Devotions this week based on The Prophets Week 10 – Haggai (WATCH HERE)
“‘On that day,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel… and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you.’” — Haggai 2:23
The most important ring I ever purchased was almost 30 years ago now when I bought the engagement ring and wedding ring for my wife. While it wasn’t big or spectacular, it was and is a sign of my commitment to her, and by her willingness to wear it, her commitment to me. I wouldn’t just give this ring to anyone. I gave it to her because I love her. I trust her. I value her.
Me giving this ring to my wife was a big deal. God making Zerubbabel at the end of Haggai his signet ring was a huge deal. God gives Zerubbable, the governor of Judah, who faced uncertainty in the midst of rebuilding the temple and reestablishing the nation of Israel, this personal and prophetic promise: “I will make you like my signet ring.”
A signet ring symbolized royal authority and identity. It was the king’s seal that validated decrees. God was saying, “Zerubbabel, you represent My covenant faithfulness.”
Now why was this a big deal? Just before the people of Judah were taken by the Babylonians, the Lord spoke through the prophet Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 22:24 “As surely as I live,” declares the Lord, “even if you, Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on my right hand, I would still pull you off. 25 I will hand you over to those who seek your life, those you fear—to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to the Babylonians.
The leaders of Judah had so strayed from the Lord, that there was little willingness of the Lord to entrust his kingdom and power to the earthly leaders. Historically, Zerubbabel never became king. He remained a governor under the Persian rule. However, the Lord had greater significance in this prophecy:
Matthew 1:12 After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, …and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
This prophecy pointed beyond Zerubbabel to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ — the true Son of David (Matthew 1:12–16).
Where God once said of Zerubbabel’s ancestor Jehoiachin, “Even if you were a signet ring on My right hand, I would pull you off” (Jeremiah 22:24), now He restores that honor in Zerubbabel’s line. Through Jesus, God’s authority and presence would again dwell among His people forever.
So the book that began with a ruined temple ends with a royal promise: God will complete His redemptive work. And he did in the person and work of Jesus Christ!
Apply: Haggai ends not with fear but with faith. God’s plans are never abandoned. He completes what He begins. When life feels unstable, remember: your security rests in His covenant, not your circumstances. When you doubt God’s plan, look to Christ, the true Signet Ring who carries divine authority and guarantees our future glory.
Prayer: Sovereign Lord, thank You that Your promises never fail. You chose Zerubbabel as a sign of restoration and fulfilled that promise through Jesus, Your Son. Seal my heart with Your Spirit and remind me that in Christ, I am secure, chosen, and part of Your eternal plan. Amen.