Temple

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The temple was called by various names in Scripture, including “a place for God to dwell forever,” “a place where God caused His name to dwell,” and “the house of the [[Jehovah|LORD]].”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+6%3A2-11&version=NIV |title=2 Chronicles 6:2–11 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Inside the temple, the [[Ark of the Covenant|ark of the covenant]] was kept. During the Israelites’ [[Life in Desert|journey through the wilderness]], the ark resided in the sanctuary—the tabernacle, a portable temple. Even after entering the land of Canaan, the ark continued to be moved until King [[David]] brought it into the [[City of David|City of Zion]]. David desired to build a permanent house of God—the temple—to enshrine the ark, which had been kept in the tabernacle. However, it was foretold that the temple would be constructed by his son, [[/churchofgod.wiki/솔로몬|Solomon]]. David prepared for the temple’s construction by gathering vast materials and providing Solomon with detailed instructions for the building and its furnishings, as revealed by God.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+28%3A11-19&version=NIV |title=1 Chronicles 28:11–19 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> After David’s death, Solomon completed the first temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem.<ref name=":0" /> Because this location was close to [[Zion]], Mount Zion came to be known over time as “the mountain where the temple of God stands.”

The temple was destroyed in the 6th century B.C. during the [[Babylon|Babylonian]] invasion. However, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel (Hebrew: זְרֻבָּבֶל),<ref>[https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2216.htm Strong's Hebrew: 2216. זְרֻבָּבֶל], ''Bible Hub''</ref> the governor of Judah, in fulfillment of biblical prophecy. This reconstruction was made possible by a decree from King [[Cyrus (II)|Cyrus]] of Persia, which allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Over the following centuries, the temple endured under the rule of successive foreign empires. During Roman occupation, [[Herod]] the Great initiated a major expansion of the temple complex, and the project was completed around A.D. 63. Tragically, only seven years later, in A.D. 70, the temple was completely destroyed when Roman general Titus led an assault on Jerusalem.

The temple was destroyed in the 6th century B.C. during the [[Babylon|Babylonian]] invasion. However, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel (Hebrew: זְרֻבָּבֶל),<ref>[https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2216.htm Strong's Hebrew: 2216. זְרֻבָּבֶל], ''Bible Hub''</ref> the governor of Judah, in fulfillment of biblical prophecy. This reconstruction was made possible by a decree from King [[Cyrus (II)|Cyrus]] of Persia, which allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Over the following centuries, the temple endured under the rule of successive foreign empires. During the Roman occupation, [[Herod]] the Great initiated a major expansion of the temple complex, and the project was completed around A.D. 63. Tragically, only seven years later, in A.D. 70, the temple was completely destroyed when Roman general Titus led an assault on Jerusalem.

==Solomon’s Temple (The First Temple)==

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The temple, completed under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, is commonly referred to as '''Zerubbabel’s Temple'''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+3%3A8&version=NIV |title=Ezra 3:8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Because it was the second temple built in Jerusalem, it is also known as the Second Temple.

Following the 70-year Babylonian captivity, King Cyrus of [[Media & Persia (Persia)|Persia]]—who had conquered Babylon—freed the Israelites. He issued a decree ordering the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple and even returned its sacred articles,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+1%3A1-8&version=NIV |title=Ezra 1:1–8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> directly fulfilling the prophecy of [[Isaiah]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+45%3A1-13&version=NIV |title=Isaiah 45:1–13 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Around 537 B.C., the people of the [[Southern Kingdom of Judah|southern kingdom of Judah]] returned to Jerusalem. ~~under~~ the leadership of Governor Zerubbabel, they laid the foundation and began rebuilding the temple.

Following the 70-year Babylonian captivity, King Cyrus of [[Media & Persia (Persia)|Persia]]—who had conquered Babylon—freed the Israelites. He issued a decree ordering the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple and even returned its sacred articles,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+1%3A1-8&version=NIV |title=Ezra 1:1–8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> directly fulfilling the prophecy of [[Isaiah]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+45%3A1-13&version=NIV |title=Isaiah 45:1–13 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Around 537 B.C., the people of the [[Southern Kingdom of Judah|southern kingdom of Judah]] returned to Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Governor Zerubbabel, they laid the foundation and began rebuilding the temple.

