Scripture Helps

Haggai 1–2; Zechariah 1–4; 7–14

Haggai and Zechariah preached and prophesied to the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple after the Babylonian captivity. The Jews faced opposition to rebuilding the temple and had stopped work on it. Haggai invited the people to reconsider and make building the temple a priority. He gave promises from the Lord if they would do so. Zechariah extended the Lord’s invitation to the people to repent and turn to Him. He also prophesied of the Savior’s Second Coming. He described the final great war in Jerusalem and how the Messiah would come to deliver His covenant people.

Resources

• Background and Context

• Learn More

• Media

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Background and Context

What is the book of Haggai?

Haggai was a prophet who returned to Jerusalem after decades of Babylonian captivity. His prophecies are dated to 520 BC, about 18 years after King Cyrus of Persia allowed the exiled Jews to return and rebuild their city and temple. The people eagerly began this work. However, because of opposition from the Samaritans and their own loss of enthusiasm, they stopped working on the temple for several years.

The book of Haggai records the Lord’s call for the people to renew their commitment to rebuilding the temple: “Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house.” The people obeyed the word of the Lord and completed the temple in 515 BC.

Haggai Pleads for the Rebuilding of the Temple, licensed from goodsalt.com

Haggai 1:1–2

Who were Zerubbabel and Joshua?

Zerubbabel was a descendant of King Jehoiachin, who was carried captive into Babylon. Zerubbabel was appointed to be the governor of Judah after the Jews returned from captivity. Under his leadership, the Jewish people resumed the work of rebuilding the temple, which is often referred to as the Temple of Zerubbabel. Joshua was the high priest who served alongside Zerubbabel. He was a descendant of Josedech (sometimes spelled Jehozadak), the last high priest before the Babylonian captivity.

Haggai 2:7

What does it mean that “the desire of all nations shall come”?

As Haggai encouraged the people laboring to rebuild the temple, he prophesied that the “desire of all nations shall come.” This title can refer to the Savior Jesus Christ. President Jeffrey R. Holland explained: “In the last days good people across the world will yearn for the return of Jesus to rule in righteousness and introduce millennial peace. After God “shake[s] all nations” [Haggai 2:7], His answer to the prayers of the people—Christ, the Desire of All Nations—shall come.”

Haggai’s prophecy that the “desire of all nations” would come to the temple likely has multiple fulfillments. It could refer to the Savior’s visits to the temple during His mortal ministry as well as to His return to the temple in Jerusalem at His Second Coming. In a broader sense, all temples are the house of the Lord, where we can feel His presence. President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple.”

Haggai 2:20–23

What does it mean for Zerubbabel to be made “as a signet”?

A signet was a seal, often set in a ring. When pressed into wax or soft clay, a signet ring left the impression of its owner’s unique symbol. Signets were commonly used in the ancient world to signify authority. Several decades before Zerubbabel’s appointment as governor, the prophet Jeremiah used the imagery of a signet ring to declare that the Lord had rejected the authority of King Jehoiachin of Judah (also called Coniah). Jehoiachin was Zerubbabel’s grandfather and a descendant of King David. The Lord’s declaration through Haggai that He would now make Zerubbabel “as a signet” was likely a message that Zerubbabel had regained the Lord’s favor that his grandfather lost. This restored Zerubbabel’s connection to David’s royal line. In the New Testament, Matthew includes Zerubbabel in the Savior’s genealogy, linking both Zerubbabel and Jesus Christ to the royal line of David.

What is the book of Zechariah?

Like Haggai, Zechariah prophesied in Jerusalem after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile. He was the son of the priest Iddo, who had returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. Zechariah prophesied from about 520 to 518 BC. Both he and Haggai were instrumental in organizing and inspiring the Jews to finish rebuilding the temple. The Lord revealed through Zechariah many prophecies about the Messiah and the events preceding His Second Coming. The book of Zechariah contains two main divisions:

• Zechariah 1–8: Words of encouragement given during the temple reconstruction, including eight symbolic visions that focused on the restoration of Jerusalem, the temple, the priesthood, and the gathering of Israel.

