Topical Encyclopedia The Second Temple, a pivotal structure in Jewish history, was constructed following the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity. Its construction began under the leadership of Zerubbabel around 516 BC, as recorded in the book of Ezra. This temple, though initially modest compared to Solomon's Temple, underwent significant enhancements, particularly under the reign of Herod the Great, transforming it into a magnificent edifice that stood as a central place of worship and national identity for the Jewish people.Construction and Initial Structure The initial construction of the Second Temple is detailed in the book of Ezra. Despite the challenges faced by the returning exiles, including opposition from surrounding peoples, the foundation was laid with great celebration. Ezra 3:11 states, "And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid." The temple was completed in the sixth year of King Darius, as noted in Ezra 6:15. The Second Temple, at its inception, lacked the grandeur of Solomon's Temple. It was smaller and did not possess the Ark of the Covenant, the Urim and Thummim, or the Shekinah glory. However, it was still a significant place of worship and sacrifice, serving as the spiritual center for the Jewish people. Herod's Expansion and Renovation The most notable transformation of the Second Temple occurred under Herod the Great, who reigned from 37 to 4 BC. Herod, known for his ambitious building projects, sought to gain favor with the Jewish people by expanding and beautifying the temple. This renovation began around 20 BC and continued for decades, even after Herod's death. Herod's expansion included the enlargement of the Temple Mount, the construction of massive retaining walls, and the addition of grand colonnades and courtyards. The temple itself was rebuilt with white marble and adorned with gold, making it a dazzling sight. The Jewish historian Josephus describes the temple as a structure of immense beauty, with its gold-covered facade reflecting the sun's rays, visible from a great distance. Ornaments and Sacred Vessels The Second Temple was adorned with various ornaments and sacred vessels, many of which were crafted with precious metals. The interior of the temple housed the Menorah, the Table of Showbread, and the Altar of Incense, all made according to the specifications given in the Torah. The High Priest's garments, including the breastplate with twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel, added to the temple's splendor. The temple's outer courts were also richly decorated. The Court of the Women, the Court of the Israelites, and the Court of the Priests were all part of the temple complex, each serving specific functions in the worship practices of the time. The grandeur of these courts and the temple's overall architecture made it a marvel of the ancient world. Significance in Jewish Worship The Second Temple served as the focal point of Jewish religious life. It was the site of daily sacrifices, festivals, and pilgrimages, particularly during Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The temple's magnificence was not only in its physical structure but also in its role as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The temple's destruction in AD 70 by the Romans marked a significant turning point in Jewish history. Yet, the memory of its magnificence and the hope for its restoration continue to hold a central place in Jewish thought and eschatology. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 2:20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and will you raise it up in three days? Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 13:1 Luke 21:5 Library Of the Building of this Temple How Herod Celebrated the Games that were to Return Every Fifth ... The Description of Jerusalem. And Now we May Well Compare the Present with Former Things... The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Palestine under Pagan Kings. A Peal of Bells Pagan Shrines and Temples. The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Pagan Cemeteries. 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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