===Construction Process===

*'''Construction Halted Due to Opposition from Gentiles'''

The rebuilding of Zerubbabel’s Temple is detailed in [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%203-6&version=NIV Ezra chapters 3 to 6]. Although the construction had been officially authorized by a royal decree, the process faced significant resistance. Prior to the Jews’ return from Babylonian captivity, the region of [[Samaria]] had been settled by gentile population under [[Assyria|Assyrian]] rule.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+17%3A23-24&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 17:23–24, 33 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> These settlers practiced a syncretistic religion, combining worship of foreign gods and the God of Israel. Upon hearing of the temple’s reconstruction in Jerusalem, they offered to join the project, claiming they, too, had been sacrificing to God. However, Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Joshua) declined their offer. In response, the gentiles grew hostile—bribing officials and intimidating the people to obstruct the work. Due to their persistent interference, construction came to a halt for about 15 years, with only the temple’s foundation completed. During this period, the people of Judah faced hardship, as they had turned their focus to personal affairs and '''neglected God’s temple''', leaving it desolate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Haggai+1%3A4-9&version=NIV |title=Haggai 1:4–9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>

The rebuilding of Zerubbabel’s Temple is detailed in [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%203-6&version=NIV Ezra chapters 3 to 6]. Although the construction had been officially authorized by a royal decree, the process faced significant resistance. Prior to the Jews’ return from Babylonian captivity, the region of [[Samaria]] had been settled by a gentile population under [[Assyria|Assyrian]] rule.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+17%3A23-24&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 17:23–24, 33 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> These settlers practiced a syncretistic religion, combining worship of foreign gods and the God of Israel. Upon hearing of the temple’s reconstruction in Jerusalem, they offered to join the project, claiming they, too, had been sacrificing to God. However, Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Joshua) declined their offer. In response, the gentiles grew hostile—bribing officials and intimidating the people to obstruct the work. Due to their persistent interference, construction came to a halt for about 15 years, with only the temple’s foundation completed. During this period, the people of Judah faced hardship, as they had turned their focus to personal affairs and '''neglected God’s temple''', leaving it desolate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Haggai+1%3A4-9&version=NIV |title=Haggai 1:4–9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>

*'''Construction Resumed Through the Prophets’ Encouragement'''

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About 50 years later, [[Nehemiah]], a Jewish official serving in the Persian Empire, learned that Jerusalem’s walls remained in ruins and that the people were living in hardship and disgrace. Appointed as governor of Judah, Nehemiah led the rebuilding of the city wall. The effort faced fierce opposition from figures such as Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab, who mocked the workers and plotted violence to stop the project. Undeterred, Nehemiah inspired the people to continue the work, even posting guards to protect them while they built.

Despite the ongoing threats, the wall was completed successfully, and the surrounding nations were awestruck, recognizing that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. On the first day of the seventh month, the [[Feast of Trumpets]], the people assembled before the Water Gate, where [[Book of Ezra|Ezra]] the priest and scribe read from the [[law of God]]. On the fifteenth day, they celebrated the [[Feast of Tabernacles]], building booths and rejoicing in holiness for seven days. Through the feast, the people gained deeper understanding of God’s will and made a solemn vow never to neglect the house of God again. A dedication ceremony followed to commemorate the rebuilt wall, during which Nehemiah purified both the temple and the people of Israel.

Despite the ongoing threats, the wall was completed successfully, and the surrounding nations were awestruck, recognizing that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. On the first day of the seventh month, the [[Feast of Trumpets]], the people assembled before the Water Gate, where [[Book of Ezra|Ezra]] the priest and scribe read from the [[law of God]]. On the fifteenth day, they celebrated the [[Feast of Tabernacles]], building booths and rejoicing in holiness for seven days. Through the feast, the people gained a deeper understanding of God’s will and made a solemn vow never to neglect the house of God again. A dedication ceremony followed to commemorate the rebuilt wall, during which Nehemiah purified both the temple and the people of Israel.

*'''The Intertestamental Period'''

Approximately 400 years passed between the writing of the last book of the [[The Old Testament|Old Testament]], [[Book of Malachi|Malachi]], and the birth of Jesus. During this intertestamental period, Palestine underwent numerous shifts in power, leading to major transformations in politics, economy, society, and culture. Both Israel and the Jerusalem temple suffered greatly amid the struggles between powerful empires.

