Haggai 2:20 - Meaning and Application

After Haggai’s sermon to the people, there is another word on the same day for the leaders, especially Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah. He had taken the lead in this good work, so God gives him a special message. God says, in effect, “Speak to Zerubbabel by himself,” because he was thinking beyond the needs of ordinary life.

The people were worried about their grain fields and vineyards. God had promised that their crops would do well, and that should quiet their fears. But Zerubbabel was also concerned about the wider future, the nations around them, and the changing rule of kingdoms. He was asking how such a small people, with such a weak ruler, could stand firm and serve God well. God’s answer was simple: “Tell him it will be well with him and with those who remain with him, and let that comfort him.”

Zerubbabel is first told to expect great shaking among the nations of the earth, and not to be shocked by it. God had already said, “I will shake the heavens and the earth,” and He repeats it here for Zerubbabel’s sake (Haggai 2:21-22). The world is always in motion, but at times it becomes especially troubled. Yet if the earth is shaken, God does it to drive out the wicked (Job 38:13).

In the visions of Revelation, earthquakes do not mean harm for the church. Here the shaking of heaven and earth means that proud rulers will be broken and brought low. God says, “I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms.” Babylon, which had long been a throne of kingdoms, had already fallen, and every later power will fall in its time. Though rulers may seem strong, their strength will fail, even if they trust in chariots and horses (Psalm 20:7).

God also says that these powers will be brought down by the sword of their brother. That means no earthly power can stand against His judgment. This is a warning to every enemy of God’s church who refuses to repent and give Him glory. It also points ahead to Christ’s victory over the powers of darkness, when He overthrows Satan’s throne, the throne of this world’s ruler, and takes away the armor in which he trusted. In the end, every opposing rule, power, and authority will be put down so the kingdom may be handed over to God the Father.

Zerubbabel is also promised safety under God’s care in the middle of all this shaking (Haggai 2:23). Since he was faithful in building God’s house, God gives him a promise much like the one He gave David. God says He will make him strong and secure, even on the day when heaven and earth are shaken. This promise applies to Zerubbabel himself and to his family. He honored God, and God would honor him.

His descendants in the government of Judah could also take courage from this promise. Their authority might seem weak in human eyes, but God would confirm it. That would help keep the people stable under the rulers God had placed over them. Still, the main point looks ahead to Christ, who came from Zerubbabel’s line and is the only builder of the gospel temple.

Zerubbabel is here called God’s servant, which is an honor, just as Moses and David were called God’s servants. When God brings down His enemies, He lifts up His servants. The Lord Jesus is also the Father’s servant in the work of redemption, yet He serves faithfully as a Son (Isaiah 42:1). Zerubbabel is also called God’s chosen one, meaning God selected him for this office and would use him for it. Christ too is God’s chosen one, and in Him the chosen people are included (1 Peter 2:4).

God promises to make Zerubbabel like a signet ring. Jeconiah had once been like a signet ring on God’s right hand, but God had removed him from that place (Jeremiah 22:24). Now Zerubbabel is put in his place. This means he would be dear to God, honored by Him, and kept as part of the line through which the Messiah would come. The Messiah would then be the true signet ring on God’s right hand.

This image shows the Father’s delight in Christ. Twice He declared that He was well pleased with Him. Christ is set as a seal on the Father’s heart and arm, brought near to Him, and hidden in the shadow of His hand (Daniel 7:13; Isaiah 49:2). It also shows the authority the Father has given Him. Kings use their signet rings to seal decrees, grants, and commissions (Esther 3:10). In the same way, Jesus is God’s signet ring, because all authority has been given to Him and comes through Him. The great promise of the gospel is sealed and confirmed in Him, and in Him every promise of God is yes and amen.