Topical Encyclopedia The Second Temple period marks a significant era in Jewish history, beginning with the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This period was fraught with challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples, notably the Samaritans. The Samaritans, a group with historical and religious ties to the Israelites, played a pivotal role in attempting to halt the reconstruction efforts of the Jewish community.Historical Context Following the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, in 538 BC, the Jewish exiles were permitted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4). This decree fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah and marked the beginning of the Second Temple period. However, the returning exiles faced significant opposition from local inhabitants, including the Samaritans, who were descendants of Israelites left in the land during the Assyrian exile and other peoples settled there by the Assyrians. The Samaritan Opposition The Samaritans initially offered to assist in the rebuilding of the Temple, claiming shared worship of the God of Israel. However, their offer was rejected by Zerubbabel and the Jewish leaders, who insisted on maintaining the purity of their religious practices (Ezra 4:1-3). This rejection led to hostility, and the Samaritans sought to undermine the Jewish efforts. The Letter to Artaxerxes Smerdis The Samaritans, along with other adversaries, wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes, identified by some scholars as Artaxerxes Smerdis, to disrupt the rebuilding process. This letter is recorded in the Book of Ezra and reflects the political maneuvering of the time. The adversaries accused the Jews of rebuilding a rebellious and wicked city, suggesting that if the city and its walls were restored, the Jews would no longer pay tribute, thus harming the royal revenues (Ezra 4:12-13). The letter reads: "Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have returned to us at Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls and repairing its foundations" (Ezra 4:12). The Samaritans' strategy was to portray the rebuilding efforts as a threat to the Persian Empire's stability and financial interests. Artaxerxes' Response King Artaxerxes responded to the letter by ordering a halt to the construction. He commanded that the work on the city be stopped until further notice, citing the potential for rebellion as a significant concern (Ezra 4:21-22). This royal decree effectively paused the rebuilding efforts, causing great distress among the Jewish community. Impact on the Jewish Community The interruption of the Temple's construction was a severe setback for the Jewish exiles. It not only delayed the completion of the Temple but also tested the resolve and faith of the Jewish people. Despite the opposition, the Jewish leaders, encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, eventually resumed the work, leading to the Temple's completion during the reign of Darius the Great (Ezra 6:14-15). The Samaritan opposition and the subsequent letter to Artaxerxes Smerdis highlight the complex interplay of politics, religion, and identity during the Second Temple period. This episode underscores the challenges faced by the Jewish community in re-establishing their religious and cultural identity amidst external pressures and internal struggles. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 4:6-16And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they to him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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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