When did Zerubbabel build the Second Temple?

Zerubbabel, a prince of the House of David, is a key figure in the history of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. According to the biblical account, Zerubbabel led the rebuilding of the temple following the Babylonian exile. The question of when exactly Zerubbabel built the Second Temple is a topic of debate among historians and scholars.

The construction of the Second Temple by Zerubbabel is believed to have taken place during the period of the Persian Empire, after the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed the First Temple around 586 BC. The Babylonian exile lasted for 70 years, and it was during the reign of King Cyrus of Persia that the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple.

The book of Ezra in the Old Testament provides a detailed account of Zerubbabel's role in the reconstruction of the temple. In Ezra 3:8-13, we read about the laying of the foundation of the temple and the celebration that followed. The text indicates that the project faced obstacles and opposition from neighboring peoples, but Zerubbabel and the other leaders persevered and completed the temple.

Historical sources place the completion of the Second Temple under Zerubbabel around 515 BC. This date is based on the decree of King Darius I, who succeeded Cyrus, allowing the Jews to continue the construction of the temple. The book of Haggai, a contemporary of Zerubbabel, also refers to the completion of the temple during his leadership.

The Second Temple built by Zerubbabel was not as grand as the First Temple built by King Solomon. It was smaller in scale and lacked some of the ornate decorations and furnishings of the original temple. Nevertheless, it served as a place of worship and sacrifice for the Jewish people for centuries to come.

Zerubbabel's role in the rebuilding of the temple was significant not only for the Jewish community but also in the broader context of ancient Near Eastern history. The Second Temple became a symbol of Jewish identity and a focal point for religious practice until its destruction by the Romans in 70 AD.