“... Indeed, the prophet speaks a divine oracle which implies that a proper attentiveness to the poor agricultural yield and general economic travail should have been sufficient indication to the people of divine disfavour for the unbuilt Temple, and that YHWH was warning them thereby (Haggai 1:6–11). In an ironic allusion to David’s words to the prophet Nathan prior to the building of the first Temple, and to his own words stated earlier, YHWH has the prophet Haggai ask the people ‘Is it the [propitious] time for you to dwell in panelled homes while this House [Temple] is in ruins?’ (Haggai 1:4; compare 2 Samuel 7:2). Thereupon, the Lord commanded and encouraged the people and its leadership to restore his Temple (Haggai 1:13–15; 2:1–5). In the context of these restoration oracles, Haggai asks: ‘Who of you remains who saw this Temple in its first glory? And how do you see it now? It is not like nothing in your eyes?’ (2:3). From this prologue the prophet turns to an oracle guaranteeing divine support in the enterprise of Temple rebuilding ...”