This prophecy unfolds in layers: an initial fulfillment in the post-exilic period, a later realization in the coming of Christ, and an ultimate fulfillment in the new creation.
The first fulfillment took place in the years immediately following Haggai’s ministry, when the Lord moved foreign rulers to supply resources for the temple rebuilding project. Cyrus and Darius released state funds for the project (Ezra 6:4–14). Artaxerxes later contributed support (Ezra 7:12–26). Jews of the dispersion contributed gifts (Zechariah 6:10).1 Seleucus IV also supplied support to the temple treasury (2 Maccabees 3:3).2
These events show how God caused the treasures of the nations to flow toward his house.
The prophecy was also fulfilled in the splendour of the successor to the temple, namely, Herod’s temple (Luke 21:5; John 2:20). Yet even that temple did not exhaust Haggai’s prophecy. As the pattern of Exodus 40:1–38 and 1 Kings 8:1–66 shows, the true glory of the temple is the presence of the Lord, not on gold or ornamentation. So also in this way, the latter glory of the house will not in any way be less than the former, but greater (see Haggai 2:9).3
The New Testament shows that the prophecy reaches its deeper fulfillment in the coming of Christ, the true and greater temple (Matthew 12:6). He is the cornerstone of a new temple made up of people from all nations (Ephesians 2:19–22). The Word dwelt
among us (John 1:14)—a deliberate temple image. In Christ the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily
(Colossians 2:9). God’s presence has come in a richer, more personal way than any building could contain.
The gifts of the Magi echo this theme. The wise men bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn King (Matthew 2:1–11), echoing Isaiah 60:6—a passage that, like Haggai 2:1–23, describes the nations bringing their wealth to God’s dwelling. Their gifts are an early sign that the nations are being drawn to Christ.
The Magi’s offerings are only a preview of the ultimate fulfillment. Revelation 21:26 describes the day when the glory and honor of the nations
will be brought into the New Jerusalem. In that renewed world, Christ himself is the everlasting temple (Revelation 21:22), and God’s presence fills everything.4
In him, God’s presence fills the world, and the nations are gathered into his kingdom. The latter glory
surpasses the former not because of increased wealth but because God dwells with his people in a fuller, richer way.
7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts.