What was Zerubbabel’s temple/the second temple?

The second temple, also known as Zerubbabel’s temple, was the temple built in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The temple was commissioned by Cyrus the Great after the fall of Babylon to the Persians in 539 BC. It was completed around 516-515 BC on the site of Solomon’s temple which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC.

The origins of the second temple can be traced back to the proclamation of Cyrus recorded in Ezra 1:2-4 which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Zerubbabel was the governor appointed by the Persians to lead the first group of returnees. According to Ezra 3, soon after their arrival, the returnees built an altar and laid the foundations for the temple. However, opposition from local adversaries stalled the building project until the second year of Darius I (520 BC) when the temple was finally completed.

The second temple was modest in comparison to Solomon’s temple. The older generation of Jews who had seen the glory of the first temple wept at the founding of the second temple (Ezra 3:12). The temple was about one third larger than Solomon’s in dimensions but lacked many of the ornate decorations and gold overlay of the former. Still, its completion was a joyous occasion for the returning exiles who celebrated the Passover there with sacrifices and offerings to God (Ezra 6:16-22).

The temple built by Zerubbabel played a central role in Israelite worship during the next five centuries until its destruction by the Romans in 70 AD. Some key events associated with the second temple include:

• The reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah to purge pagan influences from the Jewish community and reinstitute the laws of Moses (Ezra 9-10, Nehemiah 8-10).
• The defensive actions of the Maccabees to protect the temple from Seleucid desecration leading to the festival of Hanukkah (1 Maccabees 4:36-61).
• The renovation and expansion of the temple complex by Herod the Great beginning around 19 BC.
• The temple incident with Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers (Matthew 21:12-17).
• The rending of the temple curtain at the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:51).
• The continuation of temple activities until its destruction by the Romans under Titus in 70 AD.

The temple was the center of Jewish life for the exiles who returned from captivity. After its meager beginnings, the temple complex grew in prominence over the centuries through various renovations and expansions. While not as glorious as Solomon’s temple, the second temple provided a place of continuous sacrifice and worship to God until the coming of Christ and the new covenant that did away with temple rituals and sacrifices.

Construction of the Second Temple

The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple was made possible by the decree of Cyrus recorded in Ezra 1:2-4. After conquering Babylon in 539 BC, Cyrus allowed the Jewish captives to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple of God. The articles of the old temple were returned by the order of Cyrus and new articles given by the Jews still in Babylon (Ezra 1:7-11).

Zerubbabel led the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem around 538 BC. According to Ezra 3:2-3, they built the altar and offered sacrifices but had fear of the local inhabitants in the land. In the second year after their return, the foundations of the temple were laid amidst celebration and praise (Ezra 3:8-11). However, opposition arose from adversaries who did not want the temple rebuilt (Ezra 4:1-5). These setbacks caused the building project to stall until the second year of Darius (Ezra 4:24).

After appealing to Darius for approval to continue construction, the temple was finally completed in the sixth year of Darius or around 516-515 BC (Ezra 6:15). The Book of Ezra provides detailed accounts related to the rebuilding of the temple in chapters 5-6. The project spanned about 20 years from the initial return and altar building until the completion under Zerubbabel’s leadership.

Dimensions and Design of the Second Temple

The Bible does not provide extensive details on the design and dimensions of the second temple. However, some key details can be discerned from the information given:

• The foundations were laid first, suggesting the lower courses of stones were placed before the superstructure (Ezra 3:10).
• Cedar beams were brought from Lebanon for roof construction (Ezra 3:7).
• The height and width were 60 cubits – about 90 feet – smaller than Solomon’s temple at 90 feet high and 30 feet wide (Ezra 6:3).
• It contained a main hall and inner sanctuary similar to Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:3).
• Chambers were built all around the temple (Ezra 6:5).

From these details, scholars reconstruct the temple as a modest version of Solomon’s temple with similarities in layout but smaller in scale. The Holy Place and Most Holy Place were laid out identically on a east-west axis. A porch entrance faced eastward with chambers alongside and behind the main hall. The dimensions indicate a temple about 90 by 30 feet rising perhaps 90 feet high above ground level. The smaller size was likely due to the limited resources of the returning exiles.

