The foundation for the second Temple was laid 537 B.C. and completed 516 B.C. After returning from captivity, the Jews under Zerubbabel laid the foundation. When the people of the land offered to assist in rebuilding the Temple, Zerubbabel and the principal men of Judah refused them this honor, since Cyrus had granted his permission to the Jews only. ( Ezra 5:2; 4:2-3 - Zechariah 4:9 )
Bible References
Ezra 5:2; 4:2-3
5:2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.
4:2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
Zechariah 4:9
The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
