Zerubbabel

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Hebrew Zerubbāvel, commonly understood as “offspring/seed of Babylon,” reflecting exile-era origins.
Period/Era: Post-Exilic
Main References: Ezra 2–6; Haggai 1–2; Zechariah 3–4
Key Connections: Son of Shealtiel; Davidic lineage (1 Chr 3:17–19); partner of Jeshua the high priest; appointed governor of Judah under Persian rule.

Who was Zerubbabel?

Zerubbabel was the Persian-appointed governor who led a major group of Judean exiles back to Jerusalem.
He helped reestablish public worship and organized the rebuilding of the temple after the exile.
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah addressed him as a central leader in the restoration community.

Key Events & Achievements

Return Leadership: Led returnees from Babylon to Judah and helped settle the community (Ezra 2:1–2).
Temple Restoration: Oversaw the restarting and completion of the temple rebuilding during Persian rule (Ezra 5:2; 6:14–15).
Prophetic Commission: Received encouragement and divine assurance through Haggai and Zechariah for the rebuilding work (Hag. 2:4; Zech. 4:6–10).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Zerubbabel’s leadership shows how restored communal worship and national life in Judah were advanced through faithful administration under imperial authority.

Key Verse

"The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it." — Zechariah 4:9, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What role did Zerubbabel hold when he led Judean exiles back to Jerusalem?

2. According to the quoted statement, what did Zerubbabel’s hands do regarding the temple?