“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” Haggai
2:21-23
I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume
for this book. For this morning, my focus is an unassisted
review of Haggai 2:20-23, which the commentary outlines as the third
division (entitled God Will Shower His People with Blessing as His Chosen Ones) for Haggai 2:10-23, the next set of verses covered by a new
chapter in the commentary. Here, I fudge on my claim that this is an unassisted review which is only partially true - while I don't lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary for this text, I do lean on both Ligonier.org - Teaching Fellowship of R.C. Sproul, and its post here, and GotQuestions.org and its post here. The latter post describes the signet ring referenced in v23 as a mark by ancient kings to "to designate authority, honor, or ownership." Further, it shares that "[i]t is important to understand who Zerubbabel is. He is the governor of
the rebuilt Jerusalem and is himself of royal blood, being a descendant
of David and the grandson of Judah’s King Jehoiachin. Years earlier,
Jehoiachin had lost his throne when he was deported to Babylon; in fact,
God pictured Jehoiachin as a signet ring being removed from God’s
finger (Jeremiah 22:24). Now, God calls Zerubbabel the “signet ring,” but this time it won’t be removed. In Haggai’s prophecy, God is giving Zerubbabel encouragement and hope.
The governor is “chosen” for a unique and noble purpose. As God’s signet
ring, Zerubbabel is given a place of honor and authority. God is
reinstating the Davidic line and renewing His covenant with David. Judah
still has a future as they look forward to the coming Son of David, the
Messiah, who would one day “overturn royal thrones and shatter the
power of the foreign kingdoms” (v22). Ligonier.org adds: "God's promise to exalt Zerubbabel, that is, one of Zerubbabel's sons, is
fulfilled in Christ Jesus, who is David's descendant through Zerubbabel
(Matt. 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38). Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God the Father Almighty, fulfilling Haggai's word." This morning's study dovetails nicely with the study from our Sunday school class on OT prophecies of Jesus.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome and faithful God and I can count on Your Word, as all the promises made in scripture about a coming Messiah came true with You. ALL of the promises of God find their yes in You (1 Corinthians 1:20). You are so good and so faithful. Thank You Jesus for providing and never leaving or forsaking me. I am not deserving of Your love and faithfulness. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
