Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
All adversities formerly attended them when neglecting to build the temple: but now God promises all blessings, as an encouragement to energy in the work.
hands . . . strong—be of courageous mind (II Samuel 16:21), not merely in building, but in general, as having such bright prospects (Zechariah 8:13, etc.).
these days—the time that had elapsed between the prophet's having spoken "these words" and the time (Zechariah 8:10; compare Haggai 2:15-19) when they set about in earnest restoring the temple.
the prophets—Haggai and Zechariah himself (Ezra 5:1-2). The same prophets who promised prosperity at the foundation of the temple, now promised still greater blessings hereafter.
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