Third Millennium Study Bible
Notes on Haggai 2:20-23

Message: A New Leader - Haggai 2:20-23

In Haggai 2:20-23, we observe that when the returnees faced threats from armies on every side, the Lord promised to eliminate the power of the nations (Hag 2:20-22) and to exalt his own Davidic prince, Israel's ruler, the Servant of the Lord (Hag 2:23).

Conquering of the Nations - Haggai 2:20-22

Haggai receives another message. The date: December 18, 520 B.C (Hag 2:20; cf. Hag 2:10-14). A great war against the returnees had been predicted (e.g., Ezek 38:2; Zech 14:13). Haggai announced the blessing of the defeat of these enemy nations if Israel would be faithful. God would enter into a holy war against his enemies and emerge victorious (Hag 2:22). The military and political powers of the nations would finally submit to his lordship (cf. Dan 2:44; 7:27). The disobedience of the restored community eliminated them as a threat to other nations and rendered them powerless against the Greeks and Romans. It was not until Christ that the victory offered here began to be fulfilled.

Enthronement of David's Son - Haggai 2:23

Victory over enemies would come through the family of David. Reference is made to "on that day." This prophetic expression describes the time of God's judgment and salvation. Here the immediate focus is on enemies gathering against the returnees, but this promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ in the day of final judgment (2 Pet 3:10; Rev 18:8).

Zerubbabel was God's chosen representative to accomplish his work. Isaiah spoke of a greater servant who would come, one whom Zerubbabel foreshadowed (Isa 42:10). Jesus is the perfect descendant of Zerubbabel (Matt 1:12) and the final, royal Servant of God (Act 4:27, 30). MacKay states, "In its genealogy of Christ, Luke 3:27 lists 'Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri' and traces the line back through Nathan, one of David's sons." The "signet ring" was a symbol of authority and power. Verhoef says, "The seal or signet ring (Heb.hotam) was a symbol of authority. All official documents were authorized with the king's seal (cf. Esth. 8:10). In 1 Kings 21:8 Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal, thus endowing them with the authority of the king himself." Jeremiah 22:24 uses the term to refer to one who is precious to God.

Once again, in this book we have seen magnificent scriptural truths that are consistent with the great cry of the Reformation:

Sola Fide (by faith alone)
Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone)
Solus Christus (through Christ alone)
Sola Gratia (by grace alone)
Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone)

Related Resources

• The Plan of the Ages: Are We in the Last Days?
• The Covenants of Works and Grace: What Is Covenant Theology?
• Covenant Curse Types and Restorative Blessings