Jesh´ua, or Joshua, son of Jozedech, and high priest of the Jews when they returned, under Zerubbabel, from the Babylonian exile (B.C. 536). He was, doubtless, born during the exile. His presence and exhortations greatly promoted the rebuilding of the city and temple. The altar of the latter being first erected, enabled him to sanctify their labor by the religious ceremonies and offerings which the law required. Jeshua joined with Zerubbabel in opposing the machinations of the Samaritans (); and he was not found wanting in zeal when the works, after having been interrupted, were resumed in the second year of Darius Hystaspis (; ). Several of the prophet Haggai's utterances are addressed to Jeshua (; ), and his name occurs in two of the symbolical prophecies of Zechariah (; ). In the first of these passages Jeshua, as pontiff, represents the Jewish people covered at first with the garb of slaves, and afterwards with the new and glorious vestures of deliverance. In the second he wears for a moment crowns of silver and gold, as symbols of the sacerdotal and regal crowns of Israel, which were to be united on the head of the Messiah.