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Questions and Answers
The Israelites built the temple from 515-520.
False
The preaching of God's Word is the secret of failure in any work of God.
False
Haggai gave three messages to the people.
False
The Book of Zechariah deals with a different period of time than the Book of Haggai.
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Zechariah gave messages to the nation in November and February.
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Tatnai the governor was not within his rights asking about the building program.
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The kings' reply was negative in chapter 6.
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Sheshbazzar is not the same person as Zerubbabel.
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The Jews did not suggest that the governor investigate the records to find the decree of the king.
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It is wrong for God's people to claim their rights as citizens.
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Study Notes
The Rebuilding of the Temple
- Cyrus, the Persian king, conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. and established the Persian empire, allowing the Jews to return to their land and rebuild the temple.
- In 538 B.C., Cyrus issued a decree, which was a fulfillment of Scripture, encouraging the Jews to return to their land and rebuild the temple.
The Precious Things
- The Spirit of God worked in the hearts of the people and their captors, leading to the return of the temple treasures to the Jews.
- The Gentiles also gave freewill contributions for the temple, which was unlike the NT worship.
The People
- About 50,000 Jews returned to their land, leaving the safety and luxury of Babylon.
- The register of the people who returned is listed in special groups, including leaders, families, towns, priests, Levites, Nethinim, and Solomon's servants.
Establishing the Altar
- The altar was the center of Jewish worship, and the exiles feared their powerful neighbors, but they knew God would protect them if they obeyed Him.
- Joshua and Zerubbabel led the people to establish the sacrifices and keep the feasts, including the Feast of Trumpets and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Laying the Foundation
- In 535 B.C., the people started the work of rebuilding the temple, using materials provided by the king.
- The Levites led the way in doing the work, and the people sang and shouted when the foundation was laid.
Resisting the Enemy
- Satan, the enemy, sought to oppose and hinder the work of rebuilding the temple.
- The people of the land, including the Samaritans, offered to assist the Jews, but Zerubbabel and Joshua refused their aid due to their mixed religion and false worship.
Resuming the Work
- The work of rebuilding the temple ceased for nearly 15 years (534-520 B.C.) due to interference from the people of the land.
- The Word of God, proclaimed by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, encouraged the workers to resume the work, and the temple was finished in 515 B.C.
The Role of the Prophets
- Haggai gave four messages: rebuke, encouragement, conviction, and promise, all dated and meant to encourage the people to finish the temple.
- Zechariah's messages, including visions of encouragement and prophecies of Christ's rejection, second coming, and future kingdom, also encouraged the people to complete the temple.
The Response of the Governor
- Tatnai the governor asked about the building program, and the Jews suggested that he investigate the records to find the decree of the king, claiming their rights as citizens.
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Description
This quiz covers the biblical account of the rebuilding of the temple, including the proclamation of Cyrus and the return of the Jews to their land. It explores the policies of Cyrus towards the Jews and the significance of Isaiah's prophecy.
