The phrase "The Rebuilding Begins" refers to the period in biblical history when the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the Temple. This significant event is primarily chronicled in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, and it marks a pivotal moment in the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian captivity.

Historical Context

The Babylonian exile, which began in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple, lasted approximately 70 years. This period of captivity was a result of Israel's persistent disobedience and idolatry, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11-12). The return from exile was initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, who conquered Babylon in 539 BC. In the first year of his reign, Cyrus issued a proclamation allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4).

The First Return and the Rebuilding of the Temple

The first group of exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returned to Jerusalem around 538 BC. This group laid the foundation for the Second Temple, an event marked by both joy and weeping among the people (Ezra 3:10-13). However, the rebuilding efforts faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples, leading to a halt in construction (Ezra 4:1-5).

The work on the Temple resumed under the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah. Haggai urged the people to prioritize the rebuilding of the Lord's house, promising that the latter glory of the Temple would surpass the former (Haggai 2:9). Zechariah provided visions of hope and divine support for the endeavor (Zechariah 4:6-10). The Temple was finally completed in 516 BC, during the reign of Darius the Great (Ezra 6:15).

The Second Return and the Reformation of the People

Ezra, a scribe and priest, led a second group of exiles back to Jerusalem in 458 BC. His mission was to teach the Law of God and to restore religious order among the people. Ezra's reforms included the dissolution of intermarriages with pagan nations, which had led to widespread unfaithfulness (Ezra 9-10).

The Rebuilding of the Walls

Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, received permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls, which were still in ruins. Arriving in 445 BC, Nehemiah faced opposition from local leaders such as Sanballat and Tobiah, who sought to thwart the rebuilding efforts (Nehemiah 4:1-3). Despite these challenges, Nehemiah's leadership and the people's determination led to the completion of the wall in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).

Nehemiah's work extended beyond physical reconstruction; he also implemented social and economic reforms, addressing issues such as debt slavery and the neglect of the Levites (Nehemiah 5:1-13). He, along with Ezra, led the people in a covenant renewal ceremony, emphasizing adherence to the Law and the importance of Sabbath observance (Nehemiah 8-10).

Spiritual Renewal and Covenant Faithfulness

The rebuilding period was not only about physical restoration but also spiritual renewal. The reading and teaching of the Law became central to the community's life, as seen in the public reading of the Torah by Ezra (Nehemiah 8:1-8). This revival of covenant faithfulness was crucial for the identity and survival of the Jewish people in the post-exilic period.

Significance in Redemptive History

The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple set the stage for the coming of the Messiah, as prophesied in the Old Testament. The restored Temple became the center of Jewish worship and sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The period of rebuilding also highlights themes of repentance, divine providence, and the fulfillment of God's promises, which resonate throughout the biblical narrative.