Topical Bible: Month: Adar (March): Second Temple Finished In

◄ Month: Adar (March): Second Temple Finished In ►

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Overview:
Adar is the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding to February-March in the Gregorian calendar. It holds significant historical and religious importance, particularly in the context of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile and the completion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Historical Context:
The completion of the Second Temple is a pivotal event in Jewish history, marking the restoration of worship and religious practices after the Babylonian exile. The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leading to the exile of the Jewish people. After the fall of Babylon to the Persians, King Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4).

Completion of the Second Temple:
The construction of the Second Temple faced numerous challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples and internal discouragement. However, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, the work resumed and was eventually completed. The Bible records this significant event in the book of Ezra:

"So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius." (Ezra 6:14-15)

The completion of the Temple in Adar, in the sixth year of King Darius (circa 516 BC), was a moment of great joy and celebration for the Jewish people. It symbolized the renewal of their covenant relationship with God and the restoration of their religious identity.

Religious Significance:
The Second Temple served as the center of Jewish worship and sacrifice until its destruction by the Romans in AD 70. Its completion in Adar is commemorated as a testament to God's faithfulness and the perseverance of His people. The event is a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the fulfillment of His promises.

Conclusion:
The month of Adar, marked by the completion of the Second Temple, is a significant period in biblical history. It underscores themes of restoration, divine providence, and the enduring faith of the Jewish people. The rebuilding of the Temple not only restored a physical place of worship but also reaffirmed the spiritual and communal identity of the Jewish nation.

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Ezra 6:15
And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
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Library

Chaldaean Civilization
... of Bel-Merodach in the first days of the month Nisan which ... of the gods had not preceded
his march, and if ... The second story thus became the bottom one; it was ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... the rebellion being mercilessly crushed on the 2nd of Adar.*. ... delay: "Go, do not
hesitate, for we march with thee ... cold and nocturnal frosts of the month of Sebat ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm