Zechariah

Haggai 2:20–23. Why Was Zerubbabel Compared to a “Signet Ring”?

"Jehovah made Zerubbabel like a signet-ring, which is inseparable from its possessor; that is to say, He gave him a position in which he would be and remain inseparably connected with Him (Jehovah), would therefore not cast him off, but take care of him as His valuable possession.” (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 10:2:213–14.)

Zerubbabel was the (Persian) governor in Judah, and had no doubt been selected for this office because he was prince of Judah [Ezra 1:8], and as son of Shealtiel was a descendant of the family of David [see Haggai 1:1].

Jehovah had chosen Zerubbabel as His servant. With these words the Messianic promise made to David was transferred to Zerubbabel and his family among David’s descendants, and would be fulfilled in his person in just the same way as the promise given to David, that God would make him the highest among the kings of the earth [Psalm 89:27].

The fulfilment culminates in Jesus Christ, the son of David and descendant of Zerubbabel [Matthew 1:12; Luke 3:27], in whom Zerubbabel was made the signet-ring of Jehovah.



In Zechariah 3:2 it asks the question, is not (Israel) a brand plucked out of the fire?

This is “perhaps a proverbial expression. Israel as a nation had been rescued from the furnace of Babylon . . . to become a torch to enlighten the nations.” (Guthrie and Motyer, New Bible Commentary, p. 791.)

How have your afflictions helped you become a better example? Or, how have other's good example come because they were able to overcome affliction. Write in your journal ways in which you can be a better example to others.