When was the second Temple built?

[Retrobyter]

Shalom, everyone.

While people have some time in this corona virus lockdown, I'd like to address the book of Ezra. Here's the problem: According to Genevieve Belmaker at Moon.com/.../Jerusalem History and others, "The Temple was destroyed in 586 BC by Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, when he conquered Jerusalem," and "The beginning of the Second Temple period (586 BC-AD 70) is marked by the return of Jews to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon in 538 BC. They were allowed to return under an edict issued by Cyrus King of Persia. By 515 BC the reinstated Jewish residents had completed building the Second Temple." Wikipedia and Britannica.com confirm this 515 BC date.

But, IS THIS TRUE? The reason why this is important in the field of biblical prophecy is that the 70 Weeks (Sevens) of years given to us in Daniel 9, is based upon the "commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" (Daniel 9:25), which was part of the reconstruction which included the building of the Temple.

I believe that Ezra tells us otherwise. In my next post, I'll lay out the argument.

[Retrobyter]

Shalom, everyone.

Hope this post finds you well.

First, let's start with some history basics:

Starting with the Achaemenid Empire, approximately 705 B.C.,

NAME, REIGNED, DIED, 
Achaemenes, ~705 B.C. to ~640 B.C., ~640 B.C.
Teispes, ~640 B.C. to ~580 B.C., ~580 B.C.
Cyrus I, ~580 B.C. to ~550 B.C., ~550 B.C.
Cambyses I, ~550 B.C. to 559 B.C., 559 B.C.
Cyrus II, 559 B.C. to 530 B.C., 530 B.C., king of Persia, emperor of the Achaemenid Empire

Nebuchadnezzar II, c. 605 to c. 562 B.C., king of Babylon, emperor of the Neo-Babylonian Empire
Amel-Marduk, 562 B.C. to 560 B.C., 560 B.C.
Neriglissar, 560 B.C. to 556 B.C., 556 B.C.
Labashi-Marduk, 556 B.C. to 556 B.C., 556 B.C.
Nabonidus, 556 B.C. to 539 B.C., 539 B.C.

Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah and destroyed the Temple and Jerusalem in 587-586 B.C., taking many of the people to Babylon as prisoners to be used as slaves and as examples to other nations.

Cyrus II, Cyrus the Great, invaded Babylonia in 539 B.C., defeating Nabonidus and his heir, Belshazzar. In his first year after the conquest, he issued the order:

Ezra 1:1-4 (KJV)

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

2 "Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. 4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem."

And, this was repeated at the end of 2 Chronicles:

2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (KJV)

22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,  

23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.

With all this, I can agree.

[Retrobyter]

Shalom, everyone.

Now comes the interesting part:

So, most of the Jews (but not all) returned to Israel with Cyrus' blessing. (His name in Hebrew is Koresh.) They took with them all the Temple equipment that was returned to them that had been confiscated by Nebuchadnezzar (Hebrew: Nvuchadnetsar) and put in the temple of his gods, his chief deities being Nabu and Marduk.

When they arrived in Judah after traveling around the Fertile Crescent, they got to work: However, it wasn't until the reign of Artaxerxes I that the last wave traveled. The list of those in the first wave who went are found in chapter 2:

Ezra 2:1-67 (KJV)

1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; 2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel (the ten northern tribes): 3 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two. 4 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two. 5 The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five. 6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve. 7 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five. 9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore. 10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two. 11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three. 12 The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two. 13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six. 14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six. 15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four. 16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. 17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three. 18 The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve. 19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three. 20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five. 21 The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three. 22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six. 23 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight. 24 The children of Azmaveth, forty and two. 25 The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three. 26 The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one. 27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two. 28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three. 29 The children of Nebo, fifty and two. 30 The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six. 31 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 32 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty. 33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five. 34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. 35 The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.

36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. 37 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two. 38 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven. 39 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four. 41 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight. 42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.

43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 44 The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon, 45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub, 46 The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan, 47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah, 48 The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, 49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai, 50 The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim, 51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 53 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah, 54 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda, 56 The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 57 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.

58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, andImmer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: 60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.

61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name: 62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. 63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

64 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred andthreescore, 65 Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women. 66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five; 67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

More to come...

Edited March 28, 2020 by Retrobyter
to correct my words

[Retrobyter]

Shabbat shalom, everyone.

Okay, now we need one more list that is extremely important:

The Archaemenid Empire goes on...

We had ended with Cyrus II or Cyrus the Great; so, let's continue:

