Who was Zerubbabel?

Zerubbabel was the head of the tribe of Judah during the time of the return from the Babylon exile. With the blessing of Cyrus of Persia (Ezra 1:1-2), Zerubbabel and Jeshua the high priest led the first band of captives back to Jerusalem. He was the prime builder of the second Temple, which was later re-constructed by King Herod. Zerubbabel was the grandson of Jehoiachin, the captive king of Judah (1 Chr. 3:17).