### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Shêshᵉbatstsar**, represented by `{{H8340}}`, is the proper name **Sheshbazzar**. According to its definition, this was the Persian name for Zerubbabel. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, both in the book of Ezra, yet it marks a pivotal figure in the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Sheshbazzar** `{{H8340}}` is introduced as the individual appointed by **Cyrus** `{{H3567}}` the **king** `{{H4430}}` to lead the rebuilding effort. Cyrus made him **governor** `{{H6347}}` and entrusted him with the sacred **vessels** `{{H3984}}` of **gold** `{{H1722}}` and **silver** `{{H3702}}` that **Nebuchadnezzar** `{{H5020}}` had taken from the **house** `{{H1005}}` of **God** `{{H426}}` in **Jerusalem** `{{H3390}}` [[Ezra 5:14]]. His primary recorded act was to come to **Jerusalem** `{{H3390}}` and lay the **foundation** `{{H787}}` for the new **house** `{{H1005}}` of **God** `{{H426}}`, beginning a construction process that was still not **finished** `{{H8000}}` at the time of the report in Ezra [[Ezra 5:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the context of Sheshbazzar's mission:
* `{{H6347}}` **pechâh** (governor): This word defines Sheshbazzar's official role as a **prefect** or appointed leader, giving him the authority from **king** `{{H4430}}` **Cyrus** `{{H3567}}` to oversee the project [[Ezra 5:14]].
* `{{H787}}` **ʼôsh** (foundation): This term highlights Sheshbazzar's key contribution, which was to lay the **foundation** of the house of God, the essential first step in its reconstruction [[Ezra 5:16]].
* `{{H1124}}` **bᵉnâʼ** (build): This word describes the overall purpose of Sheshbazzar’s work. The project he initiated was to **build** the **house** `{{H1005}}` of **God** `{{H426}}` in **Jerusalem** `{{H3390}}` according to a royal decree [[Ezra 5:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of **Sheshbazzar** `{{H8340}}` is concentrated in his role as an agent of divine restoration.
* **Initiator of Rebuilding:** By laying the **foundation** `{{H787}}` of the second temple, he marks the tangible beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people and His dwelling place in **Jerusalem** `{{H3390}}` [[Ezra 5:16]].
* **Reversal of Exile:** He is the one to whom the sacred **vessels** `{{H3984}}` of the **temple** `{{H1965}}` are **delivered** `{{H3052}}`. This act, authorized by **Cyrus** `{{H3567}}`, directly reverses the judgment enacted through **Nebuchadnezzar** `{{H5020}}`, symbolizing a return of God's holy things to their proper place [[Ezra 5:14]].
* **Instrument of a Gentile King:** His appointment as **governor** `{{H6347}}` by a Persian **king** `{{H4430}}` demonstrates God's sovereignty, showing that He can use foreign rulers to accomplish His redemptive purposes for Israel.
### Summary
In summary, while the name **Sheshbazzar** `{{H8340}}` appears infrequently, the person it identifies is of critical importance. As the governor appointed by Cyrus, he was the man who officially began the reconstruction of the house of God by laying its foundation and restoring its sacred treasures. His actions serve as the starting point for the post-exilic narrative of renewal and rebuilding in the book of Ezra.
TRV