2:23 a signet. The signet ring was a symbol of honor and authority (compare Jeremiah 22:24). Zerubbabel, the human governor, thus also was given divine responsibility over the people in their revived economy, authority which had been removed from King Jeconiah just before the captivity. Note also the emphasis on this authority (perhaps even as a type of Christ) in the prophecy of Zechariah, especially Zechariah 4:6-10.