Haggai 2:22

I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, &c. After repeating, in ver. 21, the prediction of ver. 6, "I will shake the heavens and the earth," the prophet expands in this verse the prediction of ver. 7, "I will shake all nations." This is made more clear in R. V. by keeping the same English word nations(heathen, A. V.) for the same Heb. word in this verse and verse 7. The terms here employed are too wide to be satisfied by any event in the life of Zerubbabel: "There was in Zerubbabel's time no shaking of the heaven or of nations. Darius had indeed to put down an unusual number of rebellions in the first few years after his accession; but, although he magnified himself on occasion of their suppression, they were only so many distinct and unconcerted revolts, each under its own head. All were far away in the distant East. The Persian empire, spread -probably over 2,000,000 square miles, or more than half of modern Europe," was not threatened; no foreign enemy assailed it; one impostor only claimed the throne of Darius. This would, if successful, have been, like his own accession, a change of dynasty, affecting nothing externally. But neither were lasting, some were very trifling." Pusey. The prophecy reaches forth to the more distant future, and still awaits its full accomplishment.

shall come down i.e. be brought low. Comp. Isaiah 34:7.