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 The temple was called by various names in Scripture, including “a place for God to dwell forever,” “a place where God caused His name to dwell,” and “the house of the [[Jehovah|LORD]].”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+6%3A2-11&version=NIV |title=2 Chronicles 6:2–11 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Inside the temple, the [[Ark of the Covenant|ark of the covenant]] was kept. During the Israelites’ [[Life in Desert|journey through the wilderness]], the ark resided in the sanctuary—the tabernacle, a portable temple. Even after entering the land of Canaan, the ark continued to be moved until King [[David]] brought it into the [[City of David|City of Zion]]. David desired to build a permanent house of God—the temple—to enshrine the ark, which had been kept in the tabernacle. However, it was foretold that the temple would be constructed by his son, [[/churchofgod.wiki/솔로몬|Solomon]]. David prepared for the temple’s construction by gathering vast materials and providing Solomon with detailed instructions for the building and its furnishings, as revealed by God.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+28%3A11-19&version=NIV |title=1 Chronicles 28:11–19 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> After David’s death, Solomon completed the first temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem.<ref name=":0" /> Because this location was close to [[Zion]], Mount Zion came to be known over time as “the mountain where the temple of God stands.”
-The temple was destroyed in the 6th century B.C. during the [[Babylon|Babylonian]] invasion. However, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel (Hebrew: זְרֻבָּבֶל),<ref>[https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2216.htm Strong's Hebrew: 2216. זְרֻבָּבֶל], ''Bible Hub''</ref> the governor of Judah, in fulfillment of biblical prophecy. This reconstruction was made possible by a decree from King [[Cyrus (II)|Cyrus]] of Persia, which allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Over the following centuries, the temple endured under the rule of successive foreign empires. During Roman occupation, [[Herod]] the Great initiated a major expansion of the temple complex, and the project was completed around A.D. 63. Tragically, only seven years later, in A.D. 70, the temple was completely destroyed when Roman general Titus led an assault on Jerusalem.
+The temple was destroyed in the 6th century B.C. during the [[Babylon|Babylonian]] invasion. However, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel (Hebrew: זְרֻבָּבֶל),<ref>[https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2216.htm Strong's Hebrew: 2216. זְרֻבָּבֶל], ''Bible Hub''</ref> the governor of Judah, in fulfillment of biblical prophecy. This reconstruction was made possible by a decree from King [[Cyrus (II)|Cyrus]] of Persia, which allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Over the following centuries, the temple endured under the rule of successive foreign empires. During the Roman occupation, [[Herod]] the Great initiated a major expansion of the temple complex, and the project was completed around A.D. 63. Tragically, only seven years later, in A.D. 70, the temple was completely destroyed when Roman general Titus led an assault on Jerusalem.
 ==Solomon’s Temple (The First Temple)==
@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 The temple, completed under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, is commonly referred to as '''Zerubbabel’s Temple'''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+3%3A8&version=NIV |title=Ezra 3:8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Because it was the second temple built in Jerusalem, it is also known as the Second Temple.
-Following the 70-year Babylonian captivity, King Cyrus of [[Media & Persia (Persia)|Persia]]—who had conquered Babylon—freed the Israelites. He issued a decree ordering the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple and even returned its sacred articles,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+1%3A1-8&version=NIV |title=Ezra 1:1–8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> directly fulfilling the prophecy of [[Isaiah]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+45%3A1-13&version=NIV |title=Isaiah 45:1–13 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Around 537 B.C., the people of the [[Southern Kingdom of Judah|southern kingdom of Judah]] returned to Jerusalem. under the leadership of Governor Zerubbabel, they laid the foundation and began rebuilding the temple.
+Following the 70-year Babylonian captivity, King Cyrus of [[Media & Persia (Persia)|Persia]]—who had conquered Babylon—freed the Israelites. He issued a decree ordering the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple and even returned its sacred articles,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+1%3A1-8&version=NIV |title=Ezra 1:1–8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> directly fulfilling the prophecy of [[Isaiah]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+45%3A1-13&version=NIV |title=Isaiah 45:1–13 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Around 537 B.C., the people of the [[Southern Kingdom of Judah|southern kingdom of Judah]] returned to Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Governor Zerubbabel, they laid the foundation and began rebuilding the temple.
 ===Construction Process===
 *'''Construction Halted Due to Opposition from Gentiles'''
