Haggai 2:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The insightful Paul, reflecting on this prophetic statement regarding the phrase ‘shall be shaken’, interprets it as a sign of the transformation that occurs in what is shaken, allowing only that which is unshakeable to endure (Hebrews 12:26-27). Through Him, all things have been renewed (2 Cor. 5:17), clearly establishing what is steadfast, unmovable, and eternal. Thus, we observe the grace of the prophetic word. After proclaiming abundant fruitfulness and promising to generously provide for their joy, it also reveals an indication of the fruitful season of truth, showing the rich outpouring of spiritual blessings from God. Heaven declares, "I shook when I brought Israel out of Egypt." Yet, I will shake it again, meaning I will make Israel glorious and recognized by all mankind, as if everything were to be subjected to a shaking. After overthrowing the thrones of rulers, I will dismantle their authority, and as if to knightly warriors encircling the heavens, I will strip them of their cruel dominion over all, raising up new knights and champions who wield the sword against their own kin. This imagery suggests the malevolent powers and authorities that were defeated by the power of our Savior, who triumphed over them through His cross, stripping them of their tyrannical rule and providing relief to the oppressed (1 Cor. 15:24; Col. 2:15). Furthermore, the holy and pure Virgin, while still carrying Christ within her, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, "He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the humble" (Luke 1:52). Thus, the rulers were cast down and removed from their positions. However, the benevolence of our Savior’s coming does not end there. A group of warriors, seasoned in battle and adept in leadership, were empowered to bravely confront the malevolence of the devil. These divine disciples wielded the sword of the Spirit, which is the powerful and penetrating word of truth (Hebrews 4:12). They ventured forth not to bring death but to eradicate ignorance, leading others to die to the world and their sins, so that they could live for God, embracing a life of righteousness and purity, aligned with the teachings of the Gospel. Because of their love for Christ, sons may oppose their fathers, daughters their mothers, and brothers each other; can we doubt this when the Savior proclaimed, “I have come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother: and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law: and a man's foes shall be those of his own household" (Matt. 10:35-36)? Enemies—holding differing views—can soon become friends united in faith and the spirit of love in Christ.

Just as Abraham observed the day of Christ and rejoiced (John 8:56), and as John pointed to the Lamb of God (John 1:29), so this figure, witnessing the kingdom of the Son of God, embodies all triumphs within him. Various interpretations exist regarding this passage. Some connect it to the first coming of Christ, while others associate it with the second coming when He will appear in all the splendor of His majesty. We see it as relevant to both His initial and future coming, for He reigned upon His arrival and will reign thereafter. Furthermore, if we interpret it in relation to the end of the world, the apostle reminds the Corinthians that all rulers, authorities, and powers must be eradicated so that God may be all in all (1 Cor. 15:24-28). Given that a profoundly mysterious event is foretold regarding the culmination of all things, Haggai is instructed to convey a message specifically to Zerubbabel. We perceive him as a type of the Savior through his lineage from David. He is thus informed about the end: the current world will fade away, leading to the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth; the Almighty will shake both heaven and earth, tear down every authority and power, scatter the rulers, and dismantle all adversarial strength. This includes releasing even those who once reigned over nations, affording them liberation from their might, so that after the tumult of conflict, peace may prevail. This understanding aligns with the statement: I will overturn the chariot and its drivers; the horses and their riders will fall. To further clarify that the fall of the chariots and the demise of the horses symbolize our interpretation, consider how Zechariah describes Christ: the humble king arrives riding on a donkey and will shatter the chariots of Ephraim (Zechariah 9:9-10) and the cavalry of Jerusalem. Consequently, there will be one flock and one Shepherd, and both groups of soldiers—Jews and Gentiles—will be united under the gentle Shepherd's guidance. To eliminate corruption, everyone will turn against their neighbor, removing all that is hostile, a teaching that sharply addresses the need for purification. Ultimately, the conclusion of this scenario is the most hopeful. After the dismantling of thrones and the weakening of ruling powers, observe the promise from the Lord Almighty: I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel. He is identified as a servant in human form, for at this point, the Son will yield to Him who subjected all things to Himself, and the Conqueror will be revealed in what has been conquered. When this is realized, God will place Him as a seal in His hand; the Father has sealed Him (John 6:27). He represents the invisible God and reveals His nature. Therefore, anyone who places their faith in God will bear this seal. I entreat you, reader, to extend patience toward this hasty writer and not to judge the style or elegance that may have diminished during my prolonged study of the Hebrew language, despite my critic Alecto’s claims that I lack sophistication. To him, I will respond: The Lord will empower those who bring good news and grant strength to those who share abundantly (Psalm 67:12).