On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will take you, My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts." On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts,This phrase indicates a specific time appointed by God, often associated with significant divine intervention or fulfillment of prophecy. The "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, often used in contexts where God is acting as a divine warrior or protector of His people. This phrase sets the stage for a momentous event in the divine timeline. I will take you,
This indicates a personal selection and calling by God. The act of taking suggests a divine appointment or elevation to a position of importance. It implies God's direct involvement and intention in the life of the individual being addressed. My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,
Zerubbabel is identified as a servant of God, a title that denotes honor and a special role in God's plan. As the governor of Judah and a descendant of David, Zerubbabel plays a crucial role in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem and the temple. His lineage connects him to the Davidic covenant, which is significant in the context of messianic expectations. declares the LORD,
This repetition underscores the certainty and authority of the message. It is a divine proclamation that assures the listener of its truth and importance. and I will make you like My signet ring,
A signet ring symbolizes authority, ownership, and authenticity. In ancient times, it was used to seal documents, signifying the authority of the one who owned it. By making Zerubbabel like a signet ring, God is bestowing upon him a position of authority and favor. This imagery also connects to the Davidic line, as the signet ring represents the continuation of God's promises to David. for I have chosen you,
This phrase emphasizes divine election and purpose. God's choice of Zerubbabel is not based on human merit but on His sovereign will. It highlights the theme of God's faithfulness to His promises and His people. declares the LORD of Hosts.”
The repetition of "declares the LORD of Hosts" at the end of the verse reinforces the authority and finality of the statement. It serves as a bookend to the divine message, ensuring that the reader understands the significance and certainty of God's words. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZerubbabelA governor of Judah and a descendant of David, Zerubbabel played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. His leadership is seen as a continuation of the Davidic line. 2. ShealtielThe father of Zerubbabel, mentioned in the genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, linking Zerubbabel to the Messianic line. 3. The LORD of HostsA title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority. 4. Signet RingA symbol of authority and authenticity. In ancient times, a signet ring was used to seal documents, signifying the owner's approval and authority. 5. The DayRefers to a future time of fulfillment and divine intervention, often associated with messianic expectations and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceGod chooses individuals for His purposes, as seen in His selection of Zerubbabel. This reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, and He equips those He calls. Symbol of AuthorityThe signet ring symbolizes authority and identity in God. As believers, we are called to represent Christ in the world, carrying His authority and message. Restoration and HopeGod's promise to Zerubbabel signifies restoration and hope. In times of discouragement, we can trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Messianic FulfillmentZerubbabel's role points to the coming of Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. This encourages us to look forward to the complete establishment of God's kingdom. Empowerment by the SpiritJust as Zerubbabel was empowered to rebuild the temple, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's work in our lives and communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the promise to Zerubbabel in Haggai 2:23 reflect God's faithfulness to His covenant with David? 2. In what ways can we see the symbolism of the signet ring in our own lives as followers of Christ? 3. How does the restoration of authority to Zerubbabel encourage us in times of personal or communal rebuilding? 4. What connections can we draw between Zerubbabel's role in the Old Testament and the genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament? 5. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment in our daily lives, as Zerubbabel did in his mission to rebuild the temple? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 22:24This verse contrasts with Haggai 2:23, where God removes the signet ring from Jehoiachin, a previous king, indicating a loss of authority. In Haggai, the restoration of the signet ring to Zerubbabel signifies the restoration of divine favor and authority. Matthew 1:12-13Zerubbabel is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, connecting the promise of Haggai 2:23 to the fulfillment in Christ, the ultimate Davidic king. Zechariah 4:6-10These verses emphasize Zerubbabel's role in rebuilding the temple, highlighting the theme of divine empowerment and the importance of God's Spirit in accomplishing His purposes. People Darius, Haggai, Jehozadak, Josedech, Joshua, Shealtiel, ZerubbabelPlaces Egypt, JerusalemTopics Affirmation, Almighty, Armies, Chosen, Declares, Fixed, Hosts, Jewelled, O, Ring, Says, Servant, Shealtiel, She-al'ti-el, Signet, Zerubbabel, Zerub'babelDictionary of Bible Themes Haggai 2:23 1670 symbols
5176 ring
5518 seal
7160 servants of the Lord
7942 ministry Haggai 2:20-23 5366 king Haggai 2:22-23 8797 persecution, attitudes Library Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Yet this once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land: and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. G od shook the earth when He proclaimed His law to Israel from Sinai. The description, though very simple, presents to our thoughts a scene unspeakably majestic, grand and awful. The mountain was in flames at the top, and …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
By the mouth of His servant Haggai stern rebukes were uttered, and the whole people were aroused. We read in verse twelve of the first chapter, "Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the Lord." All hands were put to the work; course after course of stone began to rise; and …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886 The Desire of all Nations
"And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts."--Haggai 2:7. THE second temple was never intended to be as magnificent as the first. The first was to be the embodiment of the full glory of the dispensation of symbols and types, and was soon to pass away. This comparative feebleness had been proved by the idolatry and apostasy of the people Israel, and when they returned to Jerusalem they were to have a structure …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915 The Overturning which is visible on Every Hand.
