Original Word: זְרֻבָּבֶל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Zrubbabel
Pronunciation: ze-roo-BAH-bel
Phonetic Spelling: (zer-oob-baw-bel')
NASB: Zerubbabel
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H2216 (זְרוּבָּבֶל - Zerubbabel)]

1. Zerubbabel

Zerubbabel

(Aramaic) corresponding to Zrubbabel -- Zerubbabel.

see HEBREW Zrubbabel

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to Zerubbabel
Definition
"begotten in Babylon," leader of returning Isr. exiles
NASB Translation
Zerubbabel (1).

Background and Lineage

Zerubbabel (“seed of Babylon”) was a descendant of King David through Jehoiachin (also called Jeconiah). Scripture usually identifies him as “the son of Shealtiel” (Ezra 3:2; Haggai 1:1), though 1 Chronicles 3:19 lists him as the biological son of Pedaiah, making him either the legal heir or the adopted son of Shealtiel in order to preserve the royal line. His appearance in both Matthew 1:12-13 and Luke 3:27 places him squarely in the messianic genealogy that culminates in Jesus Christ.

Role in the Return from Exile

After Cyrus of Persia issued the decree permitting the Jews to return (Ezra 1:1-4), Zerubbabel led the first wave of exiles back to Judah (Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 7:7). Together with Jeshua (Joshua) the high priest, he supervised re-establishment of sacrificial worship on the restored altar (Ezra 3:2-6) and laid the foundation of the Second Temple (Ezra 3:8-13). His civil authority as “governor of Judah” (Haggai 1:1) complemented Jeshua’s priestly office, prefiguring the later union of royal and priestly roles in Messiah.

Leadership in Rebuilding the Temple

Opposition from regional adversaries halted construction for years (Ezra 4:4-5, 24). Through the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah the Lord stirred Zerubbabel’s resolve:
• “Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.” (Ezra 5:2)
• “Be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD… Work, for I am with you.” (Haggai 2:4)

Their obedience resulted in the Temple’s completion during the reign of Darius I (Ezra 6:14-15), an event celebrated with great joy and renewed covenant commitment (Ezra 6:16-22).

Prophetic Significance

Haggai and Zechariah use Zerubbabel as a living symbol of God’s faithfulness to the Davidic covenant:
• Haggai 2:23: “‘On that day,’ declares the LORD of Hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant…and make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you.’”
• Zechariah 4:6-10: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit… The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it.”

These passages confirm the divine guarantee that the Davidic line would endure, despite exile and apparent national ruin.

Messianic Foreshadowing

Though Zerubbabel never reigned as king, he bore the royal mantle in exile’s aftermath. His designation as the LORD’s “signet ring” (Haggai 2:23) anticipates the ultimate Son of David, Jesus Christ, who embodies God’s unbreakable pledge. The menorah-and-capstone vision of Zechariah 4 alludes to a future time when Zerubbabel’s royal stewardship finds its climax in the Messiah who unites the offices of king and priest (Hebrews 7:1-3; Revelation 19:16).

Lessons for Faith and Ministry

1. Divine sovereignty works through faithful human leadership; God raised Zerubbabel for “such a time as this” to restore true worship.
2. Spiritual projects face opposition, yet the word of the Lord overcomes discouragement (“Not by might nor by power”).
3. Covenant promises remain secure regardless of outward circumstances; the Davidic line survived exile and culminated in Christ.
4. Cooperation between civil and priestly leadership (Zerubbabel and Jeshua) models the biblical principle of united service for God’s house.

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