She-al'ti-el, also spelled Shealtiel, is a biblical figure prominently mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is recognized as a significant link in the lineage of the Davidic line, which is crucial for the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. His name, She-al'ti-el, is understood to mean "I have asked of God" or "borrowed from God," reflecting a sense of divine petition or blessing.

Genealogical Significance

She-al'ti-el is identified as the son of King Jehoiachin (also known as Jeconiah or Coniah) of Judah, who was taken into Babylonian captivity. This connection is crucial as it places She-al'ti-el within the royal lineage of David, maintaining the continuity of the Davidic line despite the exile. In 1 Chronicles 3:17, the Berean Standard Bible states: "The sons of Jeconiah the captive: Shealtiel his son."

Role in Post-Exilic Period

She-al'ti-el is most notably recognized as the father of Zerubbabel, a key leader in the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Zerubbabel's leadership is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to restore the Davidic line and the worship in Jerusalem. In the book of Ezra, She-al'ti-el is mentioned as Zerubbabel's father: "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).

New Testament References

In the New Testament, She-al'ti-el is mentioned in the genealogies of Jesus Christ, underscoring his importance in the messianic lineage. In the Gospel of Matthew, She-al'ti-el is listed as an ancestor of Jesus: "And after the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel" (Matthew 1:12). Similarly, the Gospel of Luke also includes She-al'ti-el in the genealogy of Jesus, further affirming his role in the fulfillment of prophecy: "the son of Neri, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Zerubbabel" (Luke 3:27).

Theological Implications

She-al'ti-el's inclusion in the genealogies of both the Old and New Testaments highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving the Davidic line through which the Messiah would come. Despite the challenges of exile and the apparent end of the Davidic monarchy, God's promises remained steadfast, and She-al'ti-el's lineage played a pivotal role in the unfolding of redemptive history. His mention in the genealogies serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His covenant promises to David, as articulated in 2 Samuel 7:12-16.

Historical Context

The historical context of She-al'ti-el's life is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, a period of significant upheaval and transformation for the people of Judah. The exile marked the end of the Davidic monarchy's temporal power, yet it also set the stage for a renewed focus on spiritual and covenantal identity. She-al'ti-el's position as a link between the pre-exilic and post-exilic periods underscores the continuity of God's plan for His people, even amidst judgment and restoration.

In summary, She-al'ti-el stands as a vital figure in biblical history, bridging the gap between the Davidic monarchy and the messianic hope realized in Jesus Christ. His legacy is preserved through the scriptural genealogies, affirming the enduring nature of God's promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.She-al'ti-el (10 Occurrences)

Matthew 1:12
And after the Babylonian removal, Jeconiah begat Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel,
(See RSV)

Luke 3:27
the 'son' of Joanna, the 'son' of Rhesa, the 'son' of Zerubbabel, the 'son' of Shealtiel,
(See RSV)

Ezra 3:2
Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded 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.
(See RSV)

Ezra 3:8
Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to have the oversight of the work of the house of the LORD.
(See RSV)

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.
(See RSV)

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;
(See RSV)

Haggai 1:12
And Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Joshua son of Josedech, the high priest, and all the remnant of the people, do hearken to the voice of Jehovah their God, and unto the words of Haggai the prophet, as Jehovah their God had sent him, and the people are afraid of the face of Jehovah.
(See RSV)

Haggai 1:14
And Jehovah doth stir up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people, and they come in, and do work in the house of Jehovah of Hosts their God,
(See RSV)

Haggai 2:2
Speak, I pray thee, unto Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and unto Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest, and unto the remnant of the people, saying:
(See RSV)

Haggai 2:23
In that day -- an affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts, I take thee, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant -- an affirmation of Jehovah, And have set thee as a signet, for on thee I have fixed, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts!
(See RSV)

She-al'ti-el (10 Occurrences)
She-al'ti-el. Sheal'tiel, She-al'ti-el. Shean . Multi-Version Concordance
She-al'ti-el (10 Occurrences). Matthew 1:12 And after ...
/s/she-al'ti-el.htm - 9k

Shean (5 Occurrences)

/s/shean.htm - 8k

Sheal'tiel (1 Occurrence)
Sheal'tiel. Shealtiel, Sheal'tiel. She-al'ti-el . Multi-Version Concordance
Sheal'tiel (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 3:17 And the ...
/s/sheal'tiel.htm - 6k

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