The command to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem is a significant event in biblical history, marking the end of the Babylonian exile and the beginning of a new era for the Jewish people. This event is primarily documented in the books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, and it underscores themes of restoration, obedience, and divine providence.

Historical Context

The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leading to the exile of the Jewish people. The period of exile lasted approximately 70 years, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11-12). The command to rebuild the Temple came after the fall of Babylon to the Persian Empire under King Cyrus the Great in 539 BC.

The Decree of Cyrus

The pivotal moment for the rebuilding of the Temple is the decree issued by Cyrus, King of Persia. This decree is recorded in Ezra 1:1-4:

> "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let every survivor, wherever he resides, be assisted by the men of that region with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.'"

Cyrus's decree not only allowed the Jews to return to their homeland but also provided the resources necessary for the reconstruction of the Temple. This act is seen as a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a testament to God's sovereignty over the nations.

The Role of Haggai and Zechariah

The rebuilding of the Temple faced numerous challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples and discouragement among the Jewish returnees. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah played crucial roles in encouraging the people to resume and complete the work.

Haggai's message emphasized the importance of prioritizing the Temple's reconstruction, as seen in Haggai 1:7-8:

> "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Consider carefully your ways. Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,' says the LORD."

Zechariah, on the other hand, provided visions and prophecies that assured the people of God's presence and future blessings, motivating them to persevere in their efforts.

Completion of the Temple

The rebuilding of the Temple was completed in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the Great, around 516 BC, as recorded in Ezra 6:14-15:

> "So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius."

The completion of the Second Temple marked a significant moment of spiritual renewal and national identity for the Jewish people, serving as a center for worship and community life until its destruction in AD 70.