Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’On that day,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” New Living Translation “But when this happens, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, I will honor you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will make you like a signet ring on my finger, says the LORD, for I have chosen you. I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” English Standard Version 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.” Berean Standard Bible On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will take you, My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts.” Berean Literal Bible On that day, a declaration of YHWH of Hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant, a declaration of YHWH, and will set you as a signet ring, for I have chosen you, a declaration of YHWH of Hosts.” King James Bible In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts. New King James Version ‘In that day,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the LORD, ‘and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the LORD of hosts.” New American Standard Bible ‘On that day,’ declares the LORD of armies, ‘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 armies. NASB 1995 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. NASB 1977 ‘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. Legacy Standard Bible ‘On that day,’ declares Yahweh of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares Yahweh, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’” declares Yahweh of hosts. Amplified Bible On that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you [through the Messiah, your descendant] like a signet ring, for I have chosen you [as the one with whom to renew My covenant to David’s line],’” declares the LORD of hosts. Berean Annotated Bible On that day, declares the LORD {YHWH} of Hosts, I will take you, My servant, Zerubbabel (sown in Babylon) son of Shealtiel (I have asked of God), declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts. Christian Standard Bible On that day”—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies—“I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“and make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you.” This is the declaration of the LORD of Armies. Holman Christian Standard Bible On that day"—this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts—"I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant"—this is the LORD’s declaration—"and make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you.” This is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts. American Standard Version In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith Jehovah, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith Jehovah of hosts. Contemporary English Version But tell my servant Zerubbabel that I, the LORD All-Powerful, have chosen him, and he will rule in my name. English Revised Version In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts. GOD'S WORD® Translation On that day, declares the LORD of Armies, I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel (son of Shealtiel), declares the LORD. I will make you like a signet ring, because I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Armies.'" Good News Translation On that day I will take you, Zerubbabel my servant, and I will appoint you to rule in my name. You are the one I have chosen." The LORD Almighty has spoken. International Standard Version On that day,' declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, 'I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,' declares the LORD, 'and I will set you in place like a signet ring. For I have chosen you,' declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies." NET Bible On that day,' says the LORD who rules over all, 'I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant,' says the LORD, 'and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,' says the LORD who rules over all." New Heart English Bible In that day, says the LORD of hosts, will I take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says the LORD, 'and will make you as a signet, for I have chosen you,' says the LORD of hosts." Webster's Bible Translation In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will take you, My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts.” World English Bible In that day, says Yahweh of Armies, I will take you, Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says Yahweh, ‘and will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ says Yahweh of Armies.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIn that day,” a declaration of YHWH of Hosts, "" “I take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “And have set you as a signet, "" For I have fixed on you,” "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts! Berean Literal Bible On that day, a declaration of YHWH of Hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant, a declaration of YHWH, and will set you as a signet ring, for I have chosen you, a declaration of YHWH of Hosts.” Young's Literal Translation In that day -- an affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts, I take thee, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant -- an affirmation of Jehovah, And have set thee as a signet, for on thee I have fixed, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts! Smith's Literal Translation In that day, says Jehovah of armies, I will take thee, O Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, my servant, says Jehovah, and I set thee as a seal; for I chose in thee, says Jehovah of armies. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIn that day, saith the Lord of hosts, I will take thee, O Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, my servant, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a signet, for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible On that day—oracle of the LORD of hosts—I will take you, my servant, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel—oracle of the LORD—and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you—oracle of the LORD of hosts. New Revised Standard Version On that day, says the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, son of Shealtiel, says the LORD, and make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOn that day, says the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the LORD, and I will make you as a signet; for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated In that day, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts, I shall take you, Zorobabel, son of Salathiel my Servant, says LORD JEHOVAH: I shall set you as a seal, because I have chosen you, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, My servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.' Brenton Septuagint Translation In that day, saith the Lord Almighty, I will take thee, O Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, my servant, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a seal: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord Almighty. