In brief
Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, is the governor of Judah at the return from the exile in Babylon. With the priest Jeshua, he rebuilds the altar and then lays the foundations of the temple in Jerusalem. Facing opposition and the weariness of the people, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage him to resume the work. God promises that his hands will finish the house, not by human strength, but by his Spirit.
What does the name Zerubbabel mean?
His name is generally linked to the idea of a birth or descent in Babylon, the place of the exile. The Bible gives no direct explanation of this name, but it states his parentage: son of Shealtiel (Ezra 3:2).
The story of Zerubbabel
The return and the rebuilt altar
Ezra 3:1-6In the seventh month, the people gather in Jerusalem. Jeshua son of Jozadak and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel rise up with their brothers and rebuild the altar of the God of Israel. Despite their fear of the peoples of the land, they offer burnt offerings on it morning and evening, according to the law of Moses.
The foundations of the temple
Ezra 3:7-13Stonecutters and carpenters are hired, and cedar wood is brought from Lebanon. When the foundations of the temple are laid, the priests and the Levites praise the Lord. The people shout for joy, while the old men who had seen the first temple weep loudly.
Work resumed with the prophets
Ezra 5:1-2The building work had been slowed down. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah then prophesy to the Jews of Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel. Zerubbabel and Jeshua rise up and begin to rebuild the house of God, supported by the prophets who are with them.
Be strong and work
Haggai 2:1-9The word of the Lord comes to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah. The house seems like nothing to those who saw the first one. God answers: be strong, and work, for I am with you. He promises that the glory of this latter house will be greater than that of the former.
Not by might nor by power
Zechariah 4:6-10In a vision of the golden lampstand and the two olive trees, God speaks to Zerubbabel: it is neither by might nor by power, but by his Spirit. The great mountain will be made level. The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of the house and will finish it. The day of small beginnings must not be despised.
What Zerubbabel teaches us
- God sets back on course those who have slowed down, and he can restart an abandoned work.
- Discouragement before modest beginnings does not tell the end of the story: God invites us not to despise small starts.
- Our projects for God move forward by his Spirit, not by our abilities or strength alone.
- God calls each person to rebuild his house together with others: governor, priest, prophets and people work side by side.
- God promises his presence to those who set to work, assuring them that he is with them.
Key verses
God speaks to Zerubbabel: it is neither by might nor by power, but by his Spirit. This verse reminds us that the work of God rests first on his presence, not on our means.
The hands of Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the house, and his hands will finish it. God invites us not to despise the day of small beginnings, for he faithfully completes what he has begun.
God calls Zerubbabel, Jeshua and all the people to be strong and to work. He recalls his covenant and the presence of his Spirit among them, with a word to set them at ease: do not fear.
Sermons about Zerubbabel
Frequently asked questions
Who was Zerubbabel in the Bible?
Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, is governor of Judah after the return from Babylon. With the priest Jeshua, he rebuilds the altar and lays the foundations of the temple, encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah.
What does the name Zerubbabel mean?
His name is generally linked to the idea of a birth in Babylon, the place of the exile. The Bible gives no direct explanation of this name, but it clearly states that he is the son of Shealtiel.
Where can I find the story of Zerubbabel in the Bible?
His story is found mainly in the book of Ezra (chapters 3 and 5), in the prophecies of Haggai (chapter 2) and Zechariah (chapter 4). He also appears in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1.