Topical Encyclopedia The Second Temple, a central place of worship for the Jewish people, held profound religious and cultural significance. Constructed after the Babylonian exile, it stood as a symbol of Jewish identity and divine presence. The reverence for the Second Temple was so profound that speaking against it was considered blasphemous by the Jewish community.Historical Context The Second Temple was built under the leadership of Zerubbabel around 516 BC, following the decree of Cyrus the Great, which allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their sacred site (Ezra 1:1-4). This temple replaced Solomon's Temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The Second Temple underwent significant renovations and expansions under Herod the Great, making it a magnificent structure by the time of Jesus. Religious Significance The Second Temple was the focal point of Jewish worship and religious life. It housed the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was believed to have once rested, and where the high priest would enter once a year on Yom Kippur to offer atonement for the sins of the people (Hebrews 9:7). The temple was the site of daily sacrifices, festivals, and pilgrimages, as prescribed in the Torah. Blasphemy and the Temple The Jewish reverence for the Second Temple was deeply rooted in their understanding of it as God's dwelling place on earth. Speaking against the temple was equated with speaking against God Himself. This is evident in the New Testament account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stephen was accused of blasphemy for allegedly speaking against the temple and the law (Acts 6:13-14): "They presented false witnesses who said, 'This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.'" The charge of blasphemy was a serious accusation, reflecting the temple's sanctity in Jewish thought. The temple was not merely a building but a divine institution, integral to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Jesus and the Temple Jesus' actions and teachings concerning the temple were controversial and often misunderstood. He cleansed the temple, driving out the money changers and those selling animals for sacrifice, declaring, "It is written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers'" (Matthew 21:13). This act was seen as a challenge to the temple authorities and their practices. Moreover, Jesus' prophecy of the temple's destruction was perceived as a threat. He stated, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19), referring to His body as the true temple. This statement was later used against Him during His trial, as witnesses claimed He spoke against the temple (Mark 14:58). The Temple's Destruction The Second Temple was ultimately destroyed by the Romans in AD 70, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy (Matthew 24:1-2). This event marked a significant turning point in Jewish history, as the temple had been the center of religious life for centuries. The destruction was a profound loss, and the absence of the temple continues to be mourned in Jewish tradition. In summary, the Second Temple was a sacred institution for the Jewish people, and speaking against it was considered blasphemous. Its significance extended beyond its physical structure, embodying the spiritual and covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 26:61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 6:13 Acts 21:28 Library The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. The Miracles The Ecclesiastical Trial Texts Explained; Twelfthly, Matthew xxvi. 39; John xii. 27, &C. ... Texts Explained; Secondly, Psalm Xlv. 7, 8 Whether the Words ... The Sentence of the Synod. The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ. Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. Against vigilantius. 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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