Haggai 2:20-23

The Prophecy (vv. 21-22)

Unlike the previous prophecies that were addressed to the king and the priest, this one was only addressed to the king

This is because the promises of the prophecy have a royal fulfillment only, not priestly

Once again we see the imagery of the heaven and earth being shaken -> a warning of impending violence

The judgment of God is noted to be a cataclysmic affair (the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, Egyptian plagues, Mk. 13:8, 2 Pet. 3:5-7)

The security of nations would be brought down by the hand of God, as He had done before (Gen. 19:25, Is. 13:19)

v. 22 is an echo of the song of Moses, and it seems to be intentional (Ex. 15:1, 4, 19, 21)

The strength of nations and security of mighty militaries is nothing before the Lord of hosts (Lord of heavenly armies - 2 Kings 6:12-23)

This whole affair mirrors the Exodus of Egypt, as was foretold by the prophets (Hos. 2:14-23)

God’s Signet Ring (v. 23)

Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel -> an introduction that deserves consideration

Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel -> this shows that he comes from the lineage of David and thus benefits from the Davidic kingdom

my servant -> this indicates that it is more than birthright, but obedience! -> also reminiscent of David, who was frequently called “my servant”

Obedience was still a requirement (Jer. 22:24-25)

A signet ring was an emblem of ownership and authority -> Zerubbabel was God’s stamp of divine authority

God took, made, and chose Zerubbabel for this task -> the divine authority came from God, not Zerubbabel

God’s point was that He was restoring the Davidic line of promise

This is a turning point from total captivity to some sense of autonomy to return to God

This is the Declaration of the Lord of Hosts (v. 23)

The book of Haggai is a book of restoration through obedience to the instructions of God

There was nothing for Judah to figure out, just instructions to follow

While we cannot reverse our condition (change our fortunes, so to speak), we serve a God who can

The Lord of Hosts who moves for those who love Him (Rom. 8:28)!