Like a Signet Ring

By: Lisa Hodgins

Friday, August 28, 2026

“‘On that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Haggai 2:23

In the book of Haggai, the Lord confronted the Israelites for failing to rebuild His temple. Then, He rebuked them for focusing on themselves and living in ornate houses. The Lord's message stirred their hearts, and they came together to start rebuilding the Lord's temple.

But the slow progress discouraged some people, especially those who had seen the previous temple's glory. God encouraged them to keep working by giving them a glimpse of the future, "The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house," says the Lord Almighty. Haggai 2:9

Then the Lord reminded the people their promised blessings had been withheld because their hearts had turned away from serving Him. When God saw the change in their hearts, He restored their promised blessings. In our opening verse (Haggai 2:23) God chose Zerubbabel to be His "signet ring." A signet ring was an engraved personal seal that was used to authenticate documents, and it represented the leader's power and authority. To compare Zerubbabel to a signet ring was an honor, and it meant God had anointed Zerubbabel with His authority.

So, what can you and I learn from these verses?

1. Our blessings will be withheld if we get out of God's will.
2. Our hearts and lives must be completely surrendered to God.
3. No matter what we've done, God will restore us if we'll repent and return to Him.

He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21–22

Jesus put His seal of ownership on our lives, not with a signet ring, with the Holy Spirit! But discouragement can still set in, even when we're following Jesus and serving the Lord. If you get discouraged, remember God's promises and remember His faithfulness. Trust God, He will provide everything that is necessary to accomplish His purposes!

Christ follower, keep doing the work God has called you to, and make sure you do it with a pure heart. He has chosen you, and He has a unique purpose for your life. Trust Him, remain faithful, and ask Him to continue His work within you. Always keep eternity in mind, but consider how you can help God expand His kingdom while you are here.

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:58, Romans 12:1