Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the Lord’s word to the people: “I am with you!” says the Lord.

‘Do not fear, because I made a promise to your ancestors when they left Egypt, and my spirit even now testifies to you.’

Even so, take heart, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord. ‘Take heart, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you citizens of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and begin to work. For I am with you,’ says the Lord who rules over all.