Zerubbabel, Zorobabel [Zērŭb'babĕl, Zōrŏb'a bĕl]—an offspring of babel or begotten in babylon.

The Man with a Purpose

A son of Shealtiel, related to David and heir to the throne of Judah (1 Chron. 3:19). He is also spoken of as a son of Pedaiah, brother of Shealtiel, who doubtless died childless, and made his nephew his legal heir, calling him his son (Exod. 2:10; Ezra 3:2, 8; Neh. 12:1). He represented the Davidic monarchy (Hag. 2:20-23) and was an ancestor of our Lord (Matt. 1:12, 13; Luke 3:27). Sheshbazzar was perhaps the name given to Zerubbabel by the Babylonians (Ezra 1:8, 11; 5:14).

Exiles, returning from captivity, were led by Zerubbabel and others (Ezra 2:1-64; Neh. 7:5-7; 12:1-9). In the ruined city of Jerusalem he acted along with the high priest Jeshua in the restoration of Temple services (Ezra 3:1-9). Ultimately Zerubbabel became Persian governor under Darius, and after much delay succeeded in rebuilding the Temple (Zech. 4:1-14). There were those who looked upon Zerubbabel as the coming Messiah (Zech. 3:1, 8-10). Because of the deep personal interest he took in the Temple it was often called Zerubbabel’s Temple.