Zerubbabel, a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, is prominently featured in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah. He was a descendant of the Davidic line, being the grandson of Jehoiachin (also known as Jeconiah), the king of Judah who was taken into Babylonian captivity. Zerubbabel's father was Shealtiel, although 1 Chronicles 3:19 lists Pedaiah as his father, which may indicate a levirate marriage or adoption.

Role in the Return from Exile

Zerubbabel played a crucial role in the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. Under the decree of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, Zerubbabel led the first group of exiles back to their homeland around 538 B.C. This return is documented in Ezra 2:2, where he is listed as a leader alongside Jeshua the high priest. His leadership was instrumental in the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem.

Rebuilding the Temple

One of Zerubbabel's most notable achievements was the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The foundation of the temple was laid shortly after the return, as recorded in Ezra 3:8-13. However, the work faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples, leading to a halt in construction. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged Zerubbabel and the people to resume the work. Haggai 1:1-15 records the prophet's call to prioritize the temple's reconstruction, while Zechariah 4:6-10 offers divine assurance of success, emphasizing that the work would be accomplished "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts" .

Governor of Judah

Zerubbabel served as the governor of Judah under the Persian Empire. His governance is noted for its focus on religious and community restoration. As governor, he worked closely with Jeshua the high priest to reestablish the sacrificial system and religious practices, as seen in Ezra 3:2-6. His leadership was marked by a commitment to the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Messianic Foreshadowing

Zerubbabel's role in the restoration of the temple and the Davidic line has been seen by many as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah. The prophetic books of Haggai and Zechariah contain messianic undertones in their references to Zerubbabel. Haggai 2:23 declares, "On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts" . This passage highlights Zerubbabel's chosen status and prefigures the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, the descendant of David.

Genealogical Significance

Zerubbabel's genealogical significance is underscored in the New Testament, where he is listed in the genealogies of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:12 and Luke 3:27 both include Zerubbabel in the lineage of Jesus, affirming his place in the Davidic line and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Zerubbabel's life and leadership exemplify faithfulness and perseverance in the face of adversity. His commitment to the restoration of the temple and the community of Israel serves as a testament to God's enduring faithfulness to His people.Zerub'babel (23 Occurrences)

Matthew 1:12
And after the Babylonian removal, Jeconiah begat Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel,
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Matthew 1:13
and Zerubbabel begat Abiud, and Abiud begat Eliakim, and Eliakim begat Azor,
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Luke 3:27
the 'son' of Joanna, the 'son' of Rhesa, the 'son' of Zerubbabel, the 'son' of Shealtiel,
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1 Chronicles 3:19
And the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel, and Shimei. And the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam, and Hananiah; and Shelomith was their sister;
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Ezra 2:2
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
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Ezra 3:2
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.
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Ezra 3:8
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 rest 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 have the oversight of the work of the house of the LORD.
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Ezra 4:2
then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers' houses, and said unto them: 'Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us up hither.'
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Ezra 4:3
But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses of Israel, said unto them: 'Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD, the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.'
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Ezra 5:2
Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.
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Nehemiah 7:7
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
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Nehemiah 12:1
Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra;
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Nehemiah 12:47
And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, as every day required; and they hallowed for the Levites; and the Levites hallowed for the sons of Aaron.
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Haggai 1:12
And Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Joshua son of Josedech, the high priest, and all the remnant of the people, do hearken to the voice of Jehovah their God, and unto the words of Haggai the prophet, as Jehovah their God had sent him, and the people are afraid of the face of Jehovah.
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Haggai 1:14
And Jehovah doth stir up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people, and they come in, and do work in the house of Jehovah of Hosts their God,
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Haggai 2:2
Speak, I pray thee, unto Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and unto Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest, and unto the remnant of the people, saying:
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Haggai 2:4
And now, be strong, O Zerubbabel, An affirmation of Jehovah, And be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest, And be strong, all ye people of the land, An affirmation of Jehovah, And do ye -- (for I 'am' with you, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts) --
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Haggai 2:21
Speak unto Zerubbabel governor of Judah, saying: I am shaking the heavens and the earth,
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Haggai 2:23
In that day -- an affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts, I take thee, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant -- an affirmation of Jehovah, And have set thee as a signet, for on thee I have fixed, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts!
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Zechariah 4:6
And he answereth and speaketh unto me, saying: 'This 'is' a word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying: Not by a force, nor by power, But -- by My Spirit, said Jehovah of Hosts.
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Zechariah 4:7
Who 'art' thou, O great mountain Before Zerubbabel -- for a plain! And he hath brought forth the top-stone, Cries of Grace, grace -- 'are' to it.'
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Zechariah 4:9
Hands of Zerubbabel did found this house, And his hands do finish it, And thou hast known that Jehovah of Hosts Hath sent me unto you.
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Zechariah 4:10
For who trampled on the day of small things, They have rejoiced, And seen the tin weight in the hand of Zerubbabel, These seven 'are' the eyes of Jehovah, They are going to and fro in all the land.'
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Zerub'babel (23 Occurrences)
Zerub'babel. Zerubbabel, Zerub'babel. Zeruiah . Multi-Version Concordance
Zerub'babel (23 Occurrences). Matthew 1:12 And after the ...
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Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)

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Zerubbabel (25 Occurrences)

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