V.1-2 The actual names of some of those who wanted to go back to God’s center — Jerusalem. Although everything was in ruins there, they still wanted to go. Most had not been there!
V.2 Zerubbabel was the leader. Turn to Matthew 1:1-16 which gives the royal line from Abraham through King David to Christ (Notice v. 12). Does God control things? This very man Zerubbabel is of that royal line actually the King of Israel. Just as Jesus was (Matt. 2:1-2; 27:37).
V.2-58 Although we may find it hard to even pronounce these names, the Lord holds these people so dear to Him that He tells us who they were! Notice that they went by households (take a minute to read Ex. 1:1). How happy we are when our children follow the Lord. We can count on this, when we ourselves follow Him.