as a signet. Compare Song of Solomon 8:6 . Jeremiah 22:24 . See also, for this honour, Zechariah 4:7-10 ; Zechariah 6:13 ; and compare Genesis 41:42 .Esther 3:10 . chosen thee. As David and others were chosen (1 Kings 8:16 ; 1 Kings 11:34 , &c). thee. This must refer to the true prince and governor of Isaiah 9:6 , Isaiah 9:7 . read more
"In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith Jehovah, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith Jehovah of hosts."We must apologize for those writers who suppose that Haggai thought Zerubbabel was the Messiah, and that such is what he wrote in this passage. That Haggai and all of Israel might indeed have had such a notion is true enough; but this passage does not say that."In that day ..." injects a time... read more
23. take thee—under My protection and to promote thee and thy people to honor ( :-). a signet— (Song of Solomon 8:6; Jeremiah 22:24). A ring with a seal on it; the legal representative of the owner; generally of precious stones and gold, c., and much valued. Being worn on the finger, it was an object of constant regard. In all which points of view the theocratic people, and their representative, Zerubbabel the type, and Messiah his descendant the Antitype, are regarded by God. The safety of... read more
IV. A PROPHECY CONCERNING ZERUBBABEL 2:20-23"The final verses of his book reveal Haggai as the literary equivalent of an impressionist painter-he gives general tone and effect without elaborate detail." [Note: Motyer, p. 1000.] read more
When He did that, the Lord promised to make Zerubbabel His servant. The title "my servant" is often messianic in the Old Testament (cf. 2 Samuel 3:18; 1 Kings 11:34; Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-13; Isaiah 50:4-11; Isaiah 52:13 to Isaiah 53:12; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Ezekiel 37:24-25). Zechariah, Haggai’s contemporary, used another messianic title to refer to Zerubbabel: the branch (Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12; cf. Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:14-16). The Lord would make Zerubbabel like... read more
2Words of Encouragement. The Glory of the Second Temple1-9. An encouraging message in counteraction of disparaging comments upon the Temple structure, setting forth the significance and glory of the new Temple.1. Seventh month] i.e. Tishri, September-October. This message was delivered just four weeks after the beginning of the work. So heartily had every one united in it that the general outline and character of the new edifice had become apparent. The Feast of Tabernacles was in progress.... read more
(20-23) The Fifth Utterance.—The promise of Haggai 2:6-9 is enlarged. The heathen powers shall be consumed one of another, but the line of Zerubbabel shall stand secure, and be a witness to Jehovah’s faithfulness. Here, as in Haggai 2:6-9, the only satisfactory interpretation is that Haggai was charged with a prediction—purposely vague and indistinct in character—of the extension of God’s kingdom by the Christian dispensation. “Zerubbabel,” the descendant of David, includes in himself Him who... read more
(23) Signet.—On the figure of the signet-ring applied to one on whom confidence and affection are bestowed, see Song of Solomon 8:6; Jeremiah 22:24. read more
Christ, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:6-7 The time when our Lord was to come is here predicted. I. This prophecy was uttered about five hundred years before the coming of our Saviour. How, then, can it be said to be a little while? a. It was a little while when compared with the time the people of God had already been kept waiting for the Messiah. b. It was short in the Almighty's own sight. It is not man's word, for things are measured in it by a standard which man never uses. II. What is... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Haggai 2:20-23
A personal message for Zerubbabel (2:20-23)Later the same day Haggai delivered another encouraging message, this time to Zerubbabel the governor (20). Zerubbabel was a descendant of David in the line of kings who reigned in Jerusalem, and he was entitled to the throne of Israel (Matthew 1:6-12). But because Israel was still under Persian rule he was allowed to be only governor.Despite these restrictions, Haggai encouraged Zerubbabel with the assurance that he was still God’s specially chosen... read more