Says the LORD of hosts: These words occur twice in this verse in Hebrew as well as the short form says the LORD. For the LORD of hosts, it seems odd at first that what is essentially the same phrase occurs three times in one sentence. However, on the basis of its occurrence in other passages, we can recognize three different functions of this phrase, and it is interesting to see that all three are represented in the present context. The first occurrence of says the LORD of hosts has the function of reinforcing another discourse marker, in this case the phrase On that day, which here (as often in Zech 9–14) indicates the opening of a unit or subunit of the discourse. The second occurrence (with the shorter formula says the LORD) marks the climax of the unit, a function it has already had several times in the book of Haggai. The third occurrence (again of the longer formula says the LORD of hosts) has the third function, namely that of marking the close of the unit, and indeed of the whole book. It is not really surprising that there are a number of occurrences of this phrase close together right at the end of the book. A fuller discussion can be found in Clark’s article “Discourse Structure in Haggai” in the k Journal of Translation and Textlinguisticsk*.

Good News Translation translates the three occurrences only once. It puts the words “The LORD Almighty has spoken” in a separate sentence at the end of the verse, as a suitable way of concluding the paragraph. The same words were treated in the same way at the end of the second message. See the comments on verse 9. In other languages translators may well prefer not to translate the formula three times. Most translators will have no difficulty in including the final occurrence at the very end of the book. Many will be able to mark the climax function of the second occurrence by some appropriate linguistic device in their own language. The first occurrence is most likely to be the one that cannot readily be represented in the wording of the translation. The phrase On that day will in many languages give sufficient indication that a new subunit of the discourse is beginning.

On that day refers to the day when the LORD will overthrow the foreign powers (verse 22). This expression has overtones of reference to the last days (compare Isa 2.11, 17; Jer 25.33; Ezek 24.26, 27; Joel 3.18; Amos 8.3, 9, 13; Micah 4.6; Zeph 1.9, 10; Zech 12.3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11 and many other places). It sets the tone for the verse, which contains several other words that have strong associations with the LORD’s activity on behalf of his people.

I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the LORD: For Zerubbabel see the comments on 1.1. Good News Translation does not repeat the information that Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel. Translators may of course include this if it is natural in their language to state the name of a person’s father each time he is mentioned. The verb take had earlier been used of outstanding men of God, such as Abraham (Josh 24.3) and especially David (2 Sam 7.8). In Hebrew the word translated my servant comes after the phrase the son of Shealtiel, and immediately before says the LORD. The occurrence of the phrase that marks a climax at exactly this point indicates that there is a special focus on the status of Zerubbabel as the LORD’s servant. This could be brought out in English by saying “I will take you … as my servant, and make you….” No available English version has caught this focus, but Bible en français courant brings it out very well with “I will entrust you with a mission, Zerubbabel, you who are my servant.” The phrase my servant had been applied to people who had a special role in the LORD’s purposes, such as Abraham (Gen 26.24), Moses (Num 12.7) and again David (2 Sam 7.5, 8; compare Ezek 34.23, 24; 37.24, 25). In using the terms take and my servant, Haggai is turning the attention of the reader to the fact that Zerubbabel was the grandson of King Jehoiachin, and therefore a descendent of David. This information could be included usefully in a footnote.

I will … make you like a signet ring: This statement makes the link with David even clearer. A signet ring was an important personal possession in the ancient world (Gen 38.18) and was a sign of authority (Gen 41.42; Est 3.10; 8.2, 10) and of genuineness (1 Kgs 21.8, where Revised Standard Version has “seal”). It usually contained a small seal or the initial of the owner that would be impressed on wax for sealing important documents. This reference to Zerubbabel as a signet ring is also a link back to Jer 22.24, where Jeremiah spoke of Zerubbabel’s grandfather Jehoiachin as being like a signet ring that the LORD would take off and give to his enemies. Haggai is in effect saying that the LORD will reverse this judgment and restore royal authority to a descendent of David.

Good News Translation drops the comparison with the signet ring, and expresses its meaning in plain language as “I will appoint you to rule in my name.” Translators may prefer to give this explanation and also to keep the reference to the signet ring. They could say something like “just as a king uses a signet ring to show his authority, so I will give you my authority to rule.” Bible en français courant, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, 2. Edition, and Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente take this approach. In some languages it will be necessary to include an object for the verb “rule”; for example, “to rule over my people.” Later generations of Jews remembered Zerubbabel for this prophecy about him (see Sirach 49.11).

For I have chosen you: These words also contain a hint of reference to David in the word chosen (compare Psa 78.70). The words servant and chosen were also linked in such passages as Isa 41.8; 42.1; 44.1, and have overtones of reference to a figure who plays a special part in the LORD’s purposes. Zerubbabel himself was a partial fulfillment of Haggai’s Messianic hopes, in that he oversaw the rebuilding of the Temple and the re-establishment of the nation in its own land.

Quoted with permission from Clark, David J. & Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Haggai. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2002. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .