When Was the Second Temple of Jerusalem Built?

The Second Temple of Jerusalem, a pivotal structure in Jewish history, was built following the destruction of Solomon’s Temple. This article explores the timeline of its construction, beginning with Cyrus the Great’s decree in 538 BCE and concluding with its completion during Persian rule. We’ll examine the historical context, key figures involved, and the temple’s significance in ancient Jewish life.

The rebuilding of the Second Temple marked a crucial period in Jewish history, symbolizing the restoration of religious and cultural identity after the Babylonian exile. This monumental project faced numerous challenges, including political opposition and resource limitations. Despite these obstacles, the Jewish people persevered, driven by their faith and determination to reestablish their spiritual center. The temple’s construction not only reshaped the physical landscape of Jerusalem but also had profound implications for Jewish religious practices and social structures in the centuries that followed.

Historical Context: The First Temple and Babylonian Exile

The story of the Second Temple of Jerusalem begins with the tragic destruction of its predecessor, the First Temple, and the subsequent Babylonian Exile. Built by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE, the First Temple stood as the center of Jewish religious life for nearly four centuries. However, in 586 BCE, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II laid siege to Jerusalem, ultimately conquering the city and destroying the sacred Temple.

This catastrophic event marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a period of profound significance in Jewish history. The Babylonians, following their victory, forcibly deported a large portion of the Jewish population to Babylon, leaving behind only the poorest members of society. This exile, lasting approximately 70 years, had a profound impact on Jewish religious and cultural practices, as the people struggled to maintain their faith and traditions in a foreign land.

During the Babylonian Exile, the Jewish people underwent significant transformations in their religious practices and beliefs. Without access to the Temple, they developed new forms of worship centered around prayer and the study of sacred texts. This period also saw the emergence of synagogues as communal gathering places for worship and learning, a practice that would continue even after the return to Jerusalem and the construction of the Second Temple.

The Persian Decree: Cyrus the Great and the Return of the Jews

The Second Temple of Jerusalem owes its existence to a pivotal moment in ancient history: the Persian decree issued by Cyrus the Great. This momentous proclamation, made in 538 BCE, marked a turning point for the Jewish people and set the stage for their return from Babylonian exile. Cyrus, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, had conquered Babylon and, in a stroke of political genius, adopted a policy of religious tolerance that would reshape the ancient Near East.

The decree of Cyrus, also known as the Edict of Cyrus, is recorded in both biblical and extra-biblical sources, including the famous Cyrus Cylinder. This ancient artifact, discovered in 1879, corroborates the biblical account and provides valuable insights into Cyrus’s policies. The text of the decree, as preserved in the Book of Ezra, reads:

Construction Timeline: From Foundation to Completion

The construction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem was a monumental undertaking that spanned several decades, beginning in 538 BCE with the decree of Cyrus the Great. The initial phase of construction focused on laying the foundation, a process that took approximately two years to complete. This crucial step involved clearing the ruins of the First Temple, preparing the site, and meticulously laying the groundwork for the new structure that would become the center of Jewish religious life for centuries to come.

Following the laying of the foundation, progress on the Second Temple faced numerous challenges and interruptions. Local opposition and political instability in the Persian Empire led to a prolonged halt in construction, lasting nearly two decades. It wasn’t until 520 BCE, under the reign of Darius I, that work on the temple resumed in earnest. This renewed effort was spurred by the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, who rallied the Jewish community to complete the sacred task.

The final phase of construction, from 520 BCE to 516 BCE, saw rapid progress as the Jewish people, united in purpose, worked tirelessly to bring the Second Temple of Jerusalem to completion. This period was marked by intense labor and dedication, with the structure rising steadily from its foundations. The temple’s architecture, while perhaps less grandiose than its predecessor, incorporated elements that reflected both the limitations of the time and the spiritual aspirations of the returning exiles.

The completion of the Second Temple in 516 BCE marked a significant milestone in Jewish history. The dedication ceremony, described in the Book of Ezra, was a joyous occasion that symbolized the restoration of Jewish religious life in Jerusalem. This event not only represented the fulfillment of Persian imperial policy but also the realization of Jewish prophetic hopes for return and renewal.

Significance and Impact of the Second Temple in Jewish History

The Second Temple of Jerusalem played a pivotal role in shaping Jewish history, culture, and religious practices. This monumental structure, which stood for nearly five centuries, served as the focal point of Jewish worship and national identity. Its significance extended far beyond its physical presence, influencing the development of Judaism and leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the Jewish people.

The Second Temple period witnessed significant religious and cultural developments that continue to impact Judaism to this day. It was during this era that the Pharisees, a Jewish sect that emphasized the importance of oral tradition and interpretation of the Torah, rose to prominence. Their teachings and practices laid the foundation for Rabbinic Judaism, which would become the dominant form of Judaism following the temple’s destruction. Additionally, the Second Temple period saw the emergence of important religious texts, including many of the books that would later be included in the Hebrew Bible.

The temple’s role as a center of pilgrimage and sacrifice cannot be overstated. Three times a year, during the festivals of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot, and Sukkot, Jews from all over the ancient world would make the journey to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and participate in communal worship. This practice strengthened the bonds of Jewish community and reinforced the centrality of Jerusalem in Jewish religious life. The temple also served as a repository for the sacred texts and artifacts of Judaism, including the Ark of the Covenant, further cementing its importance in Jewish tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Second Temple of Jerusalem constructed?
The Second Temple was constructed starting in 516 BCE and completed in 516 BCE, after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon.
Who commissioned the construction of the Second Temple?
The construction of the Second Temple was commissioned by Zerubbabel, the governor of Judea, under the guidance of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah.
What main event led to the building of the Second Temple?
The Second Temple was built after the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, when the Jewish people were allowed to return to their homeland.
What were some significant renovations made to the Second Temple?
Significant renovations and expansions to the Second Temple were made by King Herod the Great around 20 BCE, enhancing its size and grandeur.
What was the cultural significance of the Second Temple?
The Second Temple served as the center of Jewish worship and culture, symbolizing the religious revival of the Jewish people after the Babylonian exile.
What happened to the Second Temple?
The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE during the Siege of Jerusalem, marking a significant event in Jewish history.
How does the Second Temple differ from the First Temple?
The Second Temple was less opulent than the First Temple and had different architectural features; it was also a center for greater interaction with various cultures due to the Persian and later Hellenistic influences.