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The prophecy of Haggai stands as one of the most pivotal yet often overlooked texts within the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. One specific verse, Haggai 2:7, states, “And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says Jehovah of armies,”[1] given in 520 B.C.E., during the post-exilic period of Israel’s history, offers profound insights about God’s divine plan for His people, both in the short term with regard to the rebuilding of the temple and in a long-term eschatological sense.

[1] Jehovah of armies: (יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֣וֹת Jehovah tsebaot) literally means an army of soldiers or military forces (Gen. 21:22; Deut. 20:9). The expression is found 285 times, with some deviations, in the Scriptures. The prophetic books, especially Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah, have the most occurrences. It is also used figuratively, “the sun and the moon and the stars, all the armies of heaven.” (Deut. 4:19) In the plural form, it is also used of the Israelites forces as well. (Ex. 6:26; 7:4; Num. 33:1; Psa. 44:9) However, the “armies” in the expression “Jehovah of armies” is a reference to the angelic forces primarily, if not exclusively. Paul and James, quoting from the Old Testament prophecies, used its equivalent (τὰ κυρίου σαβαὼθ ta kuriou sabaōth; “the Lord of armies”) in their writings.—Rom. 9:29; Jas 5:4; cf. Isa 1:9.

Haggai’s prophecy deals with a renewed hope for Israel as they sought to rebuild the physical temple in Jerusalem. However, the fulfillment of this prophecy goes beyond the mere reconstruction of the physical edifice. Rather, Haggai points to a spiritual house being built, filled with something far more valuable than gold or silver. The house of Jehovah would be filled with His treasures—His people. The following sections will examine who these treasures are, how they are more valuable to Jehovah than material wealth, and how Haggai’s prophecy ties into the broader narrative of Scripture, especially regarding the last days.

Material Wealth vs. Spiritual Wealth: What is More Precious to Jehovah?

Throughout the Bible, Jehovah consistently emphasizes the superiority of spiritual wealth over material wealth. Although Haggai’s audience was initially concerned with the physical glory of the temple, specifically whether it would match the splendor of Solomon’s temple, Jehovah’s response shifts their focus to something far greater. In Haggai 2:8, Jehovah declares, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine.” In other words, material riches, while important in human terms, belong to Jehovah already and are not the ultimate display of His glory.

The treasures that truly matter to Jehovah are spiritual in nature. He cares most about His people and their faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, God’s people are referred to as His possession and inheritance. For instance, in Exodus 19:5, Jehovah says, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine.” This concept of being a treasured possession is reaffirmed in Deuteronomy 7:6 and Titus 2:14.

This profound truth is further illustrated in the New Testament. In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus commands His followers, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Here, the emphasis is again on eternal, spiritual wealth rather than perishable material possessions. What matters to Jehovah is not the size or grandeur of the physical temple, but the hearts and lives of His people, who are His true treasures.

Jesus’ Shed Blood and Its Impact on Jehovah’s Treasures

The most significant event that brought about the gathering of these treasures for Jehovah’s house was the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Haggai’s prophecy points toward a greater fulfillment in Jesus, who would inaugurate a new covenant, expanding Jehovah’s house to include all nations. Ephesians 2:13 states, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Christ’s sacrificial death opened the way for both Jews and Gentiles to become part of Jehovah’s household, thereby fulfilling Haggai’s prophecy of the nations bringing their treasures into His house. These treasures are not material riches but rather people from all nations who would come to Jehovah through faith in Christ. This is why 1 Peter 1:18-19 reminds believers that they were not redeemed with “perishable things such as silver or gold,” but with the precious blood of Christ.

Those who are covered by Jesus’ shed blood—those who have put their faith in His atoning work—are the true treasures that Jehovah cherishes. Romans 5:9 underscores this point, stating, “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” The blood of Christ secures the redemption of Jehovah’s people, who are now precious in His sight.

Who Are “The Treasures” That Were to Fill Jehovah’s House With Glory?

The treasures that Haggai spoke of are clearly identified as the people of Jehovah—His faithful worshipers. These individuals are the ones who would fill His house with glory, not in a material sense, but in a spiritual sense. These are the treasures that Jehovah would bring into His house from all the nations, expanding His people beyond the confines of Israel.

In the immediate context of Haggai, the prophecy encouraged the returned exiles to focus on the completion of the temple, not for the sake of the building itself, but because it symbolized the presence of Jehovah among His people. However, as the prophecy is fulfilled progressively, it becomes clear that the treasures would not be limited to Israel. Jehovah’s house would be filled with people from every nation, as prophesied by Isaiah, “For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7).

The Apostle Paul further explains this in Ephesians 2:19-22, writing, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” Paul makes it clear that the spiritual house Jehovah is building consists of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation who have been brought near through Christ.

The Fulfillment of Haggai’s Prophecy in the Last Days

Haggai’s prophecy, while initially referring to the rebuilding of the second temple in 520 B.C.E., contains a much broader and long-term fulfillment that stretches into the last days before Christ’s return. The shaking of the nations in Haggai 2:7 foreshadows not only the political turmoil of the ancient world but also the eschatological upheaval that will occur at the end of time.

Hebrews 12:26-27 directly connects Haggai’s prophecy to the final judgment: “At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ This phrase, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.” This shaking points to the end of all earthly kingdoms and the establishment of Jehovah’s eternal kingdom. The treasures that will fill Jehovah’s house will be His redeemed people, gathered from all nations and sealed for eternity.

Revelation 21:24-26 also looks forward to this final fulfillment, describing the New Jerusalem where “the nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it… they will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.” The nations that are brought into this eternal temple—the final manifestation of Jehovah’s house—represent the treasures prophesied by Haggai.

As the last days approach, the spiritual temple continues to grow. The church, as the body of Christ, is the spiritual house being built in fulfillment of Haggai’s prophecy. Ephesians 2:21-22 emphasizes this ongoing building process: “In him, the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” This temple will only be completed at Christ’s return when all of Jehovah’s treasures—His people—are gathered into His eternal kingdom.

Conclusion: Jehovah’s Treasures in His House

Haggai’s prophecy in Haggai 2:7 points far beyond the restoration of a physical building in Jerusalem. Jehovah’s treasures, which are more valuable than gold or silver, are His people—those redeemed through the blood of Christ. These treasures will fill His house with spiritual glory, representing the fulfillment of His promises to Israel and the nations.

The final fulfillment of Haggai’s prophecy will come in the last days when Jehovah shakes the nations, bringing judgment on the wicked and establishing His eternal kingdom. As believers in Christ, we look forward to being part of this glorious house, built not with perishable materials, but with the eternal souls of those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Jehovah’s house will ultimately be filled with the treasures of all nations, as people from every tribe, tongue, and language are gathered into His presence for all eternity.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).