The construction in Hebrew (כַּאֲשֶׁר) can indicate time (when
), comparison (as
), supposition (as though
), or cause (because
). While some understand the term here to indicate time (when
),1 it is more likely that the word carries a causal nuance (so NIV, NAB, NCV).2 It is pointing to the reason why the people received the message of Haggai.
12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD.