Zerubbabel led the initial Jewish remnant from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was a descendent of David, being that he was the great-grandson of Jehoiakin (Jeconiah). In Ezra, Zerubbabel is also called by his Chaldean name “Sheshbazzar” (Ezra 1:8,11; 5:14-16), and the Persian title for governor “Tirshatha” (Ezra 2:63). His Hebrew name, Zerubbabel, means “descended from Babylon,” meaning that he was born while exiled in Babylon. This is more than likely the case, considering his great-grandfather became king of Judah at the age of eighteen, and was taken into Babylonian captivity just three months into his reign (2 Kings 24:8-17; 2 Chr. 36:9-10). Furthermore, in the New Testament, Matthew and Luke included Zerubbabel in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:12; Lk. 3:27).
In all likelihood, if he had been born in Babylon, the return to Jerusalem for Zerubbabel was actually the first time he had been to his homeland. This is what makes his Temple rebuilding mission quite extraordinary – he had never seen it! He had never worshiped there. He had never seen the priests carryout their priestly duties. Moreover, he had never seen the Jewish people live out their faith without some sort of Babylonian influence. Zerubbabel’s mission was more than just unfathomable, it was nearly impossible!
Zerubbabel, thankfully, had spiritual guidance during this nearly-impossible mission. The prophet Zechariah helped encourage Zerubbabel and offered him this prophetic word from the Lord: “This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ saith the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6). Zerubbabel wasn’t going to complete these insurmountable tasks through his own strength and effort. On the contrary, the Spirit of the Lord would help Zerubbabel and Judah.
Beloved, God often times calls us to hard things. He calls some to go to foreign lands and preach the gospel where it has never been heard. He calls others to plant churches in urban or rural areas. He sends some to make disciples of prisoners behind bars. There are those who are called to make Christ known on secular college campuses. The same promise for Zerubbabel is the very same promise for you – it’s not possible by human might or power, but it is made possible through the Spirit of the Lord. The same Spirit that commissions is the same Spirit that empowers to fulfill the mission.