II Chronicles 4 - 9 Psalm 84
It is said by Christians that the return of the Christ will not happen until the temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem. Faithful Jews, patiently waiting these many millennia also believe that the Messiah will not come until the temple is rebuilt. The Temple in Jerusalem is definitely a rallying point for many believers.
Once a symbol of God's presence among his people, the Temple was amazing to behold in all its grandeur. It was gleaming white and was built on the tallest point of the city. All could see that it was the proud centerpiece to Jerusalem. Now all that remains is the western wall or the "wailing wall" and the temple mount (with the Dome of the Rock). We need to remember this severely contested piece of real estate is central to three different religions.
We know that the origin of its construction begins with David. Solomon then completes the project. Why was this so important? If the ark was a national or Israelite symbol of divine presence, effective in communicating to the people that God favored the king and his reign among them, the Temple was essential for projecting that message internationally. The temple was literally a "shining symbol" of God's blessing upon Israel and her kings.
To have it destroyed so completely, the last time by the Romans in 73 AD, sent a strong message. Roman might and power brought the Jews to their knees. The Temple would not be rebuilt but Judaism would survive. Out of the great diaspora came a religion centered not in the temple and in sacrifice, but in the synagogue and in the study of the Torah.
Will the temple ever be rebuilt? I think not, but it still holds sway over the imagination of many people.
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