lesson 7 Flashcards
what is the definition of the second temple period in the bible?
The Second Temple Period refers to the time in Jewish history from the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple after the Babylonian Exile (around 516 BCE) until its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE. It was a time of religious restoration, political change, and the development of Jewish identity and traditions. Though the Bible doesn’t use the term directly, this period is reflected in books like Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, and parts of the New Testament.
Biblical Books Reflecting This Period:
-Ezra-Nehemiah – Rebuilding the Temple and walls; spiritual reforms
-Haggai & Zechariah – Encouragement to rebuild the Temple
-Malachi – Final Old Testament prophet, calling for renewed faithfulness
-Matthew–John (New Testament) – Life of Jesus during Second Temple Judaism
-Acts – Early church amid Second Temple religious institutions
Rebuilding of the Temple
-After the Babylonians destroyed Solomon’s Temple in 586 BCE, Jewish exiles returned under Persian King Cyrus’s decree (Ezra 1) and rebuilt the Temple in 516 BCE.
-This temple is known as the Second Temple (Ezra 6:15).
Religious and Social Reforms
-Leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah emphasized Torah obedience, temple worship, and separation from foreign influences.
-Prophets like Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the rebuilding and prophesied a future Messianic hope.
what is the definition of priests in the bible?
In the Bible, priests are individuals appointed by God to serve as mediators between God and the people. They are responsible for offering sacrifices, leading worship, teaching God’s laws, and maintaining the holiness of the community. Priests played a central role in the religious life of Israel, especially in relation to the Tabernacle and later the Temple
Mediators Between God and People
-Priests acted as spiritual go-betweens, offering sacrifices for sin, giving blessings, and performing rituals on behalf of the people (Leviticus 4–7).
Teachers of the Law
-Priests were also expected to teach the people God’s commandments and help them understand how to live in covenant obedience (Leviticus 10:11; Malachi 2:7).
Priests in the Bible were specially chosen spiritual leaders who offered sacrifices, led worship, taught God’s law, and upheld the covenant between God and His people. They played a crucial role in maintaining holiness, especially in the Temple system, and their ministry pointed forward to the ultimate High Priest—Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transforms the priestly role for all believers.
what is the definition of Cyrus in the bible?
Cyrus in the Bible refers to Cyrus the Great, the king of Persia who conquered Babylon and is divinely appointed by God to allow the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. He is mentioned in books like Isaiah, Ezra, 2 Chronicles, and Daniel, and is unique as a Gentile ruler who is called God’s anointed.
what is the definition of the Persian governance in the bible?
Persian governance in the Bible refers to the administration, policies, and influence of the Persian Empire over the Jewish people following their return from Babylonian exile. Beginning with Cyrus the Great’s rule (539 BCE), the Persians allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, rebuild the Temple, and live under a degree of religious and local autonomy, while still remaining under Persian imperial control.
Religious Tolerance and Restoration
-Persian kings, especially Cyrus the Great, practiced a policy of religious tolerance, allowing exiled peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild temples.
-Cyrus’s Edict (Ezra 1:1–4; 2 Chronicles 36:22–23) permitted the Jews to return to Judah and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
Support for the Temple and Worship
-Persian kings like Darius I and Artaxerxes I continued to support the Jewish community by providing funding, resources, and political permission to complete the Temple and restore worship (Ezra 6; Ezra 7).
-Priests and Levites were officially recognized and supported in their duties (Ezra 7:24).
what is the definition of the return to exile in the bible?
The return from exile in the Bible refers to the period when the Jewish people were allowed to come back to Jerusalem and Judah after being exiled in Babylon. This return began around 538 BCE, after Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing exiles to return. It marked the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore His people, and led to the rebuilding of the Temple, the renewal of worship, and a reestablishment of Jewish identity.
Historical Background
-The Babylonian Exile began in 586 BCE when Jerusalem was destroyed and many Jews were taken captive.
-In 539 BCE, the Persians conquered Babylon, and King Cyrus issued a decree (Ezra 1:1–4) allowing exiles to return home.
The return from exile in the Bible is the story of how God restored His people after the Babylonian captivity. Led by figures like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, the return involved rebuilding the Temple and Jerusalem, recommitting to God’s covenant, and reclaiming their identity as the people of God.