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Zerubbabel the LORD's Signet Ring…22I will overturn royal thrones and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overturn chariots and their riders; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother. 23On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will take you, My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts.” Cross References On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, Zechariah 12:3 On that day, when all the nations of the earth gather against her, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who would heave it away will be severely injured. Zechariah 14:9 On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone. Isaiah 2:11 The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. I will take you, 2 Samuel 7:8 Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. Ezekiel 36:24 For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land. Isaiah 41:9 I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Ezra 3:2 Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. Matthew 1:12 After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Luke 3:27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, declares the LORD, Jeremiah 23:31 “Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’” Zechariah 1:3 So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ and I will make you like My signet ring, Jeremiah 22:24-25 “As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “even if you, Coniah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on My right hand, I would pull you off. / In fact, I will hand you over to those you dread, who want to take your life—to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to the Chaldeans. Genesis 41:42 Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. Esther 8:2 The king removed the signet ring he had recovered from Haman and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the estate of Haman. for I have chosen you, Psalm 89:3-4 You said, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: / ‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’” Selah Isaiah 42:1 “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. Treasury of Scripture In that day, said the LORD of hosts, will I take you, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, said the LORD, and will make you as a signet: for I have chosen you, said the LORD of hosts. O Zerubbabel. and will. Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Jeremiah 22:24 As I live, saith the LORD, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence; John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. for. Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Isaiah 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. Isaiah 49:1-3 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name… Jump to Previous Affirmation Armies Chosen Declares Fixed Hosts Jewelled Ring Servant Shealtiel She-Al'ti-El Signet Zerubbabel Zerub'babelJump to Next Affirmation Armies Chosen Declares Fixed Hosts Jewelled Ring Servant Shealtiel She-Al'ti-El Signet Zerubbabel Zerub'babelHaggai 2 1. He encourages the people to the work, 4. by promise of greater glory to the second temple than was in the first. 10. In the type of holy things and unclean he shows their sins hindered the work. 20. God's promise to Zerubbabel. On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, This phrase indicates a specific time appointed by God, often associated with significant divine intervention or fulfillment of prophecy. The "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, often used in contexts where God is acting as a divine warrior or protector of His people. This phrase sets the stage for a momentous event in the divine timeline. I will take you, My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts.” Persons / Places / Events 1. ZerubbabelA governor of Judah and a descendant of David, Zerubbabel played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. His leadership is seen as a continuation of the Davidic line. 2. Shealtiel The father of Zerubbabel, mentioned in the genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, linking Zerubbabel to the Messianic line. 3. The LORD of Hosts A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority. 4. Signet Ring A symbol of authority and authenticity. In ancient times, a signet ring was used to seal documents, signifying the owner's approval and authority. 5. The Day Refers to a future time of fulfillment and divine intervention, often associated with messianic expectations and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceGod chooses individuals for His purposes, as seen in His selection of Zerubbabel. This reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, and He equips those He calls. Symbol of Authority The signet ring symbolizes authority and identity in God. As believers, we are called to represent Christ in the world, carrying His authority and message. Restoration and Hope God's promise to Zerubbabel signifies restoration and hope. In times of discouragement, we can trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Messianic Fulfillment Zerubbabel's role points to the coming of Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. This encourages us to look forward to the complete establishment of God's kingdom. Empowerment by the Spirit Just as Zerubbabel was empowered to rebuild the temple, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's work in our lives and communities. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Haggai 2:23?2. How does Haggai 2:23 highlight God's sovereignty in choosing leaders? 3. What does being God's "signet ring" signify about Zerubbabel's role and authority? 