Sheshbazzar
Summary
The Babylonian or Persian name given to a Jewish leader (possibly Zerubbabel) who was appointed governor and led the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem under Cyrus, laying the foundation of the second temple.
☩Identity Question
The relationship between Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel has long been debated. Many scholars identify them as the same person—Sheshbazzar being the Babylonian name (like Daniel/Belteshazzar or Hananiah/Shadrach), Zerubbabel the Hebrew name. Evidence for this includes: both are called 'governor' (pechah), both are said to have laid the temple foundation, and the narrative flows naturally if they are one person. However, some argue they were different individuals—Sheshbazzar being governor under Cyrus, Zerubbabel under Darius Hystaspis.
☩Role in the Return
Sheshbazzar is called both 'the prince (nasi) of Judah'—the Jewish term for tribal head—and 'governor' (pechah)—the Persian administrative title. Cyrus entrusted to him the sacred vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Solomon's temple, commissioning him to return them to Jerusalem. He led the first wave of returning exiles and laid the foundation of the house of God. The name itself is Babylonian, possibly meaning 'Oh Shamash, protect the father' or 'worshipper of fire.'
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sheshbazzar," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Sheshbazzar," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Sheshbazzar," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).