The commencement of the Temple reconstruction marks a significant event in the history of Israel, symbolizing both a physical and spiritual renewal for the Jewish people following their return from Babylonian exile. This event is primarily chronicled in the books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, which provide detailed accounts of the challenges and triumphs associated with rebuilding the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.

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. The decree of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, in 538 BC allowed the exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This decree is recorded in Ezra 1:2-4 : "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. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem.'"

Leadership and Initial Efforts

The initial efforts to rebuild the Temple were led by Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Jeshua (Joshua) the high priest. Ezra 3:8 notes, "In the second month of the second year after their arrival at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brothers—the priests and Levites and all who had returned to Jerusalem from captivity—began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years old and older to supervise the building of the house of the LORD."

The foundation of the Temple was laid with great celebration and worship, as described in Ezra 3:10-11 : "When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD: 'For He is good, for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.'"

Opposition and Delay

Despite the initial enthusiasm, the reconstruction faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples, leading to a prolonged delay. The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin sought to hinder the work, as recorded in Ezra 4:4-5 : "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."

Prophetic Encouragement and Resumption

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah played crucial roles in encouraging the people to resume the work on the Temple. Haggai 1:4-5 admonishes the people: "Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Consider carefully your ways.'"

Zechariah also provided visions and messages of hope, urging the people to complete the work. Zechariah 4:6 famously declares, "So he said to me, 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of Hosts."

Completion of the Temple

Under the renewed leadership and divine encouragement, the reconstruction of the Temple was completed in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king, around 516 BC. Ezra 6:15-16 records, "And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. 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."

The completion of the Temple not only restored a central place of worship for the Jewish people but also reaffirmed their covenant relationship with God, setting the stage for the spiritual renewal and reforms that would follow.