Exiles Establish Second Temple Stone Foundation

The returning exiles gathered in Jerusalem during the seventh month. Autumn rains threatened the ruined city. Masons and carpenters immediately began hauling timber and carving limestone to restore the central site of worship.

The heavy work focused entirely on the ruined Temple Mount, located about 2,400 feet above sea level. Workers imported massive cedar logs from Lebanon. They floated the timber down the Mediterranean coast to Joppa before dragging it 35 miles inland to Jerusalem.

Builders first constructed a square stone altar on its ancient base to resume daily offerings to the God of Israel. In the second year of their return around 536 b.c., priests directed the placement of massive stone blocks for the new temple foundation.

The sound of loud weeping mingled with the shouts of immense joy, echoing far across the Judean hills.

The heavy stone blocks locked firmly into place, securing a permanent foothold for the returning population. Yet the exposed foundation stood vulnerable to neighboring factions who watched the rapid construction with growing alarm.