Haggai 1:13
Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
מַלְאַ֧ךְ
messenger
H4397
מַלְאַ֧ךְ
messenger
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 12
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָֽה׃
in the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
in the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְהוָֽה׃
in the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
in the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לָעָ֣ם
unto the people
H5971
לָעָ֣ם
unto the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִתְּכֶ֖ם
H854
אִתְּכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Cross References
Isaiah 43:2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Psalms 46:11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.Haggai 2:4Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:Psalms 46:7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Jeremiah 15:20And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 30:11For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.
Historical Context
The returned exiles faced enormous challenges: limited resources, opposition from neighbors, economic hardship, and the daunting task of rebuilding. They needed more than human encouragement—they needed divine assurance. God's promise "I am with you" provided courage, strength, and perseverance to complete the difficult work over the next four years (completed in 516 BC).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise "I am with you" address fears, discouragements, and obstacles you face in obeying His call?
- In what ways is God's presence the ultimate resource, more valuable than perfect circumstances, abundant resources, or guaranteed success?
- How does Jesus as Immanuel—God physically present with humanity—fulfill and exceed all Old Testament promises of God's presence?
Analysis & Commentary
Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD (וַיֹּאמֶר חַגַּי מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה בְּמַלְאֲכוּת יְהוָה לָעָם לֵאמֹר אֲנִי אִתְּכֶם נְאֻם־יְהוָה/vayomer Chaggai mal'akh YHWH bemal'akhut YHWH la'am lemor ani ittekhem ne'um-YHWH)—Haggai is called the LORD'S messenger (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה/mal'akh YHWH), the same word used for angels. Prophets are divine messengers, delivering the LORD'S message (מַלְאֲכוּת יְהוָה/mal'akhut YHWH)—not their own ideas but God's authoritative word.
I am with you (אֲנִי אִתְּכֶם/ani ittekhem)—this simple promise is the heart of the covenant. God's presence is the ultimate blessing, surpassing material prosperity, political power, or physical security. This promise echoes throughout Scripture: to Isaac (Genesis 26:24), Jacob (Genesis 28:15), Moses (Exodus 3:12), Joshua (Joshua 1:5, 9), Gideon (Judges 6:12), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:8), and ultimately in Christ—Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), whose final promise was "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20).
The timing is crucial: God speaks this encouragement immediately after they obey (v.12). Once they demonstrated repentance through action, God assured them of His presence for the work ahead. This pattern appears throughout Scripture—obedience precedes blessing, not as merit-earning but as positioning oneself to receive what God freely gives.