4. How does Haggai 2:23 connect to God's promises to David's lineage? 5. In what ways can we trust God's selection of leaders today? 6. How can you embody being chosen by God in your daily life? 7. What does Haggai 2:23 reveal about God's choice of Zerubbabel as a signet ring? 8. How does Haggai 2:23 emphasize the theme of divine authority and leadership? 9. Why is Zerubbabel significant in the context of Haggai 2:23 and biblical prophecy? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Haggai 2? 11. How is Zerubbabel symbolized as a signet ring? 12. What is Zerubbabel's significance to the Second Temple? 13. Who was Zerubbabel in the Bible? 14. In Jeremiah 33:17, it says David will never lack a man on his throne—how is this reconciled with the historical fall of David’s dynasty? What Does Haggai 2:23 Mean On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts• “On that day” points forward to a specific moment of divine intervention. Earlier in Haggai 2:6-7 the LORD promised to “shake the heavens and the earth,” reminding us of future upheaval and ultimate restoration (cf. Isaiah 13:13; Hebrews 12:26-27). • “LORD of Hosts” highlights God’s sovereign command over angelic armies, underscoring His ability to fulfill every promise (cf. Psalm 46:7; Isaiah 54:5). • The phrase anchors Zerubbabel’s hope—and ours—in God’s unstoppable plan, not in human strength. I will take you • God personally pledges, “I will take you,” echoing moments when He singled out leaders for decisive tasks (cf. Exodus 3:10; 1 Kings 19:16). • This assures Zerubbabel that the Lord Himself is seizing initiative, lifting him from obscurity amid Persian rule. • For believers today, it underscores that God still takes hold of willing vessels to advance His purposes (cf. Philippians 2:13). My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD • Calling Zerubbabel “My servant” links him with Davidic and Messianic language (2 Samuel 7:5; Isaiah 42:1). • Zerubbabel, a governor rather than a king, nevertheless carries royal lineage from David through Jeconiah (Matthew 1:12-13). • By naming him, God affirms individual worth and covenant continuity even in post-exile weakness (cf. Zechariah 4:6-10). and I will make you like My signet ring • A signet ring bore the king’s seal, investing the wearer with his authority (Genesis 41:42; Esther 8:8). • This reverses God’s earlier word about Jeconiah: “though Coniah… were a signet ring on My right hand, yet I would pull you off” (Jeremiah 22:24). Now the Davidic line is reinstated through Zerubbabel. • The promise anticipates Christ, the ultimate Son of David who bears all authority (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 5:5). for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts • Divine election undergirds every previous phrase. God’s choice is free, gracious, and irrevocable (Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Romans 11:29). • Zerubbabel’s chosenness safeguards the messianic line, leading to Jesus, “the cornerstone chosen and precious” (1 Peter 2:4). • Because the LORD of Hosts chooses, no earthly empire can thwart His redemptive agenda (cf. Daniel 2:44). summary God promises a decisive day when He will personally elevate Zerubbabel, His chosen servant of David’s line, restoring royal authority symbolized by the signet ring. This assurance of divine election and authority, set amid cosmic shaking, points beyond Zerubbabel to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment who carries heaven’s seal and secures an unshakable kingdom for all who trust Him. (23) Signet.--On the figure of the signet-ring applied to one on whom confidence and affection are bestowed, see Song of Solomon 8:6; Jeremiah 22:24.Verse 23. - In that day. When the heathen nations of the earth are overthrown, Israel shall be safe, and be the more exalted by the Divine favour and protection. Will I take. The verb simply serves to introduce the following act as one of importance, and does not signify, "take under my protection" (comp. Deuteronomy 4:20; 2 Kings 14:21; Keil). My servant. An honourable title used especially of David (1 Kings 11:13, etc.; Jeremiah 33:21, etc.), and his future successors (Ezekiel 34:23, etc.; Ezekiel 37:24). Make thee as a signet. I will make thee most precious in my sight (comp. Song of Solomon 8:6). Among Orientals the signet ring was an article of great importance and value (see Revelation 5:1; Revelation 9:4; and 'Dict. of the Bible,' art. "Seal"). The allusion is particularly appropriate here, because Zerubbabel is set at the head of the nation in the place of his grandfather (?) Jeconiah, whose rejection from the monarchy had been couched in these terms: "As I live, saith the Lord, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim King of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence" (Jeremiah 22:24). The Son of Sirach, in his praise of great men, refers to this premise," How shall we magnify Zorobabel? even he was as a signet on the right hand" (Ecclus. 49:11). The signet, too, is the sign of authority (Genesis 41:42; Esther 3:10); so Zerubbabel has authority delegated to him from God, the type of him who said, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" (Matthew 11:27). "The true Zerubbabel, i.e. Christ, the Son and Antitype of Zerubbabel, is the signet in the hand of the Father, both passively and actively, whereby God impresses his own majesty, thought, and words, and his own image, on men, angels, and all creatures" (Corn. a Lapide ap. Pusey). I have chosen thee. This is not a personal assurance only to Zerubbabel, for neither he nor his natural seed reigned in Jerusalem, or rose to any special eminence in the kingdoms of this world. The fulfilment must be looked for in his spiritual progeny and in Christ. Promises are often made in Scripture to individuals which are accomplished only in their descendants; witness those made to Abraham and the other patriarchs, the prophecies of Jacob to his sons, and many others of a similar nature in the Old Testament, Those large promises made to David in old time, that his seed should endure forever, that hie throne should be as the sun before God (Psalm 89:36, 37; 2 Samuel 7:16), were now passed on to Zerubbabel and to his line, because of him was to spring Messiah, in whom alone these wide predictions find their fulfilment, "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:32, 33). |
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