Among the names recorded here, that of Zerubbabel suggests an interesting passage in the Jewish history; and he has a marked individuality, so that his work and his times may be profitably reviewed. It is noticed as a fulfilling of the Divine promise concerning the Davidic dynasty, that Zerubbabel was a prince of the house of David, and so the returned captives resumed their national life under a Davidic leader, and with a fresh and constantly effective remembrance of the Divine promise and faithfulness. From the narrative in Ezra, details of the work of Zerubbabel may be given. His mission concerned three things:

1. The leadership of the liberated captives on their return journey to Palestine. What qualities this demanded - command, courage, patience, cheerfulness, etc., should be fully illustrated.

2. The erection of a new temple from the ruins of that of Solomon, and the restoration of the Mosaic ritual and worship. In this he was aided by Joshua, the high priest. Show what further qualities were demanded by this work - power to inspire others, personal godliness, an enkindling enthusiasm, and, in view of the efforts of the Samaritans, firmness, unswerving loyalty to God, and a holy jealousy that permitted no compromises in religion.

3. The establishment of a national and governmental order among the people. This was the work for which he probably had hereditary genius; and his position and authority, as the Persian Sheshbazzar, enabled him effectively to carry out his schemes. In him may be illustrated the threefold truth:

(1) that circumstances call forth the best that is in men;

(2) that men may to a large extent mould their circumstances; and

(3) that God is ever ready to give his grace and strength, unto the best success, to every man who sincerely wishes to be found faithful. - R.T.

As we read their names they convey no meaning to us, but as defined etymologically we may get a new aspect of part at least of the king's household. Ibhar signifies "God chooseth"; Elishama, "God heareth"; Eliphelet, "God is deliverance"; Eliada, "God knoweth." Keeping in mind the well-established feet that in Oriental countries it was customary to mark family history by the names of the children, we can but be struck with the deep religiousness of the family record now before us. In every child David sees some new manifestation of God. Every son was an historical landmark, Every life was a new phase of providence. Blessed is the man who need not look beyond his own house for signs and proofs of the manifold and never-ceasing goodness of God.

(J. Parker, D. D.)