Contradictions and Paradoxes in Haggai 2:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Haggai 2:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Haggai 2:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the prophet Haggai, he is asking the people if they remember how beautiful the temple used to be and if they notice how it doesn't look as great now. He wants them to see the difference and think about how the temple can be special again.

Haggai 2:3: Who [is] left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? [is it] not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?

Contradiction with Ezra 3:12

This verse describes how some of the older priests, Levites, and family heads, who had seen the first temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of the new temple being laid, which suggests disappointment, in contrast to the encouragement in Haggai 2:3.

Ezra 3:12: But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, [who were] ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

Contradiction with 1 Kings 9:6-9

These verses reference the condition that if the Israelites turn away from God, the temple will be rejected and destroyed, which contrasts with Haggai 2:3, where the people are urged to see the glory of the new temple.

1 Kings 9:6-9: [But] if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments [and] my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:

Contradiction with Jeremiah 52:12-13

This passage describes the destruction of Jerusalem and the original temple, highlighting a devastating loss rather than the hope and comparison made in Haggai 2:3 about the future glory.

Jeremiah 52:12-13: Now in the fifth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, which [was] the nineteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, [which] served the king of Babylon, into Jerusalem, [captain...: or, chief marshal: Heb. chief of the executioners, or, slaughtermen] [served: Heb. stood before]

Contradiction with Lamentations 2:7

Lamentations speaks of the Lord rejecting his altar and sanctuary, opposing Haggai 2:3's prospect of future glory for the new temple.

Lamentations 2:7: The Lord hath cast off his altar, he hath abhorred his sanctuary, he hath given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the LORD, as in the day of a solemn feast. [given up: Heb. shut up]

Contradiction with Matthew 24:2

Jesus predicts the temple's destruction, contradicting Haggai 2:3, as it presents a prophecy of ruin rather than the promise of future glory.

Matthew 24:2: And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Contradiction with John 4:21

Jesus speaks of a time when worship will not be tied to a specific place, which contrasts with the special significance placed on the temple's grandeur in Haggai 2:3.

John 4:21: Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
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