Topical Encyclopedia The Second Temple holds a significant place in Jewish history, serving as the center of Jewish worship from its completion in 516 BC until its destruction in AD 70. The period following the Babylonian exile was marked by the Jews' return to Jerusalem and the subsequent challenges they faced in rebuilding their temple. The initial enthusiasm for reconstruction waned, leading to divine reproof through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah.Historical Context After the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, which allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, the initial efforts to rebuild the temple began under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest. However, opposition from surrounding peoples and internal discouragement led to a cessation of the work. The foundation was laid, but the temple itself remained incomplete for nearly two decades. Prophetic Reproof The prophet Haggai was instrumental in calling the Jews to account for their neglect. In Haggai 1:2-4 , the Lord addresses the people's complacency: "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'These people say, "The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD."' Then the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet, saying: 'Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?'" Haggai's message was clear: the people's priorities were misplaced. They had focused on their own comfort and prosperity while neglecting the spiritual and communal center of their faith. The prophet urged them to "Consider your ways" (Haggai 1:5) and recognize the futility of their efforts without God's blessing. Consequences of Neglect The neglect of the temple had tangible consequences. Haggai 1:6 describes the people's struggles: "You have planted much but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough; you drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but never get warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a bag with holes." The lack of divine favor was evident in their economic hardships and unfulfilled lives. Call to Action and Response Haggai's exhortation was not without effect. The people, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, responded to the prophetic call. Haggai 1:12 records their obedience: "Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the words of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD." The renewed commitment to the temple's construction was met with divine encouragement. Haggai 1:13 states, "Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people: 'I am with you,' declares the LORD." This assurance of God's presence galvanized the community to complete the temple. Zechariah's Encouragement Alongside Haggai, the prophet Zechariah also played a crucial role in motivating the people. Zechariah's visions and messages emphasized God's sovereignty and the future glory of the temple. Zechariah 4:6 famously declares, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of Hosts." This assurance underscored the divine empowerment necessary for the task. Completion of the Temple The combined efforts of the prophets, leaders, and people culminated in the completion of the Second Temple in 516 BC, as recorded in Ezra 6:15 : "And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius." The dedication of the temple marked a significant moment of spiritual renewal and communal identity for the Jewish people. The reproof and subsequent obedience highlight the importance of prioritizing God's work and the blessings that follow when His people align their actions with His will. The Second Temple, though eventually destroyed, remains a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Jewish community in the face of adversity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Haggai 1:1-5In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Destruction of Jerusalem. The Destruction of Jerusalem The Antiquities of the Jews One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... Demonstration vi. --Of Monks. Homilies on the Gospel of John. 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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