On the same day, Haggai received a word that was apparently just for Zerubbabel.

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          "On that day...I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel... and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you," declares the Lord Almighty” (Hag 2:23).

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           The signet ring is a brilliant image, for it solves the problem of holiness raised in Haggai’s previous oracle.  Only a direct touch (as with the ring) from the Lord communicates holiness.  Thus Zerubbabel, chosen and filled by the Lord, will be able to touch others with the touch that cleanses defilement and turns futility into blessing.

         

Many have concluded that Haggai believed that Zerubbabel was, or would become, the Messiah.  Zechariah also speaks of a special role for Zerubbabel (Zech 4:1-14), though he identifies Joshua, the high priest, as "the Branch" (Zech 6:11-13).

         

We don’t know what happened to Zerubbabel, but Jesus' parents, Joseph and Mary, were descended from him (Matt 1:12, Luke 3:27).  He brought both the Presence and Holiness of God among men.