Haggai spoke some 66 years after the temple was destroyed, but very likely there were some old people who had seen Solomon’s temple in its lavish glory.  God asks them to compare its glory now and see if it measures up.

God also tells them to be strong, do not be discouraged, and carry on the work. God further describes the idea of clean and unclean with regards to the hearts of the people. With a change of heart, comes a restoration of blessings.

Finally, a promise to Zerubbabel brings hope of the Messiah.