Shesh-baz'zar is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity and the initial efforts to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. His name appears in the books of Ezra and is associated with the early stages of the restoration of the Jewish community in their homeland following the decree of Cyrus the Great.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 1:8 · "Cyrus king of Persia had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah." (BSB)

2. Ezra 5:14 · "He also removed from the temple of Babylon the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem and had carried to Babylon. Then King Cyrus gave them to a man named Sheshbazzar, whom he appointed governor." (BSB)

3. Ezra 5:16 · "So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem. From that day to the present it has been under construction, but it is not yet completed." (BSB)

Role and Identity:

Shesh-baz'zar is identified as "the prince of Judah" and is appointed by King Cyrus of Persia as the governor over the returning exiles. His primary role was to oversee the transportation of the sacred vessels from Babylon back to Jerusalem and to initiate the rebuilding of the temple. The biblical text credits him with laying the foundation of the temple, marking the beginning of the restoration process.

There is some scholarly debate regarding the identity of Shesh-baz'zar, particularly in relation to Zerubbabel, another prominent leader of the return. Some propose that Shesh-baz'zar and Zerubbabel might be the same person, with Shesh-baz'zar being his Babylonian name and Zerubbabel his Hebrew name. Others suggest that they were distinct individuals, with Shesh-baz'zar serving as the initial leader and Zerubbabel succeeding him in the rebuilding efforts.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Shesh-baz'zar's role is significant in the context of the fulfillment of prophetic promises regarding the return from exile and the restoration of the temple. His actions are seen as a direct response to the decree of Cyrus, which itself is viewed as a divinely orchestrated event prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1). The return and rebuilding efforts under Shesh-baz'zar's leadership are foundational to the re-establishment of Jewish religious life and identity in Jerusalem.

Theologically, Shesh-baz'zar's involvement underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, as He orchestrates their return and the restoration of worship in the temple. His leadership, though briefly mentioned, is a testament to the continuity of God's plan for Israel and the preservation of the Davidic line, which is central to the messianic hope in the Hebrew Scriptures.Shesh-baz'zar (4 Occurrences)

Ezra 1:8
even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.
(See RSV)

Ezra 1:11
All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up, when they of the captivity were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.
(See RSV)

Ezra 5:14
And the gold and silver vessels also of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
(See RSV)

Ezra 5:16
Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundations of the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not completed.
(See RSV)

Shesh-baz'zar (4 Occurrences)
Shesh-baz'zar. Sheshbazzar, Shesh-baz'zar. Sheth . Multi-Version
Concordance Shesh-baz'zar (4 Occurrences). Ezra 1:8 even those ...
/s/shesh-baz'zar.htm - 7k

Sheshbazzar (4 Occurrences)

/s/sheshbazzar.htm - 10k

Sheth (2 Occurrences)

/s/sheth.htm - 8k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus