What makes the Lord’s words so fitting?

The words I am with you are fitting because the Lord’s people are giving themselves to rebuilding the temple. Historically, that is where he made his name and presence among his people on earth. But what of the temple currently stands? Nothing. It is rubble and ruins. Yet God still says, I am with you. He says this to encourage his people. He can decide to show his presence wherever he wishes. For while he is everywhere present, he exhibits his presence in different ways. In heaven, his presence toward the glorified saints is a delight and comfort to them. In hell, his presence toward the damned is a terror and torment for them. In other words, he is as present in heaven as in hell, but he manifests himself differently in each place. Even on earth, he is present in a special way, in certain places (Genesis 28:16–17). That again brings into view the temple, where he revealed his covenantal presence to his people in a way he did not reveal himself to others (Exodus 25:8–9; 1 Kings 8:1–66).¹ But he did not currently need a rebuilt temple in order to assure his people of his presence. Thus, absent the temple, he could still say, I am with you. This is his promise of mercy and grace in their time of need. What he means with this declaration is, You are not under the threat of judgment. I’m not a harsh taskmaster, just waiting for you to mess up so that I can punish you severely for even the slightest misdeed.² Rather, I am with you to bless and preserve you. So carry on, rebuild, do not lose heart, do not lose hope, do not lose focus. The Lord confronts his people with their sin so that he can forgive us and show us his grace and mercy when we repent. He promises his presence.