The Restoration
Updated: Aug 13
How is it possible? That centuries before Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the priest at the dedication of the second temple, there was a dedication of a second temple that would see greater glory than the first? The first temple was destroyed due to Israel’s sin. The people were exiled to Babylon. After 70 years, a remnant returned to Jerusalem under the reign of Cyrus, who freed them. Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, stood amid the ruins. Jerusalem was scarred. The Temple lay in rubble. The people were back in the land, but they were spiritually disoriented and burdened by guilt.
The Restoration of Joshua
This Joshua did not carry a sword; he wore filthy garments, symbolizing the sin of the nation (Zechariah 3). Yet, God restored him. The Lord rebuked the accuser and clothed Joshua in clean garments, reinstating him as priest. Worship resumed, and the Second Temple rose. Built by Zerubbabel, the Second Temple was much smaller and dedicated in 515 BCE. Though outwardly unimpressive, God promised:
“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former” (Haggai 2:9).
The Promise of Greater Glory
The Second Temple lacked the ark, the visible cloud of glory, and the splendor of Solomon’s era. So, how could it be greater than the former temple? Many who saw it wept. That’s when the Prophet Haggai spoke:
Then on October 17 of that same year, the Lord sent another message through the prophet Haggai.
“Say this to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of God’s people there in the land:
Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all!
But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people who are still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.
“For this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land.
I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place, I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!
The Future Glory of the Temple
What was this future glory? It was that the Lord Himself would walk into it and dwell in it. This temple became the most glorious house Israel ever knew. Why? Because Yeshua of Nazareth, God in flesh and blood, walked into it.
Within its courts stood:
The True High Priest
The Final Sacrifice
The Living Word - Torah
God in Flesh
Jesus entered it multiple times during His time on earth. He was dedicated as a child in this very temple. As an adult, He walked through the courts, teaching and chastising the people. Who could have imagined this temple would see the entry of the Messiah? The ‘word became flesh’ and dwelt among us, teaching on those very temple courts.
The Gospel of John captures the moment with breathtaking simplicity:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.”
The Greek word for dwelt echoes tabernacled. God pitched His tent again—this time not in stone, but in a Person.
Reflecting on the Second Temple's Dedication
Did the people at the time of the second temple dedication believe that this was possible, even though Haggai prophesied? Perhaps not. How could they? They were seeing a much smaller temple among the rubble. Their outward eyes perceived it as small and dull in comparison to the original. Yet, the Lord, in His way, took it and made it great. It happened exactly as Haggai prophesied.
The Journey of Faith
As I reflect on this story, I am reminded of the journey of faith we all undertake. We may find ourselves in moments of despair, surrounded by ruins of our own making. Yet, just as God restored Joshua, He can restore us. We must remember that our outward circumstances do not define our worth or potential.
Embracing the Promise
The promise of greater glory is not just for ancient temples; it is for us today. We are called to embrace the hope that lies ahead. Just as the Second Temple was filled with the presence of God, we too can invite His presence into our lives. We can seek His guidance and strength as we navigate our challenges.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Let us be like Zerubbabel and Jeshua, strong and courageous in our endeavors. Let us work diligently, knowing that we are not alone. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is with us. As we build our lives, may we be filled with His glory and peace.
In this journey of spiritual growth, we may find ourselves questioning the possibilities. But remember, the Lord can transform our small beginnings into something magnificent. Let us trust in His promises and walk forward with faith.
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