Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)

Decision on the Title

4BIO 389.2

Up to this point the project had been referred to as the “Life of Christ,” and it was assumed that that would be the title. With the possible exceptions of The Great Controversy and the Testimonies, Ellen White did not select the titles for her books. As the time approached when a final decision on the title had to be made, suggestions came from various ones in Australia and America. Writing to C. H. Jones, manager of the Pacific Press, on October 22, W. C. White said, “As regards the title, I do not wish to say much till I have the criticism of others.”—11 WCW, p. 20. Some, he felt, were “a hundred miles nearer being appropriate than the best of the others that have been recommended to us.” He promised to send a cable after consulting “the wise men here, and have Mother’s opinion, and that of Sister Davis.” The suggestion of the publishers narrowed down to “The Desire of All Nations” and “The Desire of Ages,” both based on Haggai 2:7, “The desire of all nations shall come.”

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 48—“Not by Might, nor by Power”

PK 597.1

And yet this was the building concerning which the Lord had declared by the prophet Haggai: “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former.” “I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:9, 7. For centuries learned men have endeavored to show wherein the promise of God, given to Haggai, has been fulfilled; yet in the advent of Jesus of Nazareth, the Desire of all nations, who by His personal presence hallowed the precincts of the temple, many have steadfastly refused to see any special significance. Pride and unbelief have blinded their minds to the true meaning of the prophet’s words.

From Splendor to Shadow

The True Glory of the Second Temple

SS 308.2

And yet this was the building concerning which the Lord had declared, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former.” “The Desire of all nations shall come.” Haggai 2:9, 7. Jesus, the Desire of all nations, by His personal presence hallowed the temple. Yet many have refused to see in His advent any special significance. Their minds have been blinded to the true meaning of the prophet’s words.

God’s Amazing Grace

What a Price, June 13

AG 172.2

“Ye know,” says Peter, “that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold.” Oh, had these been sufficient to purchase the salvation of man, how easily it might have been accomplished by Him who says: “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine” (Haggai 2:8). But the transgressor of God’s holy law could be redeemed only by the precious blood of the Son of God.22Testimonies for the Church 4:458.

The Faith I Live By

The Sacrificial Blood of Christ, April 5

FLB 101.5

“Ye know,” says Peter, “that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold.” 1 Peter 1:18. Oh, had these been sufficient to purchase the salvation of man, how easily it might have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine”! Haggai 2:8. But the sinner could be redeemed only by the precious blood of the Son of God.20The Ministry of Healing, 502.

The Ministry of Healing

Force of Character

MH 502.1

“Ye know,” says Peter, “that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold.” 1 Peter 1:18. Oh, had these been sufficient to purchase the salvation of man, how easily it might have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine”! Haggai 2:8. But the sinner could be redeemed only by the precious blood of the Son of God. Those who, failing to appreciate this wonderful sacrifice, withhold themselves from Christ’s service, will perish in their selfishness.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 51—The Apostle Peter, a Faithful Undershepherd

TT 273.4

Had silver and gold been sufficient to purchase salvation, how easily might it have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.” Haggai 2:8. But only by the blood of the Son of God could the transgressor be redeemed. And as the crowning blessing of salvation, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 50—The Blessing of Tithes and Offerings

EP 377.3

The Lord declares, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.” Haggai 2:8. It is God who gives men power to get wealth. As an acknowledgment that all things came from Him, the Lord directed that a portion of His bounty should be returned to Him.

Ministry to the Cities

Chapter 5—A Strategy for Reaching the Cities

MTC 66.2

Use of Funds to Be Guided by Equity, Justice, and Judgment.—Unduly to invest means and exalt this work in one part of the field when there is city work to be done in many places is not the right thing. It is selfishness and covetousness. The Lord especially condemns such a manifestation, for by it His sacred work is misrepresented before the world. He would have His work controlled and guided by equity, justice, and judgment. He does not call for the erection of immense institutions. One corner of the vineyard is not the whole world. In many places throughout the world memorials for God are to be established to represent His truth. And such a reasonable course is to be pursued that we shall stand in our large cities in so sensible an attitude that those not of our faith will give us help with their means. Every dollar that we have belongs to God. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:8).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 33, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 33, 1888, par. 26

