Jesus, hidden in the signet ring on God’s right hand

“‘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.”” (Haggai 2:23, NKJV)

Haggai brought a prophecy to Zerubbabel that he will become chosen as a signet ring of God. The promise that God makes to Zerubbabel here has special reference to Christ, who lineally descended from Zerubbabel.

If we consider the meanings of the name in verse 23, we find Zerubbabel that means, “son, prince of the captivity, heir or prince of Judah” and Shealtiel that means “asked for of God”.

In these names we find the picture of Jesus’ sacrifice as God’s son that was asked for of God to die for our sins.

Then, let’s look at the similarities between Zerubbabel and Jesus:

God calls Zerubbabel His servant. Jesus was God’s servant in the work of redemption on the cross, but Jesus was not only God’s servant, but also His Son who remained faithful to His calling until its completion. (Isaiah 42:1)

Zerubbabel was owned as God’s elect: I have chosen thee to this office; and whom God makes choice of, He will make use of. Jesus Christ was also chosen by God.

“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 2:4-5, NKJV)

Part of the promise to Zerubbabel is that as a chosen one by God, God will make him as a signet ring. God’s authority will be vested in him and where he acts he will be like God’s seal on whatever was done. God entrusts him with His dominion. He was to replace Jeconiah (which means whom Jehovah establishes) who was the signet ring on God’s right hand.

A signet is a symbol for a seal which ratifies the commission of a king. Jesus is the seal of God’s commission for giving us a new life, salvation in Christ so that we can sit with Jesus at God’s right hand today.

Zerubbabel was near and dear to God. He was precious in God’s sight. He was honorable and his family will spring forth and continue until the Messiah will come as the true signet on God’s right hand. All signets prior to Jesus were shadows of the true signet to come.

The signet is an illustration of Jesus as the signet on God’s right hand, the delight which God, the Father has in Jesus as His Son to whom He has given all authority and all power is given by Him. It is a sign that the Father is well pleased in Jesus. He is set as a seal upon his heart and a seal upon his arm that is brought near to him (Daniel 7:13), hidden in the shadow of his hand.

“…The LORD has called Me from the womb…In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft…”” (Isaiah 49:1-2 NKJV)

Through Jesus, the gospel of grace has been signed and ratified and it is in Christ that all the promises of God is yes and amen. Today, we have the Holy Spirit as God’s seal in us in which the power of God is vested in us.

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 1:20-22, NKJV)

Maretha Retief

Illustration by Jeanne de Villiers