Overthrown Kingdoms Haggai 2:22

For one last time, the LORD spoke to Zerubbabel on the twenty-fourth day of the second year of Darius' reign, and in chapter two and verse twenty-two of Haggai's prophesy the LORD promised Zerubbabel he would “overthrow the throne of kingdoms” where we read:

And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

The verse begins, “And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen;” Haggai began with the phrase, “And I will overthrow” or “turn, overthrow, change or transform” “the throne” which refers to “the seat and stool and royal dignity, authority and power” “of kingdoms” which means “dominion, reign, sovereignty and realm”, “and I will destroy” or “exterminate, be destroyed, annihilate and be devastated” “the strength” which means “power” “of the kingdoms” or “dominions, reigns, sovereignties and realms” “of the heathen” which refers to “nations and peoples”. The LORD's promise was to “overthrow” all the opposing nations, peoples and their “strengths”.

The verse goes on to say, “and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.” Haggai continued, “and I will overthrow” or “turn, overthrow, turn about or turn around” “the chariots” which refers to “war carriage, rig or horse-drawn vehicle”, “and those that ride” which means “mount, sit or draw” “in them; and the horses” or “swallow and swift such as chariot horses” “and their riders” which refers to “those who mount, sit or draw” “shall come down” or “go down, descend, decline, march down or sink”, “every one” which means “every man, human being or person” “by the sword” or “knife, tools for cutting stone or instrument” “of his brother” which refers to “brother of the same parents, half-brother, relative, kinship or same tribe”. Not only would the LORD protect the people against the other peoples and nations, but also against their weapons and warriors as well.

When we meditate upon the LORD's words through Haggai the prophet, we see the benefits of the people of Israel making His kingdom first. Not only was the LORD going to provide for them materially, but also in a protective mode. In other words, He would be their protection as well. The “chariots, those who ride in them, and the horses and their riders” would fail, and “No weapon that is formed against” them “shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against” them “in judgment” they “shall condemn”. (Isaiah 54:17) When we have Jesus Christ as our Savior and LORD, we have the promise of His provision and protection as well. May the LORD make this truth pervade our hearts, and may we walk with Him as the priority in our lives.

Next time we will complete the book of Haggai as the LORD tells Zerubbabel He will make him “a signet”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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