90 GREG GOSWELL require the assigning of a royal identity to him. The focus of the prophecy is on the dual leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, and even more than that on the willing involvement of the people in the temple-building program, making a messianic interpretation of the final oracle unlikely. Nowhere in the prophecy is Zerubbabel identified unequivocally as a Davidide. The temple orientation of the prophecy as a whole and the highlighting of divine action in the final oracle both suggest that the establishment of God’s kingdom is in view, not an anticipated promotion of Zerubbabel as God’s vice-regent. Instead, Zerubbabel is rewarded for his part in the temple-building project by a divine promise of protection in the context of the political shake-up associated with the dawning kingdom of God. On this understanding, the final oracle reinforces the temple-centred eschatology that lies at the heart of the prophecy of Haggai. Presbyterian Theological College Greg GOSWELL 684 Elgar Road - Box Hill North Vic 3129 Australia SUMMARY The final oracle of Haggai is often viewed as royalist in orientation, with the prophet promoting Zerubbabel as a royal (or even messianic) figure. This study seeks to dispute the majority view. Neither the election terms used nor the metaphor of the “ seal ” assign a royal identity to him. The focus is on the dual leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua. Nowhere in the prophecy is Zerubbabel identified unequivocally as a Davidide. The temple orientation and the highlighting of divine action show that the establishment of God’s kingdom is in view, not the promotion of Zerubbabel as God’s vice-regent.