God’s Rule Over the Nations and the Greater Zerubbabel (2:20-23)
20 The word of the LORD came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, 22 and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. 23 On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.”
The book of Haggai ends with a message to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah. It is a promise of God to overthrow the nations and establish God’s kingdom. It is a promise of God to honor Zerubbabel—the servant of God who is chosen by God. Zerubbabel will be like the ‘signet ring’ on a mighty king—the king of kings: God Himself. God will shake the nations and Zerubbabel is God’s faithful servant. This message would have strengthened Zerubbabel, and helped him to complete the building of the temple.
This message also leads God’s people to marvel at the mighty kingly rule of God. God truly rules over all the nations. None of God’s purposes can be thwarted—all comes to pass. We need to remember this as we face uncertain political times and future of our own nation. God is in control, so we need not fear.
The promise made to Zerubbabel finds its ultimate and sure fulfillment in Jesus—in whom all the promises of God find their ‘yes and amen’ (1 Cor 1:20). Zerubbabel was in the line of king David, and Jesus—by the flesh—is descended from Zerubbabel (Matt 1:12-13). Jesus is the Greater Zerubbabel, who, as God’s Son, carries the authority and approval of God the Father as He carries on God’s works and establishes God’s kingdom on Earth. Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord and every knee will bow before Him (Rev 2:9-11), and people from every tongue will worship before Him (Rev 7:9-12).
Praise Jesus, our great Zerubbabel!
