Who was Zerubbabel in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Zerubbabel can be remembered as a member of the messianic lineage of Christ, a leader who faithfully served God by governing His people well, and an organizer who oversaw the God-given task of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Zerubbabel was born in Babylon during the exile and later led a group of Israelites back to Jerusalem after the king permitted their return. He was appointed governor of Judah and was regarded as a potential restorer of the Davidic kingship. Despite facing obstacles, Zerubbabel remained faithful to God's call, overseeing the construction of the temple, which was eventually completed despite interruptions. God's promise to Zerubbabel, as conveyed through the prophet Zechariah, was fulfilled, signifying the significance of divine intervention over human effort. In the New Testament, Zerubbabel is listed in the genealogies of Jesus, highlighting his role as an ancestor of the Messiah.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Zerubbabel was born in Babylon during the exile, and his name, Zerubbabel, means "offspring of Babylon."
• When the king allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem, Zerubbabel joined the forty-two thousand people heading back and was named governor of Judah (Ezra 1:1–4; 2:64; Haggai 1:1).
• First Chronicles 3:19 lists Zerubbabel as the grandson of King Jeconiah (1 Chronicles 3:17) in the line of David. Jeconiah, also known as Coniah, was the last king of Judah (2 Kings 24:8–17). Jeremiah pronounced a curse on him saying, "As I live, declares the LORD, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, were the signet ring on my right hand, yet I would tear you off" (Jeremiah 22:24). Haggai reversed that curse by prophesying to Zerubbabel, "On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts" (Haggai 2:23).
• Zerubbabel became the people's hope of restoring Davidic kingship and liberating the Israelites from their oppressors. Although Zerubbabel was not the ultimate Messiah for whom Israel waited, he is one of the ancestors named in the lineage of Jesus, the true Messiah (Matthew 1:12–13; Luke 3:27).
• Zerubbabel "obeyed the voice of the LORD" and "worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God" (Haggai 1:12, 14). He was faithful to the work to which God had called him. Unfortunately, after laying the foundation of the temple, the construction was halted by King Artaxerxes (Ezra 4:1–24). It wasn't until seventeen years later, under King Darius, that construction was allowed to continue (Ezra 5—6).
• In a vision, God gave the prophet Zechariah this promise: "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundations of this house; his hands shall also complete it" (Zechariah 4:9). He also encouraged him, saying, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of 'Grace, grace to it!'" (Zechariah 4:6–7). While Zerubbabel's name is not specifically mentioned at the dedication of the temple, the temple was finished about four years after reconstruction under Zerubbabel's leadership resumed (Ezra 4:24; 5:2; 6:14–16). God's promise came true.
• Although this second temple was less impressive than Solomon's original temple, it was the temple where Jesus, the Messiah Himself, visited, worshiped, and taught.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Zerubbabel is mentioned in both genealogies in the Gospels (Matthew 1:12–13; Luke 3:27).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The story of Zerubbabel motivates us to faithfully serve God and persevere in the face of obstacles. Galatians 6:9 exhorts us: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Despite challenges and setbacks, Zerubbabel remained obedient to God's call and continued to work towards the fulfillment of God's purpose. This serves as a reminder for us to stay faithful and committed to our tasks, trusting in God's promises even when circumstances seem difficult or discouraging. Just as God fulfilled His promises to Zerubbabel, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to us as well, if we remain steadfast in our faith and obedience.

UNDERSTAND

• Zerubbabel returned to Jerusalem with a group of Israelites when the King Cyrus permitted their return.
• Zerubbabel was appointed as the governor of Judah, and his lineage traced back to King David, making him a significant figure in the hopes of restoring the Davidic kingship.
• Zerubbabel obeyed God's commands and worked diligently on the reconstruction of the temple, demonstrating his commitment to the task entrusted to him.

REFLECT

• How does the story of Zerubbabel inspire you to remain faithful and obedient to God's call in your own life, especially when faced with challenges or setbacks?
• Reflecting on Zerubbabel's perseverance in completing the temple despite interruptions, what are some obstacles in your life or community that you need to overcome to live in God’s purposes for your life?
• How are you challenged or encouraged by Zerubbabel’s actions?

ENGAGE

• Perseverance is an important character quality that allows us to be faithful till the end. Romans 5:3–5 reveals how we grow in perseverance: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
• What are instances in the Bible or in history where individuals or communities persevered through adversity, similar to Zerubbabel, and how can their stories can inspire us today?
• How can we support and encourage others in our communities to remain faithful and obedient to God's call, especially when faced with opposition or discouragement, based on the example of Zerubbabel?