Sanhedrin 38a says he was called Zerubavel because he was conceived, nizra, in Bavel. This teaches us that no matter how steeped in exile Klal Yisrael was, Hashem did not forget them and was preparing the redemption. That is an important lesson for us today as well. No matter how bleak things seem to be, Hashem never gives up on us.
It also says that Zerubavel and Nechemia, another well-known Jewish leader, were the same person. The fact that he was given two names means that he served two roles. He was planted in Bavel as a leader and brought comfort to the Jewish People as the name Nechemia, derived from root of nichum, consolation, implies.
Zerubavel will serve this role in the future times as well. We mentioned the midrash which says that Zerubavel son of Shaltiel will stand before Hashem as His interpreter, and Hashem will reveal the wisdom of the Torah to him. Part of this wisdom will be the following. Pesachim 50a teaches that upon hearing good news we make the bracha HaTov VeHaMeitiv, thanking Hashem for His kindness. Upon hearing bad news, we make the bracha Dayan HaEmes which expresses our acceptance of G-d’s judgment. However, once Moshiach comes we will only make the bracha of HaTov VeHaMeitiv, no matter what the circumstance.
That raises the question: When the ultimate redemption finally occurs there won’t be any tragedies. What, then, does the Gemara mean when it says that we will thank G-d for His kindness when facing tragic events occur?
The Tzelach explains that the Gemara is referring to past events that had occurred throughout world history. The definitive consolation of Moshiach’s time will be our understanding that everything Hashem did, even that which appeared tragic, was actually all for the good.
A friend who lost his father at a young age to a debilitating disease once made an unbelievable statement, which was testimony to my friend’s trust in G-d.
He said, “What kept me going during the seven-day shiva period and what keeps me going now? I keep telling myself that now my father, in Heaven, knows why the illness happened, and, what’s more, he’s happy that it happened. G-d explained everything to him.”
When the ultimate redemption arrives, all of the tragic events of history will feel like a bad dream because we will see the goodness. This is part of the role of comfort and consolation which Nechemia/Zerubavel will bring.