Haggai 2:5
According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
The word came on the twenty-first day of the seventh month to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel the governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Josedech the high priest, and to the remnant of the people concerning building a house for God, at a time when those who remained who had seen the first house in its glory regarded the present work as nothing by comparison. In that setting it declares what God endorses and condemns in the building work. According to the word covenanted when Israel came out of Egypt, His Spirit remains among them, so they are not to fear. That covenant from the exodus still stands as the ground of His abiding presence with His people.
Even though the people had rebelled and grieved His Spirit, God renewed to them the promise of His presence. That renewal was an act of mercy. It came as they cooperated with His purpose. On that ground they were to be strong and work, because the Lord of hosts is with them.
The temple's true glory comes from God's presence, not from outward display or expense. The glory of the new temple would exceed that of the former temple because the Desire of nations would be present in it. The promised presence was given to give strength and encouragement to the builders so they would continue building. It encouraged them to proceed with building the meeting house in faith, trusting God's guidance and help. The lessons of the chapter apply to the work of building a house for the Lord, teaching that God's house is not to be left as the last consideration but is to be given attention. The same assurance encourages God's people today to be strong and work faithfully because He is with them.