Israel as God’s covenant people have had two Temples historically. The first Temple was built by King David’s son Solomon and it was magnificent and truly a wonder of the ancient world (I Kings 6-8 describes the Temple construction and it dedication). But what made this grand structure supernatural and distinguished it from all other temples in the world was that God’s holy presence filled the Holy of Holies and He provided guidance for the Nation of Israel, the Priesthood and its Kings (I Kings 8:10-11).
This Temple survived a few hundred years with a tumultuous relationship between Israel and God Himself. It was not that God changed or failed His end of the covenant, but many of His called people, Kings and even priests rebelled and choose the path of their pagan neighbours. Idolatry, sexual immorality became common, violence, murder and oppression of the poor became the norm and even evil child sacrifice was practised. God was deeply grieved and yet patient, and those who hung on to their faith deeply struggled.
God continually warned Israel through His prophets to repent of their sins and wickedness; but after numerous warnings they would not turn back to God and repent. Finally, God sent Babylon to punish them and ultimately, they destroyed the Holy City Jerusalem and tens of thousands died and Solomon’s Temple was demolished in 586 BC. As God had warned them in the Torah they would go into captivity if they forsook their covenant with Him and so this was the path they chose.
I love how God works, he first speaks through His prophets and some times decades or hundreds of years go by or even millennium and then suddenly His word comes to pass exactly how He spoke it and intended it.
Isaiah the prophet saw a man and even gives his name Cyrus who would become a great King of Persia 150 years before he would come on the scene Isaiah 44:28-45:1. After the Media Persian coalition sacked Babylon, eventually Persia would dominate the coalition and King Cyrus would come to power and show compassion to the Jewish people. King Cyrus would allow the Jews to return to their homeland and their family inheritance; but as they returned to the land they also returned to God with a renewed vision to rebuilt the 2nd Temple.
Jeremiah was one such prophet that God sent to warm Israel of the impending destruction and judgement by Babylon, and he foretold by the Spirit of God that they would suffer 70 years of captivity, Jer. 25:11-12. God’s covenant with Israel made provision for sin even after judgement since God is merciful and full of compassion Exodus 34: 6-7. God would extend great mercy to the Nation and raise up a godly leadership who would build the 2nd Temple; however, this time they where under foreign rule and experienced opposition and over 20 years of delays until the Temple was complete, Ezra 1:1-4 (Project started in 538 BC, and completed in 516 BC, Ezra 6:15). This Temple would not be as grand as Solomon’s was in either size or beauty, however God helped them build this Temple which was the center of Israel’s worship. This Temple would undergo two major renovation projects, one during the Hasmonean period (Maccabean) and King Herod did a major expansion to the Temple and grounds in about 20 BC.
One cannot study Israel’s history without experiencing a roller coaster ride or great highs, lows and crazy twists. The next approximate 600 years from the 2nd Temple being built until it complete destruction in 70 AD by the Roman General Titus was dramatic. The grand empire of the Persians would succumb to the Greeks under the swift conqueror Alexander the Great and his vast army in 331 BC. The Greek empire would dominate less than 300 years, as they would fall to the mighty force of Rome; however, in this turbulent period Israel would be greatly impacted as they were ruled by pagans and often ruthless gentile kings. Jesus our Messiah and Savior was born into the period of Roman rule of Israel and it was a very challenging period. Ultimately Jesus Himself would experience the full wrath of Rome through Pilate and die a horrible death on a cross.
Since 70 AD, there has been no Temple in Jerusalem, and why does it matter if a third Temple is built in the Holy City on the Temple Mount? As you many of you know, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque has existed for hundreds of years and sits on part of the Temple Mount. Does this cause a problem for the 3rd Temple to be built? Does anyone care, whether Jew or Gentile or even Christians? In the next blog Lord willing we will look at these important questions from a Biblical perspective and where we are today with regards to the 3rd Temple being built.
I will NOT be writing for a couple weeks as I need a break; but in mid-August I hope to be back at it and continue “Why Bible Prophecy Matters” with our current series. May His love, peace and joy carry you until we meet again.
From a friend, Bill W…if you have found these studies insightful and encouraging pass them on to a friend! Maranatha…Our Lord, come!