The Prophecy of the Call to Rebuild the Temple is a significant event in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, primarily recorded in the books of Haggai and Zechariah. This prophetic call came after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity, during the reign of King Darius of Persia. The central figures in this prophetic movement were the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, who were instrumental in encouraging the people to resume the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

Historical Context

Following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. However, the initial enthusiasm waned due to opposition from surrounding peoples and internal apathy. The construction work on the Temple ceased for several years, leaving the foundation incomplete. It was during this period of stagnation that God raised up Haggai and Zechariah to stir the hearts of the people and their leaders, Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest, to complete the work.

Haggai's Prophecy

The book of Haggai consists of four distinct messages delivered over a span of four months in 520 BC. Haggai's first message, recorded in Haggai 1:1-11, rebukes the people for their neglect of the Temple while they focused on their own homes. Haggai 1:4-5 states, "Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Think carefully about your ways.'" The prophet calls the people to consider their priorities and the consequences of their disobedience, urging them to "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" (Haggai 1:8).

Haggai's second message, found in Haggai 2:1-9, addresses the discouragement among the people who remembered the former glory of Solomon's Temple. God promises that the glory of the new Temple will surpass that of the former, declaring, "The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts. The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the LORD of Hosts. And in this place I will provide peace" (Haggai 2:8-9).

Zechariah's Prophecy

Zechariah, a contemporary of Haggai, also played a crucial role in motivating the people to rebuild the Temple. His prophecies, recorded in the book of Zechariah, are rich with visions and symbolic imagery. Zechariah 1:16-17 conveys God's assurance of His return to Jerusalem with compassion: "Therefore this is what the LORD says: 'I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; My house will be rebuilt there, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.'"

Zechariah's visions include the famous vision of the lampstand and olive trees (Zechariah 4), symbolizing the empowerment of Zerubbabel by the Spirit of God to complete the Temple. Zechariah 4:6 emphasizes this divine enablement: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts."

Significance

The prophetic call to rebuild the Temple was not merely about physical reconstruction but also about spiritual renewal and covenant faithfulness. The Temple represented God's presence among His people and their identity as a nation set apart for His purposes. The completion of the Temple in 516 BC, as a result of the prophetic encouragement, marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing the restoration of worship and the reestablishment of the community's relationship with God.

The Prophecy of the Call to Rebuild the Temple serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire for His people to prioritize His kingdom above their own interests. Through the obedience of the returned exiles, the Temple was rebuilt, setting the stage for future redemptive events in the biblical narrative.