Haggai 1:3 Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, 1. It is a fearful though usual sin in the Church, when that which is the principal fruit and end of all their deliverances, and a chief means of their happiness, and which they seemed to esteem most when they wanted it, is most neglected when they are delivered, and have occasion to testify their affection and thankfulness: such was the building of the temple to this people, and yet this "house lies waste." 2. It is a most dangerous way of sinning, when the sinner pretends affection to God, when he wrongs Him and His matters most, and when he thinks himself able, by fair pretences, to excuse, if not to justify his way: So did this people sin, alleging no disaffection, but that "the time is not come," etc. 3. As the Lord may permit very great obstructions to be laid in the way of a work which yet He will carry on; so a people, who do not openly disaffect the work, may sinfully concur in obstructing of it. This they do — (1) When they are not sensible of obstructions in the way, but are soon hindered. (2) When they neglect or pass from a known duty upon any pretence of providence, or God's secret will. (3) When they are hindered from their duty in advancing the work of God by any hazard whatsoever. (4) When they look for times wherein there shall be no difficulties, but all advantages for doing God's work in, and in expectation of such times do lie from present duty. (5) When the true cause of men's negligence, which layeth many a lion in the way, is their love to their own things and private interests. 4. Men's own consciences, when they speak impartially, will convince them of heinous sin, when they, study to promote their own interest, to the neglect of God's affairs. 5. A people's sinful negligence in God's matters, though times were never so perilous, renders them contemptible, whatever their privileges be, and provokes God to bring them down to know themselves better. (George Hutcheson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,WEB: Then the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai, the prophet, saying, |
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