Sheshbazzar was the first governor appointed by the Persians to administer Judah. Though he is mentioned as a prince of Judah in Ezra 1:1–11, this does not mean he was descended from David. It is most likely a title to indicate his status. The Jews make mention of his name because they are eager to emphasize that their work of rebuilding was in keeping with the decree of Cyrus and the work that the governor Sheshbazzar was sent to do. Haggai 1:1–15 makes it clear that no work had been done on the temple site for many years prior to 520 BC. The present activity of rebuilding was a continuation of the edict of Cyrus. Reference is made to Sheshbazzar since he is mentioned in official Persian records (Ezra 1:8–11; Ezra 6:3–5). Thus his name used to underline the connection between their work and the edict of Cyrus.1
14 And the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought into the temple of Babylon, these Cyrus the king took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;