The Pulpit Commentary on Haggai 2:20-23

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The final message.

We gather from this last recorded message of this prophet, and addressed to Zerubbabel—

I. THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF JUDGING RESPECTING THE FUTURE FROM PRESENT APPEARANCES. The seer referred to coming commotions and upheavings in national life (Haggai 2:21, Haggai 2:22); but at the time he gave utterance to these intimations all was peace and tranquillity. Rawlinson refers to the Persian empire as spreading over two millions of square miles, or more than half of modern Europe, and this vast power was at this time unassailed. In the opening vision of Zechariah, having reference to this time, the representation made was, "Behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest" (Zechariah 1:11). We cannot forecast the future; we know not what a day may bring forth.

II. THE RECOGNITION OF GOD IN THE OVERTHROW OF NATIONS. Repeatedly in verses 21, 22, the Most High refers to his own action in the convulsions and revolutions to take place. "I will shake," etc. Whilst civil broils and contentions and military conflicts contribute to the effecting of such desolation, these are but agents unconsciously fulfilling the Divine behests. "The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth;" "He changeth the times and the seasons:he removeth kings and setteth up kings" (Daniel 2:21); "This is the finger of God."

III. THE SECURITY AMIDST ALL THESE CHANGES OF SUCH AS ARE TRULY CONSECRATED TO THE SERVICE OF THE LORD. (Verse 23.) The signet ring was a precious token. It was worn by the Eastern prince on one of the fingers of his right hand, and was prized by him above all things. The symbol, as used here, suggests that Zerubbabel the prince, who had so faithfully fuifilled his trust, should be loved and cared for by God; that the Lord would cherish him even as the signet ring was cherished by its owner. Zerubbabel is regarded by some as a symbolical character, as typical of Christ, the Prince of Peace, who was to come; and such regard this assurance addressed to him as having its application to the Messiah, and as setting forth the Divine Father's delight in him. The emblem may be still further extended in its application. All true and loyal hearts are cared for by him as his chosen ones, and he will preserve them unto his everlasting kingdom.—S.D.H.

HOMILIES BY D. THOMAS

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Haggai 2:1-23EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Haggai 2:20-23The Lord will preserve Zerubbabel and the people of Judah, amidst their enemies. Here is also foretold the establishment and continuance of the kingdom of Christ; by union with whom his people are sealed with the Holy G…Matthew Henry commentaryEncouraging Promises; A Promise to Zerubbabel. (b. c. 520.)ENCOURAGING PROMISES; A PROMISE TO ZERUBBABEL. (B. C. 520.) After Haggai's sermon ad populum—to the people, here follows one, the same day, ad magistratum—to the magistrates, a word directed particularly to Zerubbabel,…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Haggai 2:20-23Terrible revolutions. "And again the word of the Lord came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying, Speak to Zerubbabel, Governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth; and I wi…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Haggai 2:20Temporal blessings had been promised to the people generally; now spiritual blessings are announced to Zerubbabel as the head of the nation and the representative of the house of David. And again; and a second time; ἐκ…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Haggai 2:20-23Part V. THE FOURTH ADDRESS: PROMISE OF THE RESTORATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID, WHEN THE STORM BURSTS ON THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Haggai 2:21Zerubbabel (see note on Haggai 1:1). I will shake the heavens and the earth. He repeats the prediction of Haggai 2:6 in this chapter (where see note). This is the general statement, expanded and explained in the next ve…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Haggai 2:22I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. No events in Zerubbabel's time satisfied this prediction, which waits for its fulfilment in the Messianic age (Luke 1:52). "The throne" is used distributively for "every throne o…Joseph S. Exell and contributors