It is not clear what "the desired of nations" means, particularly when the fact that "nations" can equally well be translated "gentiles" is taken into account. The Hebrew verb translated "come" is plural so it is more likely to mean unspecified treasures than the Messiah as suggested by Handel's Messiah.
This verse resembles Psalm 50:10 "every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills", showing that God has no need of animal sacrifices. The meaning might be that the future shaking of the earth and the heavens will show God's glory, in a way that earthly riches cannot; but they might also mean that God's people should remember that their wealth is all on trust from God.
Some commmentators think that the word "take" implies being taken directly into heaven like Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). I disagree, because the second half of the verse is clearly metaphorical when it describes Zerubbabel as a signet ring, and it is logical to regard the rest of the sentence in the same way. A signet ring is a sign of the owner's identity and effectively carries his authority. This verse is a sign that Zerubbabel will carry great authority delegated from God.
Commentary
2:1fSee Appendix 2: Temple.
2:3See the introduction to Ezra.
2:6This verse is quoted and expounded in Hebrews 12:26.
2:7It is not clear what "the desired of nations" means, particularly when the fact that "nations" can equally well be translated "gentiles" is taken into account. The Hebrew verb translated "come" is plural so it is more likely to mean unspecified treasures than the Messiah as suggested by Handel's Messiah.
2:8This verse resembles Psalm 50:10 "every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills", showing that God has no need of animal sacrifices. The meaning might be that the future shaking of the earth and the heavens will show God's glory, in a way that earthly riches cannot; but they might also mean that God's people should remember that their wealth is all on trust from God.
2:23Some commmentators think that the word "take" implies being taken directly into heaven like Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). I disagree, because the second half of the verse is clearly metaphorical when it describes Zerubbabel as a signet ring, and it is logical to regard the rest of the sentence in the same way. A signet ring is a sign of the owner's identity and effectively carries his authority. This verse is a sign that Zerubbabel will carry great authority delegated from God.
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