by J. Riddle (Cheshunt)
Read Chapter 2.20-23
We come to our final study in this most instructive little book. Let us have firmly established in our minds the four messages that Haggai has brought before us:
1) TO REPROVE THEIR IDLENESS, 1.1-15:
2) TO RESTORE THEIR CONFIDENCE, 2.1-9:
3) TO REBUKE THEIR UNHOLINESS, 2.10-19:
4) TO REWARD THEIR LEADER, 2.20-23.
With the third message Haggai concluded his ministry to the people at large and ended on a happy note. Now his final message is addressed to Zerubbabel personally and it is a message of encouragement.
"And again the word of the Lord came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying, Speak now to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah." He is called, "O Zerubbabel, my servant," v23. He was a ‘key player’ at this period of Israel's history. His role is acknowledged by God in Zech.4. "Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain … The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands also shall finish it … For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel," v7-10. It is rather interesting to compare the promise made to David in 1Sam.7. Both men either built, or proposed to build, a house for God. "Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the Lord, Shalt thou build Me an house to dwell in? … Also the Lord telleth thee that He will make thee an house," v5,11. Now, centuries later, Zerubbabel is promised a glorious future. God is no man's debtor!
We must consider the following:
"I will shake the heavens and the earth, and I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen, and will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother." This is followed by the words, "In that day," which point forward to the end-time. See, for example, Isa.11.10-11, and 12.1.
i) The power of God over creation. We have already encountered the words, I will shake the heavens and the earth," see 2.6. The effect on men and women is described in Isa.2.19, "And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth, 2.19-21. Compare Rev.6.12-17.
ii) the power of God over empires. We must bear in mind that Zerubbabel was "governor of Judah" not ‘king of Judah,’ and therefore subject to the king of Persia. It was "the times of the Gentiles." Zerubbabel is now conducted across the centuries to the end of Gentile domination, when God will "overthrow the throne of kingdoms … and destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen." The "throne of kingdoms" is the throne of "the beast," see Rev.13.2 and 16.10. He will be a world ruler. Hence the title, "the throne of kingdoms." The "kingdoms of the heathen" and the "ten kings" who will "give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled," Rev.17.12,17. See also Rev. 19.19. The self-destruction ("every one by the sword of his brother"), is also described in Zech.14.13.
Whilst, of course, the Lord Jesus will reign as "King of kings, and Lord of lords," this passage clearly refers to Zerubbabel himself, "In that day, said the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, My servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord." Zerubbabel is named personally, and so is his father! Although most commentators tell us that this verse refers to the Lord Jesus, ‘of whom Zerubbabel was a type’ (quote), it does seem obvious that Zerubbabel, like David (see Jer.30.9; Ezek.24.23-24; Hosea 3.5 etc.) will have a role in the coming kingdom. Having shaken "the heavens and the earth," and overthrown "the strength of the kingdoms," God will establish His kingdom, in which Zerubbabel will have an important place. This brings us to:
"in that day will I take thee … and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts." Past faithfulness would bring future reward. Notice the sovereignty of God. He chooses and places His servants. See 1Cor.12.18. The faithfulness of Zerubbabel must be contrasted with the unfaithfulness of his grandfather, Jehoiachin (Coniah): "as I live, saith the Lord, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence," Jer.22.24. Now the sentence is reversed. ‘The signet ring, engraved with the king's seal, was used to endorse all official documents (see Esth.8.10). It was so precious that, to guard against theft, it was usually worn on the king's person.’ (J. G. Baldwin). The words, "I … will make thee as a signet," therefore emphasise the security of Zerubbabel, the closeness of his relationship with God, and the importance of his future role. A signet conveys the authority of its owner. How much do we convey the authority of our divine Master? A signet was used to make an impression. Are we making an impression for the Lord Jesus?
It is immensely satisfying to read that both Haggai and Zechariah saw positive results from their ministry: "And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia," Ezra 6.14.
Will there be positive results in OUR lives as a result of Haggai's preaching?
—(Concluded)