But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice. Many also shouted aloud for joy,
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 12. Temple. This second temple, though very large (2 Maccabees 14:13) and magnificent, (Agg. 2:10,) never equalled the glory of the first, in its outward appearance, being also destitute of the ark, and perhaps of the Urim, and so forth But the presence of the Messias gave it a more exalted dignity. Calmet.—Joy. These different emotions of grief and joy filled their breasts, ( D.) thinking how they had brought on the judgments of God by their transgressions, and that he was now appeased, and would enable them to have some sort of a temple. Tirinus.—As it was less beautiful than that of Solomon, Aggeus must be understood to speak of the Church of Christ. Saint Augustine de Calmet. xviii. 45. Worthington.