-The rebuilding of Zerubbabel’s Temple is detailed in [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%203-6&version=NIV Ezra chapters 3 to 6]. Although the construction had been officially authorized by a royal decree, the process faced significant resistance. Prior to the Jews’ return from Babylonian captivity, the region of [[Samaria]] had been settled by gentile population under [[Assyria|Assyrian]] rule.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+17%3A23-24&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 17:23–24, 33 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> These settlers practiced a syncretistic religion, combining worship of foreign gods and the God of Israel. Upon hearing of the temple’s reconstruction in Jerusalem, they offered to join the project, claiming they, too, had been sacrificing to God. However, Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Joshua) declined their offer. In response, the gentiles grew hostile—bribing officials and intimidating the people to obstruct the work. Due to their persistent interference, construction came to a halt for about 15 years, with only the temple’s foundation completed. During this period, the people of Judah faced hardship, as they had turned their focus to personal affairs and '''neglected God’s temple''', leaving it desolate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Haggai+1%3A4-9&version=NIV |title=Haggai 1:4–9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>
+The rebuilding of Zerubbabel’s Temple is detailed in [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%203-6&version=NIV Ezra chapters 3 to 6]. Although the construction had been officially authorized by a royal decree, the process faced significant resistance. Prior to the Jews’ return from Babylonian captivity, the region of [[Samaria]] had been settled by a gentile population under [[Assyria|Assyrian]] rule.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+17%3A23-24&version=NIV |title=2 Kings 17:23–24, 33 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> These settlers practiced a syncretistic religion, combining worship of foreign gods and the God of Israel. Upon hearing of the temple’s reconstruction in Jerusalem, they offered to join the project, claiming they, too, had been sacrificing to God. However, Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Joshua) declined their offer. In response, the gentiles grew hostile—bribing officials and intimidating the people to obstruct the work. Due to their persistent interference, construction came to a halt for about 15 years, with only the temple’s foundation completed. During this period, the people of Judah faced hardship, as they had turned their focus to personal affairs and '''neglected God’s temple''', leaving it desolate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Haggai+1%3A4-9&version=NIV |title=Haggai 1:4–9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>
 *'''Construction Resumed Through the Prophets’ Encouragement'''
@@ Line 49: / Line 49: @@
 About 50 years later, [[Nehemiah]], a Jewish official serving in the Persian Empire, learned that Jerusalem’s walls remained in ruins and that the people were living in hardship and disgrace. Appointed as governor of Judah, Nehemiah led the rebuilding of the city wall. The effort faced fierce opposition from figures such as Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab, who mocked the workers and plotted violence to stop the project. Undeterred, Nehemiah inspired the people to continue the work, even posting guards to protect them while they built.
-Despite the ongoing threats, the wall was completed successfully, and the surrounding nations were awestruck, recognizing that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. On the first day of the seventh month, the [[Feast of Trumpets]], the people assembled before the Water Gate, where [[Book of Ezra|Ezra]] the priest and scribe read from the [[law of God]]. On the fifteenth day, they celebrated the [[Feast of Tabernacles]], building booths and rejoicing in holiness for seven days. Through the feast, the people gained deeper understanding of God’s will and made a solemn vow never to neglect the house of God again. A dedication ceremony followed to commemorate the rebuilt wall, during which Nehemiah purified both the temple and the people of Israel.
+Despite the ongoing threats, the wall was completed successfully, and the surrounding nations were awestruck, recognizing that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. On the first day of the seventh month, the [[Feast of Trumpets]], the people assembled before the Water Gate, where [[Book of Ezra|Ezra]] the priest and scribe read from the [[law of God]]. On the fifteenth day, they celebrated the [[Feast of Tabernacles]], building booths and rejoicing in holiness for seven days. Through the feast, the people gained a deeper understanding of God’s will and made a solemn vow never to neglect the house of God again. A dedication ceremony followed to commemorate the rebuilt wall, during which Nehemiah purified both the temple and the people of Israel.
 *'''The Intertestamental Period'''
 Approximately 400 years passed between the writing of the last book of the [[The Old Testament|Old Testament]], [[Book of Malachi|Malachi]], and the birth of Jesus. During this intertestamental period, Palestine underwent numerous shifts in power, leading to major transformations in politics, economy, society, and culture. Both Israel and the Jerusalem temple suffered greatly amid the struggles between powerful empires.

Temple: Difference between revisions