(Aramaic) corresponding to שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל; {Shealtiel, an Israelite}; Shealtiel.
Transliteration:Shᵉʼaltîyʼêl
Pronunciation:sheh-al-tee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name Shealtiel (שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל, Shᵉʼaltîyʼêl, `{{H7598}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, specifically a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is derived from the verbal root שָׁאַל (sha'al, `{{H7592}}`), meaning "to ask," "to inquire," or "to request," combined with the divine name אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`), meaning "God." Therefore, the name literally translates to "I have asked of God" or "I asked God." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual within the biblical narrative, yet its etymology carries a significant implication, perhaps reflecting the circumstances of his birth—a child whose existence was a direct answer to prayer or a divine request.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Shealtiel is primarily recognized in the biblical record as the father of Zerubbabel, a pivotal leader in the post-exilic return to Judah and the rebuilding of the Second Temple. His lineage places him firmly within the royal Davidic line.
* **1 Chronicles 3:17**: "And the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son..." This verse establishes Shealtiel as the son of Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin), a king of Judah who was exiled to Babylon. This connection is crucial, as it maintains the continuity of the Davidic royal lineage through the period of exile.
* **Ezra 3:2, 5:2**: "Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel..." These passages confirm Shealtiel's fatherhood of Zerubbabel, highlighting their joint leadership roles alongside Jeshua the high priest in the reconstruction efforts in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity.
* **Nehemiah 12:1**: Shealtiel is mentioned in the context of the priests and Levites who returned from exile with Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel.
* **Haggai 1:1, 1:12, 1:14, 2:2, 2:23**: The prophet Haggai consistently addresses "Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah," underscoring Zerubbabel's prominent position and the divine mandate upon him to rebuild the Temple. Shealtiel's name here serves to identify Zerubbabel's royal pedigree.
* **Matthew 1:12**: "And after the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel." This verse in the New Testament genealogy of Jesus confirms Shealtiel's place in the Messianic line, aligning with the Old Testament record.
* **Luke 3:27**: "the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel..." Luke's genealogy also includes Shealtiel, though there is a known textual variant regarding his father (Neri in Luke vs. Jeconiah in Matthew and 1 Chronicles), a point of scholarly discussion often attributed to levirate marriage or different lines of descent (legal vs. biological). Regardless, his role as Zerubbabel's father is consistent.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **שָׁאַל (sha'al) `{{H7592}}`**: The foundational verbal root from which Shealtiel's name is derived, signifying the act of asking or requesting. This root is prevalent throughout the Hebrew Bible, often in contexts of prayer or seeking divine guidance.
* **אֵל (El) `{{H410}}`**: The common Semitic term for God, a frequent component in Hebrew proper names, indicating a relationship with or characteristic of the divine.
* **Zerubbabel (זְרֻבָּבֶל) `{{H2216}}`**: Shealtiel's son, the leading figure in the post-exilic community and the rebuilding of the Temple, whose Davidic lineage through Shealtiel was critical for the prophetic fulfillment.
* **Jeconiah (יְכָנְיָה) `{{H3204}}`**: Shealtiel's father, a king of Judah whose exile marked a significant turning point in Israelite history, yet through whom the Davidic covenant remained intact.
* **Davidic Covenant**: The divine promise to King David that his house, kingdom, and throne would be established forever ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). Shealtiel's role in the lineage is a testament to God's faithfulness to this covenant, even during periods of apparent national failure.
* **Babylonian Exile and Return**: Shealtiel's life and the lives of his immediate family are inextricably linked to this pivotal period, representing the continuation of God's people and promises through a time of severe judgment and restoration.
### Theological Significance
Shealtiel's primary theological significance stems from his critical position within the Davidic and ultimately Messianic genealogies.
* **Preservation of the Davidic Line**: Shealtiel's descent from King Jeconiah and his fathering of Zerubbabel illustrate God's unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic covenant ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). Even when the Davidic monarchy seemingly ended with the Babylonian exile, God preserved a remnant of the royal line through Shealtiel, ensuring the continuity necessary for the future Messiah.
* **Hope Amidst Despair**: The meaning of his name, "I have asked of God," could reflect the hope and prayers of the exiled community for the restoration of their nation and the fulfillment of God's promises. It may signify a divine answer to a desperate plea, or a profound trust in God's future intervention during a period of national chastisement.
* **Divine Providence in History**: Shealtiel's very existence and his specific placement in the genealogies demonstrate God's meticulous and sovereign hand guiding human history. His life serves as a quiet but powerful testament to God's precise orchestration of events to bring about His redemptive plan.
* **Link in the Messianic Chain**: As an ancestor of Jesus Christ, Shealtiel is a vital link in the genealogical chain that culminates in the incarnation of the Savior. His inclusion in both Old Testament and New Testament genealogies underscores the precision and fulfillment of God's plan of salvation, emphasizing that the promised Messiah would indeed come from the lineage of David.
### Summary
Shealtiel (שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל, Shᵉʼaltîyʼêl, `{{H7598}}`), meaning "I have asked of God," is a profoundly significant figure in biblical history, primarily recognized as the father of Zerubbabel. Descended from the exiled King Jeconiah, Shealtiel represents a crucial link in the Davidic royal line, demonstrating God's unfailing faithfulness to His covenant promises even amidst national judgment and exile. His name itself may symbolize the prayers and hopes of a people longing for divine intervention and restoration. Theologically, Shealtiel's importance lies in his role in preserving the Messianic lineage, thereby showcasing God's meticulous providence and His steadfast commitment to His redemptive plan, which ultimately culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. His presence in the genealogies of both the Old and New Testaments underscores the continuous thread of God's sovereign work across generations.
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