Topical Encyclopedia The Second Temple holds a significant place in biblical history, serving as the center of Jewish worship from its completion in 516 BC until its destruction in AD 70. The decree for its construction was issued by Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, whose actions were remarkably foretold by the prophet Isaiah long before Cyrus's rise to power.Prophetic Prediction The prophecy concerning Cyrus is found in the Book of Isaiah, where God, through the prophet, names Cyrus as the chosen instrument to facilitate the return of the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Isaiah 44:28 states, "who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he will fulfill all My pleasure,’ saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’" This prophecy is notable for its specificity, as it names Cyrus over a century before his birth, highlighting the sovereignty and foreknowledge of God in the affairs of nations. Cyrus's Decree The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy is recorded in the Book of Ezra. After conquering Babylon in 539 BC, Cyrus issued a decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Ezra 1:1-2 records, "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: '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.'" Cyrus's decree not only permitted the Jews to return but also provided the necessary resources for the reconstruction of the Temple. This act of benevolence and political strategy was in line with Persian policies of religious tolerance and support for local customs, which helped to stabilize the vast empire. Historical and Theological Significance The decree of Cyrus is a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marking the end of the Babylonian exile and the beginning of a new era of restoration. Theologically, it underscores the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, as He orchestrates the return of His people and the rebuilding of the Temple, which was central to Jewish worship and identity. The prophetic naming of Cyrus and the subsequent fulfillment of the prophecy serve as a testament to the divine inspiration of Scripture and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history. The Second Temple, though eventually destroyed, remains a symbol of hope and renewal, reflecting the enduring relationship between God and His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 44:28That said of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, You shall be built; and to the temple, Your foundation shall be laid. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Restoration. The Greater Prophets. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Questions. The Iranian Conquest General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History. The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Resources What is the temple tax? | GotQuestions.orgHow many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died? | GotQuestions.org Temple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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