Verse 2
Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah ,.... Of whom, his descent and dignity; see Gill on Haggai 1:1 . The Septuagint version wrongly renders it "of the tribe of Judah"; in which it is followed by the Arabic version; for, though he was of the tribe of Judah, this does not sufficiently distinguish him; nor does it answer to the word here used, which is expressive of his office and dignity. The Vulgate Latin version, Luther, and Castalio, omit the particle נא , rendered "now", which is very emphatic. The prophet is ordered to go and say what he is bid, directly, immediately, at once, without any delay; the very day before mentioned, yea, at that very instant or moment, the people being now at work, under the eye of their governor; in order to remove an offence, which might discourage them in their work, taken from the meanness of the building, in comparison of the former temple:
and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people ; these, besides the two former, even the whole body of the people, the remnant that were come out of the captivity of Babylon:
saying ; to the above persons, as follows:
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