Topical Encyclopedia The Second Temple holds a significant place in Jewish history and biblical narrative, marking the restoration of worship and religious practices after the Babylonian exile. The construction of the Second Temple was a pivotal event for the Jewish people, symbolizing both a physical and spiritual renewal.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. After approximately 70 years in captivity, a remnant of the Jewish population was allowed to return to Jerusalem under the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king. This return marked the beginning of the Second Temple period. Leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua The rebuilding of the Temple was spearheaded by Zerubbabel, a descendant of David and the appointed governor of Judah, and Jeshua (Joshua), the high priest. Their leadership was crucial in mobilizing the people and resources necessary for the reconstruction. The book of Ezra provides a detailed account of their efforts and the challenges they faced. Ezra 3:2 states, "Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God." This verse highlights the initial steps taken to restore worship, even before the Temple's foundation was laid. Challenges and Opposition The rebuilding process was not without its difficulties. The returning exiles faced opposition from surrounding peoples who sought to hinder their efforts. Ezra 4:4-5 notes, "Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build. They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia." Despite these challenges, the work continued, bolstered by prophetic encouragement from Haggai and Zechariah. Haggai 1:14 records, "So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. They came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God." Completion and Dedication The Temple was finally completed in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the Great, around 516 BC. This event was marked by a grand dedication ceremony, as described in Ezra 6:16-18 : "Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. For the dedication of this house of God, they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel." Significance The Second Temple served as the center of Jewish worship and religious life until its destruction by the Romans in AD 70. It was during this period that many significant events in Jewish history and the life of Jesus Christ took place. The Temple's reconstruction under Zerubbabel and Jeshua is a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the resilience of His people in the face of adversity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 5:2Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. Resources What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Zerubbabel's temple/the second temple? | GotQuestions.org What was Solomon's temple / the first temple? How many temples were there? | GotQuestions.org Temple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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