The Lord is not dependent upon any living man, but He graciously gives us the privilege of co-operating with Him, that we may be laborers together with God. We cannot do His work from our own standpoint. We cannot follow our own finite judgment, but we must have any eye single to the glory of God. “The gold and silver is the Lord’s, and the cattle upon the thousand hills are His.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] He can work with His power to do whatsoever He will. If any one man refuses to co-operate with the Lord in doing the work after God’s order, that God’s mould may [be] upon it, and not man’s, then another will be chosen in His place, and He will make the willing and obedient to do His work which will be wrought in righteousness and will be as enduring as eternity. This work will be laid upon the foundation which will not be hay, wood, or stubble, but gold and silver and precious stones, which will stand the great conflagration which must take place when every work will be tried of what sort it is.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 33a, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 33a, 1888, par. 9

“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts,” “and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] His resources are unlimited, and His power can accomplish whatever He will. If any man refuses to co-operate with Him and will not work according to God’s order, then he will be laid aside, and another will be chosen in his place. God accepts the willing and obedient to do His work, which, wrought through Christ in righteousness, will be as enduring as eternity. Such work will be most precious and will be laid upon the foundation, not as wood, hay, or stubble, but as gold, silver, and precious stones, and it will stand in the great conflagration that is to try every man’s work, of what sort it is.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 4, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 4, 1890, par. 7

Brethren, let all see that you are living out the lessons of Christ. If any one of the workers thinks that his way is perfect, and that the brethren do not appreciate his wisdom and experience, it is a positive evidence that he is not learning meekness and lowliness of heart in the school of Christ. The transforming grace of Christ always leads to meekness and humility. The Lord is not dependent upon us to do His work; He has given us the great privilege of cooperating with Him. You may have diverse temperaments, and yet be laborers together with God, all working in harmony, and when all your ability is put into the work, you will accomplish the best results. In doing the Lord’s work we cannot follow our own judgment and peculiar notions. We must work with an eye single to the glory of Christ. Do not talk about that which cannot be done, but of that which can be done through the strength given you of God. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of Hosts,” and “the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 2b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 2b, 1892, par. 1

My mind has been very much exercised for several nights, sleeping and waking, in regard to the work to be done in this country. In this wide missionary field there is a great deal to be done in advancing the cause and work of the Master, and with the great want of means and of workers we know not how it can be done. We must humble our hearts before God, and offer up sincere, fervent prayer that the Lord, who is rich in resources, will open our way. “The gold and silver is mine,” saith the Lord, “and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 63, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 63, 1893, par. 53

I am unable to labor in the halls in Melbourne. The stench from the outhouses and the open drains pollutes the places, and how shall God be honored? He certainly has money somewhere to change this order of things. We cannot get the people to come to these dirty places to hear me and others of the messengers of God preach, and what shall we do to warn the people in Melbourne? The gold and the silver are the Lord’s, and “the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] “Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beast thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.” [Isaiah 40:16.] “If I were hungry,” saith the Lord, “I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” [Psalm 50:12.]

Help In Daily Living

The Motive in Service

HDL 47.2

“Ye know,” says Peter, “that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold.” 1 Peter 1:18. Oh, had these been sufficient to purchase the salvation of man, how easily it might have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine”! Haggai 2:8. But the sinner could be redeemed only by the precious blood of the Son of God. Those who, failing to appreciate this wonderful sacrifice, withhold themselves from Christ’s service, will perish in their selfishness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 63a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 63a, 1893, par. 51

I am unable to labor in the halls in Melbourne. The effluvia of the outhouses pollute the places where the people assemble to worship God; and how can God be honored? Certainly He has money somewhere to change this order of things. We cannot get the people to come to these dirty halls to hear the truth, and what shall we do to warn the people in Melbourne? The gold and silver are the Lord’s, and the cattle upon a thousand hills, and “Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor, the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10; Isaiah 40:16.] “If I were hungry,” saith the Lord, “I would not tell thee.” [Psalm 50:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 77, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 77, 1894, par. 1

