Definition: And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Haggai 2:15. It's a really important part of a biblical story about rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling us to seriously focus on rebuilding the temple. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And now, I pray you…” - This is a direct plea from God. He’s addressing someone – likely the builders – and asking them to pay attention. “…consider from this day and upward…” - This means immediately , not just in the future, but starting right now and continuing throughout their work. It’s urging us to be proactive. “…from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD.” – This is the key part! It's talking about the very first stone . The Old Testament describes this as the foundation of everything else. So, what’s happening? God wants these builders to understand that the Temple isn’t just a building; it’s a sacred place for worship and connection with God. It's a symbol of His presence and His power. He wants them to be incredibly careful and deliberate in building it, because it represents everything important about his relationship with humanity. Why is this important? The verse highlights that rebuilding the temple was not just a task , but a spiritual one. It’s a reminder that our actions should always be guided by reverence and devotion to God. It's saying, "Don’t rush; don’t take it lightly; build with purpose." In short, it's a call for dedication, meticulousness, and a deep understanding of what’s at stake – the very heart of faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in the context of the Old Testament story?