Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Restoration of, Ordered by Cyrus

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The restoration of Solomon's Temple, also known as the Second Temple, marks a significant event in the history of Israel, reflecting God's faithfulness to His covenant people. This restoration was initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, who played a pivotal role in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.

Historical Context

Solomon's Temple, originally constructed in the 10th century BC, was a magnificent edifice that served as the center of Israelite worship. However, due to the nation's persistent idolatry and disobedience, God allowed the Babylonians to conquer Jerusalem in 586 BC, leading to the destruction of the Temple and the exile of the Jewish people.

The Babylonian Empire eventually fell to the Persians, and in 539 BC, Cyrus the Great captured Babylon. The following year, Cyrus issued a decree that permitted the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This decree is recorded in the opening verses of the Book of Ezra:

"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem.'" (Ezra 1:1-3)

Prophetic Fulfillment

The decree of Cyrus is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy given by Isaiah, who mentioned Cyrus by name approximately 150 years before his birth. Isaiah prophesied that Cyrus would be God's instrument to restore Jerusalem and the Temple: "who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, and he will fulfill all My pleasure'; who says of Jerusalem, 'She will be rebuilt,' and of the temple, 'Its foundation will be laid.'" (Isaiah 44:28).

The Return and Rebuilding Efforts

Following Cyrus's decree, a remnant of the Jewish people, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua the high priest, returned to Jerusalem. They laid the foundation of the new Temple amid much celebration and weeping, as recorded in Ezra 3:10-13. However, the rebuilding process faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples, leading to delays and discouragement.

Despite these challenges, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people to continue the work, emphasizing God's presence and support. Haggai 2:4-5 states, "But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts. This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you; do not be afraid."

Completion of the Temple

The Temple was finally completed in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the Great, around 516 BC, as recorded in Ezra 6:15. The dedication of the Second Temple was a momentous occasion, marked by sacrifices and the observance of the Passover, symbolizing a renewed covenant relationship with God.

The restoration of Solomon's Temple under Cyrus's decree is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His divine purposes. It underscores the themes of redemption, restoration, and the enduring faithfulness of God to His promises.

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Ezra 1:7-11
Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;
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Library

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... puts his words into the mouth of Solomon, to gain ... comfort the people with hopes of
future restoration of the ... captivity, to the rebuilding of the temple, or to ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The palace at Jerusalem, the temple and its ... the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon,
the defection ... who thereupon commanded silence, and ordered his servants ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm