SIGNET RING (Heb. chotham)

"signet ring"

(Heb. chotham) (2:23; Gen. 38:18; 1 Kin. 21:8; Jer. 22:24) Strong’s #2368: The Hebrew noun signet ring is derived from a verbal root meaning “to affix a seal,” “to seal up,” or “to fasten by sealing.” The signet in OT times was an engraved stone set in a gold or silver finger ring, bracelet, or armband (Song 8:6). When pressed upon wax or soft clay, the ring left the impression of the personal insignia of the bearer (Ex. 28:11, 21, 36; 39:6, 14, 30). The signet ring was like an identification card or badge in the ancient world (Gen. 38:18). It symbolized status or position and the binding nature of the authority attached to items sealed by the ring (1 Kin. 21:8; Job 38:14). Haggai’s comparison of Zerubbabel to a signet ring (2:23) has messianic implications, since Zerubbabel would overturn the curse of Jeremiah on King Jehoiachin’s dynasty and restore royal authority to the line of King David (Jer. 22:24–30).