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This is one of the most difficult, yet most interesting texts of the Old Testament. Many critics would rob the passage of its Messianic element, and degrade the glory of the temple into material gifts and privileges. They assert that the translation is not correct.

1. "The desire of all nations" should be "the desirable things of all nations," as the LXX τά ἐκλεκτά πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν The prophet describes, say they, not the coming of a person, but the contributions made to the rebuilding of the second temple (ver. 8; Isaiah 60:5), "the forces of the Gentiles (the wealth of the nations) will come to Thee," i.e, be brought to Jerusalem. The Hebrew word Khemdath (from Khamad, to wish or desire) signifies wish or desire (2 Chronicles 21:20), and as applied to persons means the best, the noblest, and most precious. "A man of desires," i.e, as the margin, one desired or desirable (Daniel 9:23; Daniel 10:3, 11). "He is altogether lovely" (Song of Solomon 5:16). In Hebrews the same word as here is used, "all desires," or object of desires. But if the term refers to things, the glory of the second temple could not excel the glory of the first, for it wanted many treasures which the first contained (cf. Ezra 3:12).

2. It is objected that a singular noun is followed by a plural verb "shall come"; hence the text should be altered and amended by ancient versions. But if we have any right at all to alter, have we not as much right to change the verb in number as the noun? The Vulgate agrees with the Eng. Ver., "desideratus cunctis gentibus." Why not take the word as a collective noun, and understand the Messiah as concentrating all excellences in His person, in whom the desires of all nations find their centre and satisfaction? This title seems to suit prophecy concerning Him (Genesis 49:10); and Christ was called by the Jews "the hope of Israel," "the blessing of Abraham to the Gentiles" (1 Timothy 1:1; Titus 2:3; Acts 28:20; Acts 26:7, 8; Galatians 3:14). It is not likely that the gifts of proselytes and worshippers, contributions from heathen princes, and the devotion of surrounding countries, would be esteemed by Jews greater glory than the magnificence of Solomon's temple; and is it not unreasonable to think that the prophet would direct men to material treasures as constituting the "greater glory"? In what can this august prediction find its fulfilment if not in the Saviour of the world, who alone could give the "peace" mentioned in verse 9? If we carefully examine its words and catch its drift, the difficulties may not all be cleared away; but this sense seems to be furnished by collateral evidence, to agree with the context, and is in harmony with the spirit of the prophet, and with the exordium of his prophecy. "The desire of all nations" we believe to be the Saviour of the world, whom the Magi from the East and the Greeks from the West desired to see. Moral and physical changes prepared for His coming. The "greater glory" was exhibited in the presentation, teaching, and personal ministry of Jesus. The nearness of the time appears to oppose this view. "Yet once, it is a little while," or yet a little while, lit., "one little," only a brief space. But with the Lord a thousand years are as one day. The Divine mode of reckoning is not like our own. We are to look beyond the first to the second temple — from the present to the future — from the beginning to the end of these grand events. Sacrifices were abolished, the temple ritual was completed, and "peace" was given in the doctrine, and by the death of Christ. Hence, God's Spirit remains with His people (ver. 5). Wherever Jesus dwells, He imparts a glory surpassing the splendour of the Shekinah and the glory of Solomon's temple. He can transform the character and beautify the soul. We need Him. Shakings within must prepare for His reception. He has been once, and He will come a second time. Do we desire Him? Have we found Him? May Christ dwell in our hearts the hope of glory!

(James Wolfendale.)

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KJV: 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;

WEB: For this is what Yahweh of Armies says: 'Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land;