Prophets Spark Temple Reconstruction Efforts

Around 520 b.c., construction on the Jerusalem temple resumed after years of delay. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah urged the local population to return to the building site. Workers began moving massive limestone blocks and shaping heavy cedar beams for the foundation.

Jerusalem sat on a rocky limestone plateau about 2,500 feet above sea level. Persian officials traveled across the regional province to inspect this revived construction effort. Governor Tattenai demanded the names of the men organizing the heavy masonry work.

The Jewish elders delivered a formal verbal report to the inquiring Persian authorities. They identified themselves as servants of the God of Israel and recounted their history. They explained how Babylonian armies previously demolished their sanctuary and burned the structural timber. The elders claimed King Cyrus originally issued a royal decree to restore the site.

We serve the God of heaven and earth and rebuild the house originally constructed many years ago.

Governor Tattenai allowed the physical construction to continue pending official verification from the capital. He dispatched a detailed letter to King Darius requesting a search of the royal archives. The provincial authorities waited to see if the written records matched the Jewish claims.