Prophecy given on the same day

The third and fourth messages were given on the same day (the 24th day of the 9th month; ref. 2:10). Up to the third message, they were given to Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, but the fourth message is spoken only to Zerubbabel. “Speak to Zerubbabel governor of Judah, saying, ‘I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. And I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots and their riders, and the horses and their riders will go down, every one by the sword of another’” (v 21-22). (1) The phrase “shake the heavens and the earth” appears here, and it was already mentioned in 2:6. This phrase prophesies the Great Tribulation before the fulfillment of the Messianic Kingdom. (2) At that time, the Antichrist will be overthrown (“I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms”), and the armies of the Antichrist will be defeated. This will be fulfilled in the battle of Armageddon.

A signet ring

It is written, “‘“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” (v 23). (1) Great words of encouragement were spoken to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah. He is called “My servant Zerubbabel” and receives the promise, “I have chosen you.” (2) A “signet ring” refers to the king’s seal, used when signing official documents – a “seal of authority” (ref. Esther 8:8). The king’s signet ring is worn on his finger and does not leave him. (3) Like that signet ring, God will treat Zerubbabel in a special way and will not depart from him. In the Messianic Kingdom, under the reign of Christ as King, there will be both a Jewish government and a Gentile government. Within the Jewish government, multiple rulers (princes) will be appointed (ref. Isa. 32:1; Ezek. 45:8). The resurrected Zerubbabel will be one of those rulers. Zerubbabel, who was in the midst of trials, was given a promise concerning the distant future, and by that word of blessing he was greatly blessed. Trials also come in the Christian life. However, God gives words of encouragement to the saints who are placed in the midst of trials. Blessed are those who see the light of hope in tomorrow. Blessed are those who have the hope of life after death.