“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” (Haggai 2:23 ESV).
Haggai, the prophet of Judah’s post-exilic period, wrote to the remnant who had returned from Babylonian captivity and were struggling to rebuild the temple amid discouragement and opposition. In this final word of the book, the LORD addressed Zerubbabel, the Davidic governor of Judah, calling him “my servant” and declaring him chosen. The LORD used the image of a signet ring—a symbol of royal authority, legitimacy, and personal ownership—to announce that His purposes had not been abandoned despite judgment and exile. Zerubbabel stood at a decisive crossroads: behind him lay the judgment of exile and the fall of David’s throne; before him lay the hope of restoration and God’s unbroken covenant promises. Though Zerubbabel would never reign as king, the LORD affirmed that a “day” was coming when One from his Davidic line would. This promise reached beyond Zerubbabel himself, as his name later appeared in both genealogies of Jesus in Matthew (Matt. 1:12-13) and Luke (Luke 3:27), confirming that God preserved the royal line and fulfilled His promise in Christ, the true Son of David and chosen King.
We can trust the Lord to keep His promises. Even when our circumstances reflect loss, delay, or apparent failure, the Lord remains faithful to what He has spoken. Even though we may not see it now, God is still at work, accomplishing His purposes and moving history toward fulfillment in Christ. We are reminded that our hope does not rest in immediate outcomes or visible success, but in God’s sovereign plan fulfilled in Jesus. When we feel insignificant, overlooked, or forgotten, we can trust that the Father is still shaping our story for His glory and our good. Because Christ is the true Signet Ring—the chosen King who bears God’s authority—we can live with confidence, obedience, and perseverance, holding fast to Him with hope.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we praise You for Your faithfulness to Your promises. Thank You for reminding us that You are always at work, even when restoration seems slow in coming. Help us to trust Your plan and fix our hope on Jesus, the true Son of David and our chosen King. Strengthen our faith as we wait on His return and live for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.