Jer 22:24, Hag 2:23 | JFB | STEP | 24. As I live-- God's most solemn formula of oath ( ; ; ; ). Coniah-- Jeconiah or Jehoiachin. The contraction of the name is meant in contempt. signet-- Such ring seals were often of the greatest value ( ; ). Jehoiachin's popularity is probably here referred to. right hand-- the hand most valued. I would pluck thee thence-- (Compare Ob 4); on account of thy father's sins, as well as thine own ( ). There is a change here, as often in Hebrew poetry, from the third to the second person, to bring the threat more directly home to him. After a three months' and ten days' reign, the Chaldees deposed him. In Babylon, however, by God's favor he was ultimately treated more kindly than other royal captives ( ). But none of his direct posterity ever came to the throne.

‏ Jeremiah 22:24

24. As I live--God's most solemn formula of oath (Jr 46:18; 4:2; De 32:40; 1Sa 25:34).

Coniah--Jeconiah or Jehoiachin. The contraction of the name is meant in contempt.

signet--Such ring seals were often of the greatest value (So 8:6; Hag 2:23). Jehoiachin's popularity is probably here referred to.

right hand--the hand most valued.

I would pluck thee thence--(Compare Ob 4); on account of thy father's sins, as well as thine own (2Ch 36:9). There is a change here, as often in Hebrew poetry, from the third to the second person, to bring the threat more directly home to him. After a three months' and ten days' reign, the Chaldees deposed him. In Babylon, however, by God's favor he was ultimately treated more kindly than other royal captives (Jr 52:31-34). But none of his direct posterity ever came to the throne.

‏ Haggai 2:23

23. take thee--under My protection and to promote thee and thy people to honor (Psa 78:70).

a signet--(So 8:6; Jr 22:24). A ring with a seal on it; the legal representative of the owner; generally of precious stones and gold, &c., and much valued. Being worn on the finger, it was an object of constant regard. In all which points of view the theocratic people, and their representative, Zerubbabel the type, and Messiah his descendant the Antitype, are regarded by God. The safety of Israel to the end is guaranteed in Messiah, in whom God hath chosen them as His own (Is 42:1; 43:10; 44:1; 49:3). So the spiritual Israel is sealed in their covenant head by His Spirit (2Co 1:20, 22; Ep 1:4, 13, 14). All is ascribed, not to the merits of Zerubbabel, but to God's gratuitous choice. Christ is the "signet" on God's hand: always in the Father's presence, ever pleasing in his sight. The signet of an Eastern monarch was the sign of delegated authority; so Christ (Mt 28:18; Joh 5:22, 23).