Zerubbabel
Israelite / Jew Jew, of the house of David (tribe of Judah) · Exile & Return · Old Testament
- Also called
- Zorobabel
- Name means
- Offspring of Babylon (commonly given)
- Role
- Governor of Judah who rebuilt the temple
- When
- c. 538-515 BC
What they did
Led exiles home from Babylon, set up the altar and laid the foundation of the temple. Encouraged by Haggai and Zechariah, he finished the work.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
God's word to him was 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit.' As a descendant of David he is in the line of Christ (Matthew 1:12).
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 (KJV)
Bible references
Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. Ezra 3:2 (KJV)
Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD. Ezra 3:8 (KJV)
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:23 (KJV)
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 (KJV)
And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; Matthew 1:12 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Shealtiel (Salathiel)
1 Chronicles 3:19 lists him as a son of Pedaiah, Shealtiel's brother.