I send you copies of letters which I have sent to different persons, because I think you may be interested in them. Elder Haskell writes me that you have encouraged him to think that you will or have pledged $5,000 for foreign in missions, and for Australia, I think. O how thankful we should be if we could receive some of the Lord’s entrusted goods. Viewing your perplexities, we often think of these words, “Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the fields are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee, for the world is mine and the fullness thereof.” [Psalm 50:10-12.] “The gold and the silver are the Lord’s.” [See Haggai 2:8.] The Lord is not destitute of resources, although we do need means with which to carry on the work in this mission field; but the Lord knows all about it. My husband and myself wrestled hard to establish the work in California, and God blessed our efforts. For two years we labored earnestly in Europe, and the Lord has put His blessing upon His work there.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 25, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 25, 1895, par. 18

Money is in the fullest sense an entrusted talent from God, and is committed to us to use as His cause shall demand. Every penny that we handle is the Lord’s. The whole portion we have is the Lord’s. He has shown His love for us in trusting us with His goods. Our own necessities He supplies. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:8.] Will all, who can, help now in the work that needs to be done in this locality, Saying, “Of thine own we have freely given thee?” [1 Chronicles 29:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 11, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 11, 1895, par. 21

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” [Psalm 24:1.] “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:8.] “Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee! for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.” [Psalm 50:10-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 110, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 110, 1895, par. 11

Brother Caldwell has just gone to see about the matter. I would pledge one or two hundred dollars and all would strain every nerve to accomplish this. It is well known there is not another hall that could be obtained without a large sum [being] expended, and they cannot be hired for Sunday nights. Oh that the Lord, who says “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine” and the “cattle upon a thousand hills” would now prepare the way for His people to worship Him! [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] He will work. I believe it with all my heart; I believe it. We will wait and watch and pray.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 113, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 113, 1897, par. 2

We know that money is in the fullest sense a talent committed to the servants of God to use for the advancement of His work. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:8.] We should look upon all, every penny that we have, as absolutely the Lord’s. We cannot regard our possessions as our own property. I have invested my means, as fast as it has come in, in building meeting houses in different localities and to sustain the laborers in the gospel field.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 53, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 53, 1899, par. 4

In the parable we are shown that every one has received something from the Master. Each is to do his part in supplying the needs that occur in advancing the truth. Property is a talent. The Lord sends His message: “Sell that ye have, and give alms.” [Luke 12:33.] All that we have is the Lord’s without any question. “The silver is mine and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:8.] Why should we not, when pressed financially, present our great need to those whom God has signified hold his money in trust, to be used in advancing the work of saving souls ready to perish? We do not want you to sow sparingly, because then you will reap sparingly. We want you, my brother, to lay up treasure in heaven. They that sow bountifully shall reap also bountifully. The reaping will be proportionate to the sowing. Read the ninth chapter of Second Corinthians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 200, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 200, 1899, par. 1

All the property and talents of means in our world is the Lord’s. They are a test fund to determine by the use [persons] make of the trust funds, their fitness to be entrusted with heavenly positions of responsibility. It is really only theirs in trust funds. The property holder is bound under the most sacred obligation to [act] with fidelity as a steward. “All the gold and silver is Mine,” saith the Lord, “and the cattle upon a thousand hills. All lands are mine, all the rivers, and all the productions of the earth are Mine.” [See Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10-12.] When any of this earthly treasure shall come within the control of human agents to use, let them consider this is not my property to invest and use as my judgment shall dictate. I am not to use even donations as I shall desire, but in connection with the whole vineyard. Because means have come into my hands, I must not suppose that I have a moral right to use this means to please my own inclination. This means must be carefully and strictly used—every dollar—in the very places where suffering humanity will be the most benefitted in understanding the truth, the proclamation of the third angel’s message, and where there can be memorials raised to glorify not the name of any man that lives.

