Haggai 1:13

messenger The word is that commonly used for an angelin the O.T., but its first and proper meaning is messenger. In the same way in the N.T., the same word (ἄγγελος) is used generally in its restricted sense for an angel, and occasionally in its wider sense for a messenger (Luke 7:27; Luke 9:52; James 2:25). Haggai is the only prophet who uses this title of himself. It is, to say the least, doubtful whether Moses as a prophet is intended by it in Numbers 20:16. Malachi ("my angel or messenger") has it for the only name by which we know him, and he uses it of the Jewish priest (Malachi 2:7), and of John Baptist the forerunner of our Lord, and of our Lord Himself, "the messenger of the Covenant" (Malachi 3:1).

I am with you Lit. I with you. This short but all-sufficient promise, varied sometimes by the corresponding expression of faith, "God with us," or by the record of its fulfilment, "Jehovah was with him," shines out like a bright star in times of darkness and need to individual saints, and to the Church at large in the O.T. It is given to Jacob at Bethel at the outset of his journey (Genesis 28:15); to Moses at the Bush, when called to be the deliverer of his people (Exodus 3:12); to Joshua, when he took up for completion the unfinished work of Moses (Joshua 1:5); to Jeremiah at his entrance on the difficult work of prophesying (Jeremiah 1:8). It was fulfilled to Joseph when sold a slave into Egypt (Genesis 39:2), and when made a prisoner there on a false accusation (ver. 21). It was the battle-cry of the Church when threatened with the invasion of the proud Assyrian (Isaiah 8:10), and the refrain of her song of victory when the Assyrian was overthrown (Psalms 46:7; Psalms 46:11). In the N. T. it finds its full accomplishment in Him who is "Emmanuel, God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Here Haggai sums up the promise of all needful resources for the work, and protection from the jealous foes who had so long hindered it, and conveys the assurance of a prosperous issue in the few short words, "I with you, saith Jehovah."