• Zechariah 9–14: Prophecies concerning the ministry of Jesus Christ and the events surrounding the last days and the Savior’s Second Coming.

Zechariah 3:8–10

Who is the Lord’s “servant the Branch”?

Compare Zechariah 6:12–15

Before being conquered by Babylon, the Kingdom of Judah had already begun to unravel under the rule of corrupt kings. Amid this turmoil, the prophet Jeremiah prophesied of “a righteous Branch, and a King” who would one day reign on David’s throne. Jeremiah prophesied that this future ruler would be called “The Lord Our Righteousness,” a reference to the Messiah.

Decades later, after the Babylonian exile ended and many Jews had returned to Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah echoed Jeremiah’s prophecy. In a vision involving Joshua the high priest, Zechariah said that Joshua and his fellow priests were symbolic of the coming Branch, who would remove the iniquity of the land in a single day. Zechariah later prophesied that the Branch, representing the Messiah, would “sit and rule upon his throne” and would “be a priest upon his throne.”

Zechariah 9:9

How does Zechariah’s prophecy about the future King point to Jesus Christ?

Zechariah prophesied of a future King—the Messiah—who would come to Jerusalem in humility, riding on a donkey. Jesus Christ fulfilled this prophecy with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem during the last week of His mortal ministry.

Regarding this event, Elder Ulisses Soares taught: “In fulfillment of the prophecy given to Zechariah, Jesus triumphantly entered the Holy City riding upon a donkey, which was considered in literature an ‘ancient symbol of Jewish royalty’ [in James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ (1916), 517], as indeed befitted the King of kings and Prince of Peace. He was surrounded by a multitude of jubilant disciples who spread out their garments, palm leaves, and other foliage along the path where Jesus passed. They praised God, saying with a loud voice, ‘Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest’ [Luke 19:38]. And again, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest’ [Matthew 21:9]. This majestic event, which we celebrate on … Palm Sunday, was a joyful prelude to the excruciating events that would occur during that fateful week culminating in the Savior’s selfless sacrifice and the magnificent miracle of the empty tomb.”

Triumphal Entry, by Harry Anderson

Zechariah 11:7–14

What is significant about the thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah’s allegory?

Zechariah 11 presents an allegory in which Zechariah is a shepherd who is ultimately rejected by his flock. The two staffs that Zechariah broke represent the broken covenant between God and His people—and the breakdown of national unity within the house of Israel. When Zechariah asked for his wages, he was paid 30 pieces of silver—the price of a slave. This was a meager price that reflected how little the people valued the shepherd who had been sent to care for them.

This allegory points to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. During His mortal ministry, the Savior was rejected by many of those whom He had been sent to shepherd. The Apostle Judas Iscariot betrayed the Savior to the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver. Similar to how Zechariah’s wages were “cast … to the potter in the house of the Lord,” the silver Judas received was “cast down … in the temple.” It was later used to purchase a potter’s field.

Zechariah 12–14

What do we know about the great battle and the deliverance of the Jews that Zechariah spoke about?

Zechariah prophesied of a great final battle that will take place in and around Jerusalem in the last days, just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This future conflict is often referred to as Armageddon, a term that comes from the Apostle John’s vision recorded in the book of Revelation. Zechariah said that in this battle, people from “all nations” will gather against Jerusalem.

Just when it appears that Jerusalem will fall to her enemies, the Lord will intervene. Zechariah wrote, “Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations.” He added that the Lord’s “feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives,” located just east of Jerusalem. At that moment, the Mount of Olives will split in two, forming a great valley—“half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.” As the mountain divides, the people of Jerusalem will flee through the newly formed valley to escape from their enemies.