Lift Him Up

Glorify the Master, August 21

LHU 247.4

“Ye know,” says Peter, “that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold” ... (1 Peter 1:18). Oh, had these been sufficient to purchase the salvation of man, how easily it might have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine”! (Haggai 2:8). But the sinner could be redeemed only by the precious blood of the Son of God. Those who, failing to appreciate this wonderful sacrifice, withhold themselves from Christ’s service will perish in their selfishness....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 4, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 4, 1900, par. 3

You speak of accessions to the church in Brisbane. Thank the Lord, my brother; for one soul connected with the church, properly educated, will become a working force to help other souls. I know well what you mean in regard to the funds in the Lord’s treasury. This is something which we will always be perplexed over, but not in despair. The Lord declares, “The gold and silver is mine; and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] The Lord has resources with which to carry on aggressive warfare. Any information that comes from the heavenly throne Satan will seek to intercept by his dark shadow; but the heavenly army is not inactive.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 154, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 154, 1900, par. 8

O what a sight it would be for angels to look upon, to see God’s instrumentalities passing out of the hands of those who can handle them for the advancement of His work! Christians, now is your time to come up to the help of the Lord. The Lord’s treasures are at hand, lent to us in trust to be used in just such emergencies. He speaks to us all. Hear what He says: “The gold and silver is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] Then, stewards of the Lord, use the Master’s entrusted goods to free His institutions in Denmark and Norway from debt. Angels of God will co-operate with us in helping these institutions, so that no reproach shall rest upon the Lord’s cause.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 19, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 19, 1900, par. 5

The Lord knows all about this matter, and when our faith has been sufficiently tested, and proves unfailing, we shall learn the meaning of the words, “The gold and silver are mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 50, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 50, 1901, par. 9

God declares, “The gold and the silver is mine.” [See Haggai 2:8.] He keeps a strict account with every son and daughter of Adam, that He may know how they are appropriating His means. Worldly men and worldly women may say, But I am not a Christian. I do not profess to serve God. But does that make them less guilty for burying His means, His resources, in worldly enterprises, to advance their selfish interests?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 53, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 53, 1903, par. 4

Every dollar that we have belongs to God. “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:8.] Yet some do not recognize His ownership. Though the work in the part of the field where they are laboring already possesses an abundance of facilities, they continue to draw from the Lord’s <treasury>. They do not think of the needy portions of the field, which require such facilities as they already have. Would they work as zealously to provide for some other place the facilities they think are required in their fields?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 191, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 37

He says, “Every dollar of gold and silver is Mine.” [See Haggai 2:8.] It is His money, and why do you hold on to it with the world perishing in their sins and in their iniquity, when there is a life for them that measures with the life of God? We want every one to see and understand the truth. How can they do it without a preacher? How can they preach except they be sent? We have the tithe that we gather in from our people. It does not go half as far as we are wanting it to. I want to know who of the congregation will be prepared to take hold of the work intelligently and do something now while you can.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 58, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 58, 1905, par. 3

The money that has been sent in for the work here is the Lord’s. The gold and silver are Mine, He declares, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] God bids us deny ourselves in the expenditure of means and put into His treasury the money thus saved.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 133, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, par. 8

The truth of heavenly origin was brought to our world by Christ in person. If great display were necessary to make an impression on the minds of human beings, to call them to repentance, Christ would have adopted that plan. All the expense could have been met by Him who said, “The gold and the silver are Mine.” [Haggai 2:8.] But Christ made no display. He might have come to the world accompanied by a retinue of angelic beings; but He did not. He was commanded in the heavenly courts, but He laid aside His kingly crown and His royal robes and clothed His divinity with humanity, coming to this world as a helpless babe. He came to meet all the temptations wherewith human beings are beset. For our sake, He stood at the head of the fallen race, to give men and women an opportunity to see that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me; for He was before me. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” [John 1:10-18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 139, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 47

Now there are advanced moves to be made in Loma Linda—these small houses to be established on the ground, so as to save the expense of a big building. And the Lord will help us. There are means that shall come from our people to carry on this very work, for just as soon as they are baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, you could no more keep them to put their means in the mechanical business lines of the world, the money-making schemes. You would see they will say, “This is the Lord’s money. He has let us have it, but every dollar of it is the Lord’s.” He says, “The gold and the silver is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] And therefore the Lord calls upon every one to bring a faithful tithe into His treasury, that the treasury should not be empty. He wants every one to wake up on this point; for when you read Malachi with the Spirit of the Lord resting upon you, you may understand that you have got a responsibility resting upon you, perhaps, that you have not realized before.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 182, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 182, 1907, par. 31

