Topical Bible: Shealtiel: Father of Zerubbabel and an Ancestor of Jesus

◄ Shealtiel: Father of Zerubbabel and an Ancestor of Jesus ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Shealtiel, a significant figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ, is recognized primarily as the father of Zerubbabel. His name, Shealtiel, is of Hebrew origin, meaning "I have asked of God," which reflects a common biblical theme of divine petition and providence.

Biblical References and Genealogy

Shealtiel is mentioned in several genealogical records within the Bible. In the Old Testament, he appears in the post-exilic context, specifically in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Ezra 3:2 states, "Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God." This passage highlights Shealtiel's role as the father of Zerubbabel, who played a crucial part in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

In the New Testament, Shealtiel is listed in the genealogies of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew 1:12 records, "After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel." Similarly, the Gospel of Luke 3:27 includes him in the lineage of Jesus, stating, "the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri."

Historical and Theological Significance

Shealtiel's significance is closely tied to his son Zerubbabel, who was a governor of Judah and a leader in the Jewish community during the return from Babylonian captivity. Zerubbabel's leadership in the reconstruction of the Temple is a fulfillment of prophetic promises and a testament to God's faithfulness to His people. As such, Shealtiel's place in the genealogy underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises through the Davidic line, ultimately culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ.

The genealogical records in both Matthew and Luke serve to affirm Jesus' rightful place in the Davidic line, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. Shealtiel's inclusion in these genealogies highlights the divine orchestration of history, where even during periods of exile and apparent desolation, God's plan for redemption through Jesus Christ remained steadfast.

Textual Considerations

There is some scholarly debate regarding the parentage of Shealtiel. In 1 Chronicles 3:17-19, Shealtiel is listed as the son of Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin), though some interpretations suggest he may have been adopted or raised by Neri, as indicated in Luke's genealogy. This complexity reflects the broader biblical theme of God working through human history, often in unexpected ways, to accomplish His purposes.

Conclusion

While Shealtiel himself is not a prominent figure in terms of biblical narrative, his role as the father of Zerubbabel and an ancestor of Jesus places him within the grand tapestry of God's redemptive history. His mention in the genealogies of Jesus serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God to His promises and the unfolding of His divine plan through generations.

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1 Chronicles 3:17
And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,
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Ezra 3:2,8
Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brothers, and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.
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Ezra 5:2
Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.
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Nehemiah 12:1
Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
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Haggai 1:1,12,14
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,
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Haggai 2:2,23
Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,
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Matthew 1:12
And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
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Luke 3:27
Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
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