Leading the returning remnant of Judah was Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2). Elsewhere we read that he was the son of Shealtiel, the son of Jehoiachin (otherwise known as Jechoniah), the next to last king of Judah. From Chronicles we learn that as far as natural relationships go, Zerubbabel was probably the nephew of Shealtiel being the son of Pedaiah (1 Chron. 3:19). Nevertheless, Zerubbabel is recognized by God in the genealogy of Matthew as coming from the kingly line (Matt. 1:12). In Luke we also see that he is a descendant of David, not now through Solomon, but through his son Nathan (Luke 3:27).
Though a prince and heir we never see Zerubbabel pretending to the throne. He is described as the Sheshbazzar (Ezra 1:11); he was also apparently the Tirshatha, or governor, as Nehemiah was at a later date (Ezra 2:63). We only learn this indirectly; the second letter written to the king by the enemies of the Jews expounds upon this point (Ezra 5:14). It is a characteristic of the remnant that there is no pretension. All occurs under the rule and authority of the Gentiles — for this was the time of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24). Because of God’s government upon Israel, He cannot own them publicly as His people (Hos. 1:9). Nevertheless, it is beautiful to see in the book of Haggai, Zerubbabel used as a type of Christ, the anointed One in whom He will seal His promises concerning His people and the nations (Hag. 2:23).