or שַׁלְתִּיאֵל; from שָׁאַל and אֵל; I have asked God; Shealtiel, an Israelite; Shalthiel, Shealtiel.
Transliteration:Shᵉʼaltîyʼêl
Pronunciation:sheh-al-tee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shᵉʼaltîyʼêl), also appearing as שַׁלְתִּיאֵל (Shaltiel), is a compound theophoric name rich in meaning. It is derived from two primary elements: the verb שָׁאַל (sha'al) `{{H7592}}`, meaning "to ask, inquire, beg, borrow," and the divine name אֵל (El) `{{H410}}`, meaning "God." Thus, the name literally translates to "I have asked God" or "I asked of God." This etymology suggests a profound declaration of faith and dependence on the Divine. The name itself functions as a miniature prayer or a statement of gratitude, indicating that the individual's existence or a significant event related to their birth was a direct result of petitioning God or was seen as an answer to prayer. The perfect tense implied in "I have asked" suggests a completed action, emphasizing God's responsiveness to human supplication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Shealtiel is a prominent figure in the post-exilic biblical narrative, primarily known as the father of Zerubbabel. His name appears in several crucial genealogical and historical texts:
* In the Old Testament, Shealtiel is listed in the Davidic lineage in [[1 Chronicles 3:17]], where he is identified as the son of Jeconiah (Jehoiachin), the penultimate king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. This places him firmly within the royal line that would eventually lead to the Messiah.
* He is consistently identified as the father of Zerubbabel, a key leader in the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Second Temple. This relationship is highlighted in texts such as [[Ezra 3:2]], [[Ezra 5:2]], and [[Nehemiah 12:1]]. While [[1 Chronicles 3:19]] mentions Pedaiah as Zerubbabel's father, the overwhelming consensus of other biblical texts (including Haggai and Zechariah) and scholarly interpretation affirms Shealtiel as Zerubbabel's father, possibly indicating a levirate marriage or a broader understanding of "son of" in the genealogies.
* Shealtiel's name also appears in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus, affirming his place in the messianic lineage. He is mentioned as the father of Zerubbabel in both [[Matthew 1:12]] and [[Luke 3:27]] (where his father is identified as Neri, likely through a different legal or maternal line, reconciling the Old Testament accounts).
The consistent appearance of Shealtiel in both Old and New Testament genealogies underscores his historical significance and his role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, particularly in connecting the pre-exilic Davidic monarchy with the post-exilic restoration and the eventual coming of Christ. His life spanned a critical period, bridging the desolation of exile with the hope of return and rebuilding.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Shealtiel is intrinsically linked to several significant biblical words and concepts:
* **שָׁאַל (sha'al) `{{H7592}}`**: The root verb "to ask" is fundamental. It encompasses a wide range of human interaction with the divine, from humble petition (e.g., Hannah asking for Samuel in [[1 Samuel 1:17]]) to inquiring of God's will (e.g., David inquiring of the Lord in [[1 Samuel 23:2]]). The name Shealtiel thus embodies the concept of prayer, supplication, and seeking God's intervention or guidance.
* **אֵל (El) `{{H410}}`**: This is one of the most ancient and common names for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His power, sovereignty, and faithfulness. Its inclusion in Shealtiel's name highlights that God is the ultimate recipient and answerer of prayers.
* **Theophoric Names**: Shealtiel belongs to a rich category of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine element (like -el, -iah, -yahu). Examples include Daniel ("God is my judge"), Immanuel ("God with us"), and Israel ("He struggles with God"). These names often serve as theological statements by the parents, reflecting their faith, their circumstances, or their hopes for the child.
* **Saul (שָׁאוּל - Sha'ul)**: Another prominent biblical name derived from the same root שָׁאַל `{{H7592}}`. Saul's name also means "asked" or "desired," often interpreted as "asked of God." This linguistic connection underscores the theme of divine interaction and human desire.
* **Concepts of Prayer and Divine Providence**: The very meaning of Shealtiel's name evokes the profound theological concepts of prayer, God's attentiveness to His people's cries, and His providential care, especially during times of distress like the Babylonian exile.
### Theological Significance
The name Shealtiel carries deep theological resonance, particularly when viewed through the lens of his historical context and lineage:
* **A Declaration of Faith in Exile**: Born into or living through the period of Babylonian exile, a time of national devastation and spiritual crisis, Shealtiel's name ("I have asked God") stands as a powerful testament to enduring faith. It suggests that even in the darkest moments, the people of God continued to turn to Him in prayer, believing in His power to restore and deliver. It encapsulates the hope that God hears the cries of His people, even when they are far from their homeland and temple.
* **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**: Shealtiel's position in the Davidic line is critical. Despite the apparent failure of the Davidic monarchy and the exile, God had promised an everlasting kingdom through David's seed ([[2 Samuel 7:16]]). The survival of this lineage through figures like Shealtiel and his son Zerubbabel, who oversaw the rebuilding of the temple, is a tangible sign of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even through human failure and national judgment. The "asking" in his name could be seen as Israel's collective cry for the fulfillment of these promises.
* **Anticipation of Messiah**: As an ancestor of Jesus Christ, Shealtiel's name subtly points to the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest longings and prayers—the coming of the Messiah. The "asking" for deliverance, for a king, for restoration, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who embodies God's perfect response to the human condition. The name thus becomes a prophetic echo of the longing for salvation and the promise of its divine provision.
* **The Interplay of Human Petition and Divine Action**: Shealtiel's name beautifully illustrates the biblical principle that while God is sovereign and acts according to His will, He also invites and responds to human prayer. It affirms that our petitions matter and that God is a God who hears and answers.
### Summary
The name שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shealtiel), meaning "I have asked God," is a profoundly significant biblical name. Rooted in the Hebrew verb "to ask" and the divine name "God," it serves as a powerful declaration of faith, dependence, and the belief in God's responsiveness to prayer. As the father of Zerubbabel, Shealtiel occupies a crucial place in the Davidic lineage, bridging the period of Babylonian exile with the post-exilic restoration and ultimately connecting to the messianic line of Jesus Christ. His name embodies the enduring hope and persistent prayer of God's people during a time of great adversity, testifying to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Shealtiel's very existence, encapsulated in his name, stands as a testament to the truth that God hears the cries of His people and acts in history to fulfill His redemptive purposes.
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