This miraculous deliverance will prepare the Jews to recognize and accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Expanding on Zechariah’s prophecies, the Lord explained in Doctrine and Covenants 45 that the Jews will look upon Him and ask, “What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?” The Savior will answer, “These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God.” The Lord then declared, “And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king.”

Following these events, Jesus Christ will appear in glory to all the world. Zechariah prophesied that the wicked will be destroyed, “Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited,” and Jesus Christ will reign as “king over all the earth.”

Photo of the Mount of Olives

The Savior will stand on the Mount of Olives prior to His appearance to all the world.

Zechariah 14:20–21

Why will the bells of the horses have “Holiness unto the Lord” inscribed on them?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “Zechariah prophesied that in the day of the Lord’s millennial reign, even the bells of the horses would bear the inscription ‘Holiness unto the Lord.’” He explained that the early Saints in our dispensation likewise engraved “Holiness to the Lord” not only on sacred buildings and objects but also on ordinary, everyday items. Elder Christofferson observed, “These references to holiness in seemingly unusual or unexpected places may seem incongruous, but they suggest just how pervasive and constant our focus on holiness needs to be.”

Learn More

“Consider thy ways”

• David A. Bednar, “Put On Thy Strength, O Zion,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 92–95

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

• Russell M. Nelson, “The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again,” Liahona, Nov. 2024, 121–22

• Russell M. Nelson, “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming,” Ensign, Apr. 2020, 12–17

• Dale G. Renlund, “Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior,” Liahona, May 2025, 43–45

Holiness to the Lord

• Gerrit W. Gong, “Holiness to the Lord in Everyday Life,” Liahona, Nov. 2024, 53–55

• D. Todd Christofferson, “The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 36–39

Media

Music

• “Come, O Thou King of Kings,” Hymns, no. 59

• “More Holiness Give Me,” Hymns, no. 131

• “When the Savior Comes Again,” Hymns—For Home and Church, no. 1002

Images

Illustration of the temple of Zerubbabel, by Sam Lawlor

The Betrayal of Jesus, by Ted Henninger

Jesus Christ was betrayed by Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver.

Photo of a portion of the Jezreel Valley.

He Comes Again to Rule and Reign, by Mary R. Sauer

Notes

1. See Bible Dictionary, “Haggai.” See also Richard Neitzel Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament: An Illustrated Reference for Latter-day Saints (2009), 362–63, 365.

2. See Ezra 1–4. See also “Ezra 4:1–3. Why did the Jews reject the Samaritans’ offer to help rebuild the temple?”

3. Haggai 1:7–8.

4. See Haggai 1–2; Ezra 5–6. See also Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament, 365.

5. See Bible Dictionary, “Zerubbabel.” See also 2 Kings 25:27–30; “Ezra 3:2. Who was Zerubbabel?”

6. See Haggai 2:2.

7. See Bible Dictionary, “Temple of Zerubbabel.”

8. See 1 Chronicles 6:15.

9. Haggai 2:7.

10. Jeffrey R. Holland, Witness for His Names (2019), 45.

11. See Ray L. Huntington, “Consider Your Ways: The Book of Haggai and the Responsibilities and Blessings of Temple Work,” in Sperry Symposium Classics: The Old Testament, ed. Paul Y. Hoskisson (2005), 241–42.

12. Russell M. Nelson, “The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again,” Liahona, Nov. 2024, 121–22.

13. See 1 Kings 21:8; Daniel 6:17; Esther 8:8; Jeremiah 22:24; John H. Walton and others, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (2000), 798, note on Haggai 2:23.

14. See Jeremiah 22:24–30.

15. See 1 Chronicles 3:1, 17–19.

16. See Earl D. Radmacher and others, eds., NKJV Study Bible, 3rd ed. (2018), 1356, “signet ring”; 1357, note on Haggai 2:23.

17. See Matthew 1:12.

18. See Zechariah 1:1; 7:1.

19. See Nehemiah 12:4; Zechariah 1:1.

20. See Bible Dictionary, “Zechariah.”

21. See Ezra 5:1; 6:14.

22. In addition to the examples provided in these materials, compare Zechariah 13:7 with Mark 14:27.

23. See 2 Kings 23–25.

24. Jeremiah 23:5.

25. Jeremiah 23:6.

26. See Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ (1978), 192–93. See also “Isaiah 11:1–9. What is the ‘stem of Jesse’ and the branch that grew from it?”

27. See Zechariah 3:8–9. The King James version of verse 8 states that Joshua and his companions “are men wondered at.” The Hebrew word related to this phrase can also mean “sign” (Tremper Longman III and Mark L. Strauss, eds., The Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words (2023), “Wonder,” 913). Other translations of this verse state that Joshua and his companions would be “symbolic of things to come” (NIV), or “a wondrous sign” (NKJV).

28. See Zechariah 6:12–13.

29. See Matthew 21:1–11.

30. Ulisses Soares, “Followers of the Prince of Peace,” Liahona, May 2023, 85.

31. See Zechariah 11:8.

32. See Zechariah 11:10, 14. See also Kerry Muhlestein, Scripture Study Made Simple: The Old Testament (2017), 516, 517, notes on Zechariah 11:10; 11:14.

33. See Zechariah 11:12. See also Kenneth L. Barker and others, eds., NIV Study Bible: Fully Revised Edition (2020), 1604, note on Zechariah 11:12.

34. See Muhlestein, Scripture Study Made Simple, 516–17, note on Zechariah 11:13. The phrase “goodly price” in verse 13 is apparently sarcasm.

35. See Richard D. Draper, “The Book of Zechariah,” in Studies in Scripture, vol. 4, 1 Kings to Malachi, ed. Kent P. Jackson (1993), 358.

36. See Matthew 26:14–16.

37. Zechariah 11:13.

38. Matthew 27:5.

39. See Matthew 27:1–10.

40. See Bible Dictionary, “Armageddon.” See also Bible Photographs, no. 21, “Jezreel Valley.”

41. See Revelation 16:14–16. Armageddon is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Har Megiddo, or “Mountain of Megiddo.” The Valley of Megiddo (also known by other names, like Jezreel Valley) is located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Jerusalem. It is the site where many crucial battles took place during Old Testament times (see Guide to the Scriptures, “Armageddon,” Gospel Library). Ezekiel’s prophecies in Ezekiel 38–39 also relate to this battle. To learn more about the battle of Armageddon, see “The Battle of Armageddon: A Prophetic View,” in Old Testament Student Manual: 1 Kings–Malachi (2003), 291–95.

42. Zechariah 14:2. See also Zechariah 12:2–14; 14:1–2. Although wickedness, war, and destruction will precede the Second Coming, it is also important to remember that the Lord has promised assistance and spiritual protection to those who choose to follow Him (see Revelation 17:14; 1 Nephi 22:16–17). One place of peace, refuge, and safety will be Zion, the New Jerusalem, which will be located on the American continent (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:66; Articles of Faith 1:10). The Lord has not yet revealed many details concerning this future city, but He has taught about the protection that will be available there (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:66–71).

43. See Zechariah 14:1–3.

44. Zechariah 14:3.

45. Zechariah 14:4.

46. See Zechariah 14:5. See also Muhlestein, Scripture Study Made Simple, 521, note on Zechariah 14:5.

47. See Zechariah 12:10; 13:6.

48. Doctrine and Covenants 45:51.

49. Doctrine and Covenants 45:52.

50. Doctrine and Covenants 45:53.

51. See Isaiah 40:5; Doctrine and Covenants 45:44; 101:23; 133:19–25. See also Robert L. Millet, “The Second Coming of Christ: Questions and Answers,” in Sperry Symposium Classics: The Doctrine and Covenants, ed. Craig K. Manscill (2004), 207–8.

52. See Zechariah 14:9–15. See also Doctrine and Covenants 45:47–59.

53. D. Todd Christofferson, “The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 38–39.