Part 10 of 12 / Return And Rebuilding: The Restoration Of Jerusalem And The Second Temple
- Chris Houser
- Aug 30
- 3 min read
Introduction
After 70 long years in Babylon, God kept His word. The exile had been a time of discipline, reflection, and prophetic hope. But just as He promised through Jeremiah, He stirred the heart of King Cyrus of Persia to allow the Jewish exiles to return home.
This return was not just about going back to the land, it was about rebuilding identity, worship, and covenant faithfulness. Though the walls were broken and the temple lay in ruins, God's people rose with renewed determination, guided by leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, and strengthened by the words of prophets Haggai and Zechariah.
The Return From Exile
Cyrus's Decree (583 BC): The Persian king allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4).
First Return, Zerubbabel (538 BC): About 50,000 people went back, led by Zerubbabel, to restore the altar and begin rebuilding the temple.
Opposition And Delay: Local adversaries hindered the work, and construction stalled for years until God's prophets reignited the people's zeal.
Rebuilding The Temple
The Foundation Laid (Ezra 3:10-13): The people rejoiced, but some older exiles wept, remembering Solomon's temple being more glorious than the current rebuilt one.
Prophetic Encouragement
Haggai urged them not to despise "the day of small beginnings" - Haggai 2:3-9
Zechariah declared that God's Spirit, not human might, would accomplish the rebuilding of the temple - Zechariah 4:6-10
Completion (516 BC): The temple was finally finished, marking a new chapter in Israel's worship.
Rebuilding The Walls (Nehemiah)
Decades later, Nehemiah returned with the king's permission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Despite ridicule and fierce opposition, the people worked with sword in one hand and trowel in the other (Nehemiah 4:17). In just 52 days, the wall was completed (Nehemiah 6:15-16), symbolizing both God's protection and His people's resilience.
Renewal Of Covenant Identity
Ezra, a priest and scribe, led the people in reading the Law aloud, sparking a nationwide revival (Nehemiah 8:1-12). The people confessed their sins, renewed their covenant, and committed to following God once again.
Theological Themes
God's Faithfulness: God kept His promise to bring back His people (Jeremiah 29:10).
Restoration Requires Perseverance: Opposition tested their faith, but God's word sustained them.
True Worship Restored: The rebuilt temple and renewed covenant pointed forward to Christ, the true and final temple (John 2:19-21).
Key Scriptures
Cyrus's Decree - Ezra 1:1-4
Laying The Temple Foundation - Ezra 3:10-13
Greater Glory Of The Second Temple - Haggai 2:6-9
"Not By Might, Nor By Power, But By My Spirit" - Zechariah 4:6-10
The Completion Of The Wall - Nehemiah 6:15-16
Revival Through God's Word - Nehemiah 8:1-12
Reflection Questions
What does the perseverance of God's people in rebuilding teach us about staying faithful in opposition?
How does the "greater glory" promised by Haggai point us to Jesus as the true temple?
In what ways do we need to rebuild or renew areas of worship and faith in our own lives?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for being the God who restores what is broken. Just as You brought Your people back from exile and empowered them to rebuild, empower us to renew our lives in Christ. Give us perseverance in trials, joy in worship, and hope in the greater glory revealed in Christ Jesus. In Your Name, Amen.
SNEAK PEEK / Week 11
In Week 11, we will be studying in the 400 years of silence between Malachi and Matthew. This was a prophetic time for Israel as God did nothing during this time. No acts, miracles, words, prophetic warnings, just silence. However, this was in preperation of what would soon be coming to Israel, the Messiah.
Tune Next Week for Week 11: The Silent Years: Between The Testaments
Don't miss next week!
Until We Meet Again ~ Maranatha ~ Come Lord Jesus!