The temple was constructed mainly from stone and cedar beams unlike the lavish gold overlay and details of Solomon’s temple. Limestone was likely used for the foundation and white marble for the beams and pillars. While modest, the temple reconstruction gave the returning exiles a place to worship God and offer sacrifices as prescribed in the law.

Furnishings of the Second Temple

The temple was furnished with items comparable but inferior to Solomon’s temple:

• The ark of the covenant and mercy seat were missing, likely lost in the destruction of the first temple (2 Maccabees 2:4-8).
• A new altar of sacrifice was constructed (Ezra 3:2-3).
• The table for the bread of the Presence and lampstand were returned by Cyrus (Ezra 1:7-11).
• New golden and silver articles were made to replace lost items (Ezra 1:6).

Without the ark of the covenant, the Holy of Holies remained empty as the new focal point became the altar of sacrifice in the outer court. The returned articles gave the temple vessels for ritual use along with various utensils, freewill offerings, and valuables to store in the treasury chambers. While lacking Solomon’s splendor, the temple was functional for Mosaic rituals and services.

Dedication of the Second Temple

The completion of the second temple was marked by a celebration and dedication ceremony:

• The temple was finished on the third day of the month Adar in the sixth year of Darius (Ezra 6:15).
• The priests and Levites were organized by divisions for serving in the new temple (Ezra 6:18).
• Sacrifices were made on the altar including 12 male goats for the sins of Israel and 12 bulls for the priests (Ezra 6:17).
• The priests and Levites celebrated with joy according to the directives of David and Solomon (Ezra 6:18).
• The Passover feast was observed by all the returned exiles (Ezra 6:19-22).

This dedication and celebration established the second temple as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the restored community of Israel in Jerusalem. The observance of Passover recalled God’s mighty deliverance of their ancestors from Egypt. For the returned exiles, it marked a new beginning for Israel’s worship and life as God’s covenant people.

Role and Significance of the Second Temple

For the Jews who returned from exile, the second temple provided:

• A place to regularly offer sacrifices for sin as required by the law of Moses.
• A house for God’s presence to dwell among His people (Haggai 1:8).
• A unifying center for covenant renewal and worship according to the law.
• A sign of God’s continued favor and restoration after judgment.

In particular, the book of Haggai emphasizes the importance of rebuilding the temple for restoring prosperity and God’s blessings to the people. Although not as grand as the first temple, it served as the functioning center of Jewish worship during the Second Temple period until 70 AD.

The history of the second temple also reinforces God’s commitment to keep His covenant promises. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God restored them as His people when they turned back to Him. The temple provided proof of God dwelling among them according to His Word. It pointed ahead to the greater redemption through Christ and the dwelling of God in the church.

Subsequent History and Destruction

After its completion under Zerubbabel, the temple complex underwent various renovations and expansion projects:

• Simon Maccabaeus expanded and repaired the temple after its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes around 164 BC (1 Maccabees 14:36-49).
• John Hyrcanus tore down the temple of the Samaritans on Mt. Gerizim around 128 BC.
• Herod the Great began an extensive remodeling and expansion starting around 19 BC.

The temple in the time of Christ reflected the enhanced facilities built by Herod including the large courtyard, monumental stairway, and enlarged sanctuary. In 70 AD, the second temple was destroyed along with Jerusalem by the Roman general Titus after a lengthy siege, thus fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy that “not one stone here will be left on another” (Matthew 24:2).

The destruction of the second temple in 70 AD was a historically devastating event for the Jewish people. It ended centuries of sacrificial worship centered around the temple. However, with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, temple sacrifices were fulfilled and a greater, heavenly temple was inaugurated through Christ (Hebrews 8-10).

Contrast With Solomon’s Temple

Solomon’s temple represented the glory and splendor of Israel at the height of its power in the promised land. In contrast, the second temple reflected the diminished position of Israel after the judgment of exile:

• Solomon’s temple was constructed over 7 years with “cedars of Lebanon” and vast amounts of gold (1 Kings 5-7). The second temple was built by a displaced people with limited resources in about 20 years.
• The ark of the covenant and visible glory of God were present in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10-11) but missing in the second temple.
• The dimensions of the second temple were about 1/3 smaller than Solomon’s magnificent structure (Ezra 6:3).
• Solomon’s temple was richly furnished with gold and treasures (1 Kings 7). The second temple possessed simpler artifacts and utensils.

For Jews who remembered Solomon’s temple, the second temple was considered inferior and lacking the visible splendor of God’s glory. However, God honored the sacrifices and prayers made there through faithful service of generation after generation until the coming of Christ.

Prophecies About Zerubbabel’s Temple

The prophets anticipated a future rebuilding that Zerubbabel’s temple fulfilled in some measure:

• Isaiah spoke of a voice calling in the wilderness to prepare for God’s coming glory to rebuild and restore Israel (Isaiah 40:3-5). John and Jesus affirmed this as fulfilled in their ministries (Matthew 3:3).
• Haggai encouraged the people that God’s spirit remained with them and the coming glory of the new temple would exceed that of Solomon’s temple (Haggai 2:3-9).
• Zechariah spoke of a culminating day of the Lord when holiness would characterize not just the temple but all of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:20-21).

While the prophecies point to spiritual fulfillments beyond just a physical temple, Zerubbabel’s temple set in motion restoration that culminated ultimately in Jesus Christ. As a modest but functioning house of worship, it served as a spiritual anchor for Israel between the exile and coming of the Messiah.

Temple Imagery Pointing to Christ

In many ways, the rebuilt temple under Zerubbabel foreshadowed Christ’s redemptive work:

• Haggai urged the people to be strong in rebuilding the temple, linking it to the promise of the desire of nations to come (Haggai 2:6-7). This desire is later revealed as the Messiah.
• Malachi spoke of a coming messenger and the sudden appearance of the Lord to His temple to purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver (Malachi 3:1-4).
• Zechariah recounted Joshua the high priest’s cleansing and restoration as a picture of God’s forgiveness through the Branch, a clear prophetic reference to Christ (Zechariah 3:8-10).

These prophetic connections encourage the expectation of a far greater temple built not by human hands but by the work of the Messiah to make purification for sins. Jesus applied temple language to Himself as the fulfillment (John 2:19-21).

Relationship to Solomon’s Temple

Solomon’s temple represented the original dwelling of God among His people in the promised land. Zerubbabel’s temple showed God’s desire to continue dwelling with Israel by restoring the temple:

• God’s use of King Cyrus to order the temple’s reconstruction showed His sovereignty using a pagan king to fulfill His promises (Ezra 1:1-4).
• The return of temple vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar demonstrated God’s ongoing link with the former glory of Solomon’s temple (Ezra 1:7-11).
• Rebuilding on the same site perpetuated the centrality of Mount Moriah from the time of David and Solomon.
• The layout maintained continuity with the Holy Place and Most Holy Place of Solomon’s temple.

While unable to match the magnificence and visible glory of Solomon’s temple, Zerubbabel’s temple honored Israel’s origins through connection back to the temple of Solomon. This reinforced God’s faithfulness across generations despite the setbacks of Israel’s disobedience and exile.

Confirmation of God’s Covenant Promises

The completion of the second temple powerfully affirmed God’s enduring covenant relationship with Israel:

• It demonstrated God’s commitment to maintain a dwelling place among His people according to His covenant promises.
• It provided opportunity for renewed worship, sacrifice, and obedience to the law of Moses.
• It showed God’s forgiveness and restoration of Israel as His people after the judgment of exile.
• It set the stage for fulfillment of messianic prophecies leading to Christ.

Despite their disobedience leading to exile, God’s compassion moved Him to bring Israel back as His people. The rebuilt temple in Jerusalem gave ongoing reminder of God’s faithfulness. It paved the way for coming redemption through the greater Temple, Jesus Christ.