"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[c] signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”
Haggai 2:20-23
We must never forget, in our studies in the Old Testament, that alongside the immense and sometimes bewildering variety of its writings - history, prophecy, wisdom - there is one overriding and unifying theme throughout - the history and development of the messianic promise and hope; and we have a duty, if we are to understand the post-exilic scriptures aright, to set them in this particular context, and see the contribution that those of Zerubbabel's and Ezra's day and generation were to make in that ongoing development. This has a twofold significance in relation to how we interpret and understand these verses before us. On the one hand, we need to see that the great need is ever that God's people should be faithful to the tasks committed to them, and be determined to fulfil them with all their might, in the knowledge and confidence that in so doing they will be furthering the divine purposes in the world. To this end, God is not slow to give His people every encouragement. Zerubbabel, their leader, is given here a firm assurance that, notwithstanding all the opposition directed at him for exhorting the people to start rebuilding (cf Ezra 5:4), God would give him His special protection. This is the point of the reference to the signet ring - God would take care of him as of a valuable possession, and never let him out of His sight. What a wonderful encouragement to a man under pressure! And may not all His chosen ones confidently rely on the same guardian care (cf Isaiah 54:17)?