Haggai 2:23
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts. In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.
The verse is God's personal assurance to Zerubbabel, the leader of Judah and Israel, whom He calls His chosen servant. The promise to him was given on the day blessings were promised to Israel for their faith and willing obedience. To be made as a signet means to be made precious to God, honored and preserved as a valued possession like a precious jewel. The verse also declares that the enemies of God's people would be cast down.
What was promised to Zerubbabel applies to every faithful servant, to every true-hearted worker whose life is hid with Christ in God and who lives wholly for Him and for Christ, and to God's children in every age. The verse assures such workers that while struggling against great odds, hardship, and opposition they will not be left alone or overcome.
The promise helped Zerubbabel understand that God had purposefully led him through years of trial and perplexity, and it teaches that God uses discipline and affliction to humble His people, reveal their weakness, draw them nearer to Him, and strengthen them to serve and suffer for Him. Through this refining process they become like polished jewels that reflect Christ's character and bring honor to God, so that even severe trials can give them new value and brightness, and if they could see the end from the beginning they would recognize the glory of God's purposeful leading.