Haggai 2:23

‘On that day,’ declares the Lord of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ ” declares the Lord of hosts.^[1]

What are we to make of this last prophetic utterance of Haggai? It appears, in exegetical terms, to be prophesy gone wrong because on the surface it seems to point to the restoration of the Davidic royal line accompanied by the overthrown of Gentile nations. An examination of history makes it clear that none of that happened as Haggai envisioned it. In fact, not very long after Haggai’s prophecy is given Zerrubbabel disappears from the scene and is not heard from again. History does not tell us of Zerrubbabel’s fate. We do not know whether he was removed as governor by the Persians, died in office, or just moved off into obscurity. We do see his name mentioned, along with Joshua son of Jehozadak, mentioned in gratitude for the construction of the temple in intertestamental material. So, what are we to make of this last prophetic utterance of Haggai?

There is another way of looking at this verse that makes far better sense and holds some value for us today. Haggai may not have been aware of it but his prophecy had far greater impact on the whole of humanity than he could have imagined. “Haggai’s promises given to Zerubbabel, while true of him in a limited way, find their ultimate expression in a greater Zerubbabel who was to come.”^[2] If you look at the genealogies of Jesus in both Matthew and Luke you will see that Zerubbabel is mentioned in the messianic line. So Haggai’s prophecy was not false, but it was delayed and we are the benefactors of that promise. Haggai could not have known what God would ultimately do. He could only speak what God gave him to speak, but over time his words would help validate and authenticate the promise of restoration that find fulfillment in Christ Jesus.

The promises God gives today are not always for today. Sometimes they may very well be for generations yet unborn. The writer of Hebrews says of the past heroes of the faith, “And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:39). Yet still Zerubbabel was commended for accomplishing what had been assigned to him. What will history say about us?

Lord Jesus, thank You leaving such an incredible legacy that has enabled us to chart an easier path. Thank You for heroes of the faith who have gone before paving the way for us to follow. Help us to be more appreciative of their lives and example, and motivate us to desire to walk in their shoes to the extent that we leave a legacy for our children’s children and generations to come. While everyone focuses on wills and bequests help us to leave a lasting legacy that will survive the course of time and never be spent. So then let us live our lives that our descendants may indeed rise up one day and call us blessed. This we ask in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

^[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Hag 2:23.

^[2] Richard A. Taylor and E. Ray Clendenen, Haggai, Malachi (vol. 21A; The New American Commentary; Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2004), 200.