We want to do missionary work as we have never done it before. We want to carry out the missionary efforts as far as possible. We want to send to different climes, to different places, to carry the missionary work forward. It is going as it never has gone before, and we have not one particle of means to waste. We want to invest it as God’s money. “The silver and gold,” He declares, “is Mine.” [Haggai 2:8.] And so it is. And we are to invest that silver, we are invest that gold, in the cause of God, to bring souls to the knowledge of the truth. Hunt for souls, hunt for them, and may every one of us practice the self-denial and the self-sacrifice that is essential. We must have means; we must have it to establish in various places schoolhouses, and meetinghouses. They will be humble. They will be made very plain and very simple. I am very glad you have this meetinghouse. It looks simple and plain, and yet nice and fully capable of doing honor to the meetings that shall be held in it. I thank the Lord in your behalf for this. Now let us do all we can to bring the light of truth right in where we are. The Holy Spirit will come. “Ye are the light of the world ... in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

Shall Our Churches Be Weighed Down With Debt?

10MR 124.2

“Slothful servants” is the charge that God makes of those in the churches. His will is not done when sacred things are left to remain in a withered, neglected condition. Self-sacrifice, self-denial in every church would change the order of things. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:8). When that gold and silver is used for selfish purposes, to gratify ambition or pride or selfish indulgence, as had been done, God is dishonored. Can those who are representative men be so sound asleep that they do not comprehend that the state of things that exists is a result of neglect on their part? When the people chosen by God embellish their own houses, and invest God’s money in bicycles and various things for selfish gratification, knowing that the very means thus used should be used to keep the house of God in the very best condition, that no means may be taken from the treasury to defray running expenses, they cannot be blessed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 168, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 168, 1907, par. 4

The Lord Jesus will one day call to account those who would so tie your hands that it is almost impossible for you to move in harmony with the Lord’s bidding. “The silver and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] You and your associates are not novices in educational work; and when you are in stress for means with which to advance the work, you are just as much entitled to ask for that which you need as are other men to present the necessities of the work in which they are engaged.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 17, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 17, 1908, par. 7

The character of the economy, which has sometimes been revealed in gathering up means, is an offense to God. He says, “The gold and the silver is Mine.” [Haggai 2:8.] Religious and spiritual interests must not be subordinated to the saving of the means gathered into the conference treasury, that the officers may stand high in the estimation of the people as good financiers. The Lord looks beneath the surface, and He does not approve of such financiering.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Revealer of Truth, August 21

JNN 247.2

Had silver and gold been sufficient to purchase the salvation of men, how easily might it have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine” (Haggai 2:8). But only by the precious blood of the Son of God could the transgressor be redeemed. The plan of salvation was laid in sacrifice. The apostle Paul wrote, “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. And as the crowning blessing of salvation, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1034—An Appeal to Help SDA Institutions in Europe

13MR 228.1

Oh, what a sight it would be for angels to look upon, to see God’s instrumentalities passing out of the hands of those who can handle them for the advancement of His work! Christians, now is your time to come up to the help of the Lord. The Lord’s treasures are at hand, lent to us in trust to be used in just such emergencies. He speaks to us all. Hear what He says. “The gold and silver is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [See Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] Then, stewards of the Lord, use the Master’s entrusted goods to free His institutions in Denmark and Norway from debt. Angels of God will cooperate with us in helping these institutions, so that no reproach shall rest upon the Lord’s cause.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1080—The Importance of Houses of Worship

13MR 406.2

Money to Be Spent in Many Places, Not in One Mammoth Institution—No one is to make an urgent appeal for means with which to erect large and expensive buildings for sanitariums, colleges, or publishing houses, so absorbing means that the work in other places is crippled. Let our brethren be careful lest by drawing largely from our people for the erection of large buildings in one place, they rob other parts of the Lord’s vineyard. Unduly to invest means and exalt this work in one part of the field when there is city work to be done in many places, is not the right thing. It is selfishness and covetousness. The Lord especially condemns such a manifestation, for by it His sacred work is misrepresented before the world. He would have His work controlled and guided by equity, justice, and judgment. He does not call for the erection of immense institutions. One corner of the vineyard is not the whole world. In many places throughout the world memorials for God are to be established to represent His truth. And such a reasonable course is to be pursued that we shall stand in our large cities in so sensible an attitude that those not of our faith will give us help with their means. Every dollar that we have belongs to God. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts” [Haggai 2:8].

