Topical Bible: Joshua: Also Called Jeshua: Assists Zerubbabel in Restoring the Temple

◄ Joshua: Also Called Jeshua: Assists Zerubbabel in Restoring the Temple ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Joshua, also known as Jeshua, is a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He served as the high priest during the time when the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. His role was pivotal in the restoration of the Temple, working alongside Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah.

Background and Role

Joshua was the son of Jehozadak, who was taken into exile by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (1 Chronicles 6:15). As the high priest, Joshua was a spiritual leader for the returning exiles, guiding them in re-establishing their religious practices and worship in the land of their ancestors.

Assisting Zerubbabel

The primary task that Joshua undertook was assisting Zerubbabel in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This was a monumental task, as the Temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The rebuilding effort was not just a physical reconstruction but also a spiritual renewal for the people of Israel.

In the book of Ezra, Joshua is mentioned as one of the leaders who began the work on the altar of the God of Israel, even before the foundation of the Temple was laid. "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 offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God" (Ezra 3:2).

Challenges and Encouragement

The rebuilding of the Temple faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples and internal discouragement. However, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah provided divine encouragement to Joshua and Zerubbabel. Haggai's prophecy specifically addressed Joshua, urging him to be strong and assuring him of God's presence: "Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts" (Haggai 2:4).

Zechariah's visions also included Joshua, portraying him as a symbol of the coming Branch, a messianic figure. In Zechariah 3, Joshua is shown standing before the angel of the LORD, and his filthy garments are replaced with clean ones, symbolizing the removal of iniquity and the restoration of righteousness.

Significance in Jewish Worship

Joshua's leadership was crucial in re-establishing the sacrificial system and the observance of the feasts, which were central to Jewish worship. His efforts, alongside Zerubbabel, laid the foundation for the Second Temple, which would stand until its destruction in 70 AD.

Joshua's legacy is one of faithfulness and dedication to God's commands, serving as a bridge between the past glories of Israel and the hope of future redemption. His partnership with Zerubbabel exemplifies the cooperation between spiritual and civic leadership in fulfilling God's purposes for His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 3:1
And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 4:1-6
Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity built the temple to the LORD God of Israel;
Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 5:1
Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even to them.
Nave's Topical Index

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,
Nave's Topical Index

Haggai 2:2
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,
Nave's Topical Index