Haggai 2:20-23 – Zerubbabel, the Signet Ring

BIBLE TEXT

Haggai 2:20-23

SUMMARY

At the end of the book of Haggai, the prophet delivers an oracle concerning the Davidic governor Zerubbabel, that the LORD will make him like a “signet ring.”

ANALYSIS

At the end of the book, Haggai foretells a day when the LORD will “shake the heavens and the earth” and will overthrow human kingdoms. Then the LORD will make Zerubbabel like a “signet ring.” The latter reference is illuminated by Jeremiah 22:24, where the LORD refers to King Coniah (Jehoiachin) of Judah as a “signet ring” that God will tear off his hand and give into the hands of the Babylonians. Jehoiachin was taken into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Now, says Haggai, God will reestablish the Davidic line through Zerubbabel, the grandson of Jehoiachin.