9:8 This temple will become a heap of ruins;14 everyone who passes by it will be shocked and will hiss out their scorn,15 saying, ‘Why did the Lord do this to this land and this temple?’
tnHeb “and this house will be high [or elevated].” The statement makes little sense in this context, which predicts the desolation that judgment will bring. Some treat the clause as concessive, “Even though this temple is lofty [now].” Others, following the lead of several ancient versions, emend the text to, “this temple will become a heap of ruins.”
15
tnHeb “hiss,” or perhaps “whistle.” This refers to a derisive sound one would make when taunting an object of ridicule.