Haggai 2:20-23
The final message of Haggai is addressed to Zerubbabel (21) alone. It was given on the same day as the preceding sermon. In it, the prophet conceives of Zerubbabel as the predecessor and type of the true King of the Jews. To him and in him to the nation which he represented, a gracious promise of safety and distinction is given.1
Haggai sees the throne of kingdoms (22; powers of the world) being overthrown, and repeats the prophecy of 2:6, I will shake the heavens and the earth (21). In this upheaval, Zerubbabel's position will remain secure and God will make firm His trusted representative.
Zerubbabel is to be God's signet (23). This was a ring with the owner's name engraved on it and was guarded by him with jealous care. It was used to impress a seal and therefore became the symbol of authority. It was sometimes given by an Eastern monarch to an important minister as a mark of confidence and authority (cf. Gen. 41:42). Thus Zerubbabel's leadership is to bear the stamp of divine authority.
“The Messianic aspirations which attached formerly to the Davidic king are transferred by Haggai to Zerubbabel who becomes, in virtue of the position thus assigned to him, a type of Christ.”2
Many must have had high hopes that Zerubbabel was actually the Messianic king, for to him the prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, I have chosen thee. But as G. A. Smith observes, this signet-ring of Jehovah (Zerubbabel) was not acknowledged by the world. He does not seem even to have challenged its briefest attention. Thus what we really have here is a reassertion of the Jewish Messianic hope of a divine Deliverer from the house of David who would sit on David's throne. This great hope came to its culmination in the Son of David—Jesus Christ. His kingdom shall arise above the fallen kingdoms of this world and His throne shall be established forever. Amen.