Zerubbabel (Zuh-ruhb´uh-buhl; Heb., “shoot of Babylon”)

A descendant of the Davidic family. Zerubbabel appears with Joshua (Jeshua) the high priest as the recipient of Haggai’s message (Hag 1:1; Hag 2:2) to rebuild the Temple. In (Hag 2:20-23) he is to receive royal status as “servant” and “signet ring,” executive officer of God. In Zechariah, he is named only in (Zech 4:6-10), in the vision of the golden lampstand; he alone is the initiator and completer of the restored Temple, not by human power but by divine “spirit.” (Zech 2:10 and Zech 6:12); (“the Branch,” cf. Jer 23:5) are generally believed to indicate Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel also appears in (Ezra 3:2; Ezra 3:8; Ezra 4:2; Ezra 4:3 Ezra 5:2).