The short book of Haggai ends with a fourth prophecy (although if you count the prophecies in this book differently, that’s perfectly OK with me).
The word of the LORD came to Haggai a second time on the twenty-fourth day of the month: “Tell Zerubbabel governor of Judah that I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms. I will overthrow chariots and their drivers; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother.
“ ‘On that day,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘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 Almighty.”
Haggai 2:20-23 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/hag.2.20-23.NIV
This prophecy is specifically to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah. Note that it took place on the same day as the previous one (see Haggai 2:10-19), and so it may be related to that message given to the priests.
Some of this language is a little symbolic, but the conclusion is that God would overthrow other nations, and make Zerubbabel His representative. When this prophecy was given, Zerubbabel was “only” a governor and not a king, but getting to be God’s “signet ring” (or “seal”, per NASB footnote) suggests to me that Zerubbabel would get to speak and/or act on God’s behalf, like a signet ring sealed documents to verify that they were from the king. Remember, Zerubbabel was an ancestor of Jesus Christ, and so – even after Zerubbabel’s service to God on this earth was ended – the world would truly be changed through this Judean governor’s descendants.
One thing about a signet ring, though, is that the ring itself is not what gives its bearer significance. Instead, the ring represents delegated authority from something greater than the ring itself. God would be king over His people, but He would work through Zerubbabel. [Ref. Hahlen & Ham, p.263]
In that light, and considering all of this 2-chapter book of Haggai, let’s make God’s presence one of the key goals of our lives. This includes seeking Him out, like reading His word and listening for His voice. It also means living in a way that a holy God can bless and reward, instead of one that He is compelled to discipline or punish.
Per an earlier prophecy in this chapter, may we pursue a goal of holiness. The more that our lives focus on the wrong things, the more that “defilement” or “uncleanness” spreads – both in our lives and to those around us. For those who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ, we have been set apart through Him, but it takes work to maintain our holiness. We can ask for forgiveness when we do unholy things, but let’s ask ourselves what our ultimate goal is: Do we just want to “get saved”, or do we truly want to walk with Jesus throughout our lives, allowing Him to be our Lord, and letting Him direct our paths? Do we want to be a means by which God can do great things (like Zerubbabel would be), or merely a bystander who watches Him work through others?
Pursue God’s presence, and the rest of your life will be positive. Things may not always be convenient and cushy. Trials and suffering should be expected. But, even challenging times with God by our side are better than the fleeting and broken promises of sin.
Let’s also remember that we are God’s ambassadors in this world. While Haggai’s message from God to Zerubbabel talked about a signet ring or a seal, Paul used the term “ambassadors” in 2 Corinthians 5:20, and I think that followers of Jesus today are similarly called to share the good news and the love of God: messages delivered from the Kingdom of God to people who are struggling to find meaning in a fallen world. And, in imagery that might be related to the blessing that Zerubbabel received in the book of Haggai, Paul also wrote (see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22) about God setting His “seal of ownership” on Christians.
It is a great privilege to have the very word of God, and to be asked to share it with those who can be rescued by obeying it. However, this is also a great responsibility, not only to ensure that we are passing along the word of God accurately and with God’s love, but also to be sure that we are living out what we have learned from God’s word at the same time, so that others can see what a life walking with Jesus looks like.
I hope that this short study of a short book in the Bible reminds you (and me) to live in God’s presence, seeking to put Him first in our lives, acting according to His direction, and being examples of His holiness in a world that needs something better than evil can offer.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for August 10, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Minor Prophets Volume 2 (Nahum-Malachi), by Mark Allen Hahlen and Clay Alan Ham. © 2006 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 