As already stated, first there was the temple built by Solomon. That structure existed from its being built early in Solomons reign until Israels defeat by the Babylonians in BC 586. The Babylonian military forces destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.
Much later King Cyrus of Persia defeated Babylon. King Cyrus II gave the exiled Jews (along with other exiled people) permission to return to their homeland. As a condition of return, they were to rebuild Gods temple and offer prayers for King Cyrus II.
The second is, today, usually referred to as the Second Temple. This temple was built (with much difficulty) by some of the Jews who returned from exile. Not all Jews returned from their exilesome were too settled, some were too old to travel, and the undertaking of going from an established situation to an unestablished situation was not appealing to many. The returning exiles could not begin to rebuild with the grandeur of King Solomons structure (Ezra 3:12, 13).
The third temple was actually a major remodeling of the second temple at the direction of Herod the Great. Though Herod the Great was brilliant in many ways (he was a notable builder), he had an earned reputation for being distrustful. Though he was ruler over the Jewish people in Judah, the Jewish people did not trust Herods intents. The priests and the ruling Jews agreed to the remodeling of the temple if Herod the Great stockpiled the material prior to the reconstruction and placed the priests in charge of the actual renovation of the temple building. This renovation began around BC 19 and continued until 64 AD. The Roman military force destroyed that building in 70 AD. The Jewish temple has never been rebuilt. Where it stood now stands the Mosque of Omar, one of the priority holy sites of the Muslimthe declared site of Mohammeds accent into heaven.
The temple occupied an important role in Jerusalem for the entire time of its existence. In two-thirds of the united monarchy (the reigns of King David and King Solomon) Jerusalem was the main site of political and religious activity for all Jews. From King Rehoboam to the defeat of the Babylonians, Jerusalem was the political and religious center of the Kingdom of Judah. However, after the Babylonian defeat, Jerusalem was never a recognized political center again. Yet, it was always the religious center of the Jewish people. The temple made it their religious center long after they had no kings.
The temple served several roles in Jewish society. (1) It was the place for sacrificial worship. When a national festival was held (such as Passover), Jerusalem with the temple was the place to go. When an individual offered animal sacrifices to God, Jerusalem with its temple was the place to go. Even when the Jewish people were dominated by non-Jewish kings, if the temple was pure, it was the place to go to bless and acknowledge God.
(2) It became a center for learning. If the question was, What is the correct thing to do? or, How do I do this correctly? or, What is the proper ritual? or, What is the proper ethical response in this matter? or, What should I pray? the temple was THE place to go to ask and receive an answer for your question. The temple area was known for its religious discussions and religious debates.
(3) The leading religious authority was the temples high priest. In the absence of a Jewish king, this position became the voice of authority for all Jewish peopleboth those in Jewish territory and those scattered throughout the world. If any Jew came from Jerusalem, Jewish people wanted to know the latest decrees of the Jerusalem Sanhedrin and pronouncements of the high priest. Knowing these decrees and pronouncements enabled Jewish people to stay in touch. In this way, information was delivered regarding the gatherings and affairs of the Jewish people.
The gospels and Acts reflected Jewish attitudes in such matters. When Jesus was a 12-year-old boy, he was lost to his parents for three days because he was in the temple area listening to discussions and asking worthwhile questions (Luke 2:41-51). When a man in the last week of his earthly life, Jesus spent the days publicly teaching in the temple area (see Luke 19:47, 48; 22:53; Matthew 26:55; Mark 12:35-40). One of the accusations against him just prior to his death was that he spoke disrespectfully of the temple (Mark 14:58; 15:29; Matthew 26:61). When Jesus church began in Acts 2, Acts recorded only Jews hearing the gospel until Acts 10. This movement was looked upon as a Jewish reform movement. Though it began with popularity (see Acts 2:47), it was quite unpopular with some. When these Jews who opposed Christianity killed Stephen, one of the reasons for his death was that he dared declare that God does not live in temples made by humans (Acts 7:48-50).
Remember, the temple building itself existed to perform rituals. It was not built for assemblies. What we commonly refer to as the temple was a complex, not just a building. In Herods renovation, there was a large court of the Gentiles in which anyone could come. This court was separated from the rest of the complex by a wall that was about 66 feet high and 23 feet wide at the base. There were warning signs at each entry way that warned proceeding toward the temple building would result in death for those not Jews. Next there was the court of Women. Any Jew could enter this court. Next was the smaller court of Israel where only Israelite men (of age) could enter. Next was the smaller court of the priests where sacrifices were offered by the priests. Only priests were permitted in this area. Then came the temple building itself that was only entered by priests performing required rituals. The temple was for ritual service. The courtyards could be used for assemblies.
There is a single point you are asked to note in this lesson: the temple occupied an important role in Jewish society.
For Thought and Discussion
1. Who built the first Jewish temple? What ended the existence of that building?
2. Discuss the second temple (Jewish).
3. Discuss what is referred to as the Jewish temple built by Herod the Great.
4. Jerusalem was the political and religious center for all Jews when? For the Kingdom of Judah?
5. State three roles the Jewish temple served.
6. Discuss Jesus and the temple in Luke 2:41-51. In 19:47, 48. In Mark 14:58.
7. Why did the temple building (not the complex) exist?
8. What single point are you asked to note in this lesson?
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 4