"I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is" (Ezek. 21:27). In close accord with this prophecy through Ezekiel is the word recorded in Haggai 2:6, 7--"For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come." Note carefully the coupling of these two things together--the coming of the Desire …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
"The Holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified."--John vii. 39. We have come to the most difficult part in the discussion of the work of the Holy Spirit, viz., the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the tenth day after the ascension. In the treatment of this subject it is not our aim to create a new interest in the celebration of Pentecost. We consider this almost impossible. Man's nature is too unspiritual for this. But we shall reverently endeavor to give a clearer insight …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit His Throat is Most Sweet, Yea, He is Altogether Lovely. This is My Beloved, and this is My Friend, O Daughters of Jerusalem.
The good qualities of ordinary things may be sufficiently well expressed by ordinary phrases of commendation, but there are some subjects so above expression that they can only be worthily admired by declaring them above all praise. Such is the Divine Bridegroom, who, by the excess of His perfections, renders His Bride dumb when she endeavors most worthily to praise Him, that all hearts and minds may be attracted to Him. Her passion causes her to burst out into the praise of some of the excellencies …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon "Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from Before Mine Eyes; Cease to do Evil,"
Isaiah i. 16.--"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil," &c. There are two evils in sin,--one is the nature of it, another the fruit and sad effect of it. In itself it is filthiness, and contrary to God's holiness; an abasing of the immortal soul; a spot in the face of the Lord of the creatures, that hath far debased him under them all. Though it be so unnatural to us, yet it is now in our fallen estate become, as it were, natural, so that …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Christian Business World
Scripture references: Proverbs 22:29; Romans 12:11; Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8; Psalm 49:6,10,16,17; 62:10; Matthew 13:22; Mark 10:23,24; Job 31:24-26; Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 25:14-30; 24:45-51; 6:19-21; Luke 12:16-21. THE IDEAL IN THE BUSINESS WORLD There is often a wide difference between the methods actually employed in doing business and when they should be. Good men who are in the thick of the battle of competition and rivalry with other firms in the same line of trade, are the quickest …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober Reason,
appears of itself highly credible and probable, and abundantly recommends itself in its native simplicity, merely by its own intrinsic goodness and excellency, to the practice of the most rational and considering men, who are desirous in all their actions to have satisfaction and comfort and good hope within themselves, from the conscience of what they do: So it is moreover positively and directly proved to be actually and immediately sent to us from God, by the many infallible signs and miracles …
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God The Cities of the Levites.
Concerning them, see Numbers, chapter 35, and Joshua chapter 21. "The suburbs of the cities of the Levites were three thousand cubits on every side; viz. from the walls of the city, and outwards; as it is said, 'From the walls of the city and outwards a thousand cubits: and thou shalt measure from without the city two thousand cubits' (Num 35:4,5). The former thousand were the suburbs, and the latter two thousand were for fields and vineyards. They appointed the place of burial to every one of those …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica "All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive.
1. Men either idolatrous, profane, hypocritical, or regenerate. 1. Idolaters void of righteousness, full of unrighteousness, and hence in the sight of God altogether wretched and undone. 2. Still a great difference in the characters of men. This difference manifested. 1. In the gifts of God. 2. In the distinction between honorable and base. 3. In the blessings of he present life. 3. All human virtue, how praiseworthy soever it may appear, is corrupted. 1. By impurity of heart. 2. By the absence of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free from the Law of Sin and Death. "
Rom. viii. 2.--"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." You know there are two principal things in the preceding verse,--the privilege of a Christian, and the property or character of a Christian. He is one that never enters into condemnation; He that believeth shall not perish, John iii. 15. And then he is one that walks not after the flesh, though he be in the flesh, but in a more elevate way above men, after the guiding and leading …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Fourth Commandment
Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it. Exod 20: 8-11. This …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Mount Zion.
"For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them: for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: but ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's …
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People Haggai
The post-exilic age sharply distinguished itself from the pre-exilic (Zech. i. 4), and nowhere is the difference more obvious than in prophecy. Post-exilic prophecy has little of the literary or moral power of earlier prophecy, but it would be very easy to do less than justice to Haggai. His prophecy is very short; into two chapters is condensed a summary, probably not even in his own words, of no less than four addresses. Meagre as they may seem to us, they produced a great effect on those who heard …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Haggai 2:23 NIVHaggai 2:23 NLTHaggai 2:23 ESVHaggai 2:23 NASBHaggai 2:23 KJV
Haggai 2:23 Commentaries
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