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 9—The Building of Meetinghouses

6T 102.3

It is displeasing to God for our churches to be burdened with debt. “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:8. When that gold and silver is used for selfish purposes, to gratify ambition or pride or desire for any selfish indulgence, God is dishonored. When the people chosen by God embellish their own houses and invest His money in selfish gratification, leaving His cause to languish, they cannot be blessed.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 51—A Faithful Under-Shepherd

AA 519.2

Had silver and gold been sufficient to purchase the salvation of men, how easily might it have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.” Haggai 2:8. But only by the precious blood of the Son of God could the transgressor be redeemed. The plan of salvation was laid in sacrifice. The apostle Paul wrote, “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. And as the crowning blessing of salvation, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 50—Tithes and Offerings

PP 525.4

“He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.” Acts 17:25. The Lord declares, “Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10. “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.” Haggai 2:8. And it is God who gives men power to get wealth. Deuteronomy 8:18. As an acknowledgment that all things came from Him, the Lord directed that a portion of His bounty should be returned to Him in gifts and offerings to sustain His worship.

PP 527.2

A striking illustration of the results of selfishly withholding even freewill offerings from the cause of God was given in the days of the prophet Haggai. After their return from the captivity in Babylon, the Jews undertook to rebuild the temple of the Lord; but meeting determined opposition from their enemies, they discontinued the work; and a severe drought, by which they were reduced to actual want, convinced them that it was impossible to complete the building of the temple. “The time is not come,” they said, “the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” But a message was sent them by the Lord’s prophet: “Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages, earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.” Haggai 1:2-6. And then the reason is given: “Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of Mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house. Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit. And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labor of the hands.” Verses 9-11. “When one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty. I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labors of your hands.” Haggai 2:16, 17.

PP 528.1

Roused by these warnings, the people set themselves to build the house of God. Then the word of the Lord came to them: “Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid, ... from this day will I bless you.” Verses 18, 19.

Education

Honest Business Dealings

Ed 143.3

“Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.... Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it.” “When one came to an heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.” “Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of Mine house that is waste.” “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.” “Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.” Haggai 1:5-9; 2:16; Malachi 3:8; Haggai 1:10.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Promise of Temporal Prosperity

SS 297.2

With repentance and willingness to advance by faith, came the promise of temporal prosperity: “From this day will I bless you.” Verse 19. To Zerubbabel their leader, who had been so sorely tried through all the years since their return from Babylon, was given a precious message. The day was coming when the enemies of God’s people would be cast down. “In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, My servant, ... and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.” Verse 23.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Forbearance Under Wrong

GW 478.2

Think you not that Christ values those who live wholly for Him? Think you not that He visits those who, like the beloved John in exile, are for His sake in hard and trying places? God will not suffer one of His true-hearted workers to be left alone, to struggle against great odds and be overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel every one whose life is hid with Christ in Him. Of every such one He says: “I ...will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.” [Haggai 2:23.]

Help In Daily Living

Count God’s Blessings, Not the Trials

HDL 30.1

Think you not that Christ values those who live wholly for Him? Think you not that He visits those who, like the beloved John in exile, are for His sake in hard and trying places? God will not suffer one of His truehearted workers to be left alone, to struggle against great odds and be overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel everyone whose life is hid with Christ in Him. Of every such one He says: “I ... will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.” Haggai 2:23.

Our Father Cares

A Jewel or a Pebble? April 26

OFC 128.1

In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:23.

Our High Calling

A Jewel or a Pebble? November 12

OHC 322.1

In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:23.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 12—The Knowledge of Health Principles

7T 67.3

God will not suffer one of His truehearted workers to be left alone to struggle against great odds and be overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel everyone whose life is hid with Christ in God. Of every such an one He says: “I ... will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.” Haggai 2:23.

The Ministry of Healing

Forbearance Under Wrong

MH 488.2

Think you not that Christ values those who live wholly for Him? Think you not that He visits those who, like the beloved John in exile, are for His sake in hard and trying places? God will not suffer one of His truehearted workers to be left alone, to struggle against great odds and be overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel everyone whose life is hid with Christ in Him. Of every such one He says: “I ... will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.” Haggai 2:23.