NAME, REIGNED, DIED, COMMENT
Cyrus II, 559 B.C. to 530 B.C., 530 B.C., also called "Cyrus the Great"
Cambyses II, 530 B.C. to 522 B.C., 521 B.C., died in route to put down a rebellion
Bardiya, 522 B.C. to 522 B.C., 522 B.C., killed by Persian aristocrats
Darius I, 522 B.C. to 486 B.C., 486 B.C., son of Hystaspes
Xerxes I also called "Ahasuerus" who chose Esther as his queen, 485 B.C. to 465 B.C., 465 B.C.
Artaxerxes I, 465 B.C. to 424 B.C., 424 B.C., believed by some to be Esther's "Ahasuerus"
Xerxes II, 424 B.C. to 424 B.C., 424 B.C., son of Artaxerxes I, killed by "Sogdianus"
"Sogdianus", 424 B.C. to 423 B.C., 423 B.C., son of Artaxerxes I only in Persia and Elam, killed by Darius II
Darius II, 424 B.C. to 404 B.C., 404 B.C., son of Artaxerxes I
Artaxerxes II, 404 B.C. to 358 B.C., 358 B.C., son of Darius II
Artaxerxes III, 358 B.C. to 338 B.C., 338 B.C., son of Artaxerxes II killed
Artaxerxes IV, 338 B.C. to 336 B.C., 336 B.C., son of Artaxerxes III killed
Darius III, 336 B.C. to 330 B.C., 330 B.C., son of Arsames son of Ostanes son of Darius II, killed by Artaxerxes V
Artaxerxes IV, 338 B.C. to 336 B.C., 336 B.C., descendant of Artaxerxes II, killed by Alexander III
Darius III, 336 B.C. to 330 B.C., 330 B.C., killed by Artaxerxes V
Artaxerxes V, 330 B.C. to 329 B.C., 329 B.C., killed by Alexander III

Thus, we see a LOT of intrigue and SEVERAL dynasties!

Then, we get into the Macedonian (Greek) Empire:

NAME, REIGNED, DIED, COMMENT
Alexander III the Great, 336 B.C. to 323 B.C., 13 June 323 B.C., son of Philip II of Macedonia
Philip III, June 323 B.C. to 317 B.C., 317 B.C., killed by Olympias
Alexander IV, Sept. 323 B.C. to 309 B.C., 309 B.C., killed by Olympias
Perdiccas, June 323 to 321 B.C., 321 B.C., Regent for Alexander IV & Philip III
Antipater, 321 B.C. to 319 B.C., 319 B.C., Regent for Alexander IV & Philip III
Polyperchon, 319 B.C. to 316 B.C., 303 B.C., Regent for Alexander IV & Philip III
Cassander, 316 B.C. to 309 B.C., 297 B.C., Regent for and murderer of Alexander IV

With the death of Alexander the Great and his son too young to take over, his empire was divided (eventually) to four of his generals, one of which was Seleucus I "Nicator." Thus began the Seleucid Empire:

NAME, REIGNED, DIED, COMMENT
Seleucus I "Nicator", 311 B.C. to 281 B.C., 281 B.C., assumed title "king" from 306 B.C.
Antiochus I "Soter", 281 B.C. to 261 B.C., 261 B.C., son of Seleucus I co-ruler from 291 B.C.
Antiochus II "Theos", 261 B.C. to 246 B.C., 246 B.C., son of Antiochus I
Seleucus II "Callinicus", 246 B.C. to 225 B.C., 225 B.C., son of Antiochus II
Seleucus III "Ceraunus", 225 B.C. to 223 B.C., 223 B.C., son of Seleucus II
Antiochus III "the Great", 223 B.C. to 187 B.C., 187 B.C., son of Seleucus II
Seleucus IV "Philopator", 187 B.C. to 175 B.C., 175 B.C., son of Antiochus III
Antiochus IV "Epiphanes", 175 B.C. to 163 B.C., 163 B.C., son of Antiochus III killed in Elymais

We'll stop here for our purposes. These last two lists of kings are important for the book of Daniel, but Daniel is another topic.

Now, let's turn our attention to the biblical book of Ezra:

Ezra 3:1-7 (KJV)

1 And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening. 4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; 5 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD. 6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. 7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Why were they so afraid of "the people of those countries," that is, the inhabitants of the Land of Israel who were brought there by Nebuchadnezzar? Well, both Nehemiah and Ezra give us a glimpse into what it was like:

Ezra 4:1-5 (KJV)

1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; 2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them,

"Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither."

3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them,

"Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us."

4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 5 And hired counsellers against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

First, they came with sickeningly sweet smiles and voices and tried to "help" them build the Temple (sabotage it in the building process)! Fortunately, God strengthened them with enough wisdom to see right through their subterfuge.

Then, they purposely tried to keep them so busy with harassment that they had no strength left or time to build the Temple!

Nehemiah, whose focus was on the walls of Jerusalem, gives us a bit more:

Nehemiah 4:1-23 (KJV)

1 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. 2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said,

"What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?"

3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said,

"Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall!"

4 "Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: 5 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders."

6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

7 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth (angry), 8 And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.

9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

10 And Judah said,

"The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall."

11 And our adversaries said,

"They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease!" 

12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times,

"From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you!" 

13 Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people,

"Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses!"

15 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. 16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons (breastplates); and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. 17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. 18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. 19 And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people,

"The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. 20 In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us."

21 So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. 22 Likewise at the same time said I unto the people,

"Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day."

23 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.

Back to the book of Ezra (more or less), we continue in chapter 4. It's a sad point in the history:

Ezra 4:6-24 (KJV)

6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

I believe that this is reflected in Nehemiah

Nehemiah 6:1-19 (KJV)

1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) 2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying,

"Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono."

But they thought to do me mischief. 3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying,

"I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down (I'm busy!): why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"

4  Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner. 5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; 6 Wherein was written,

"It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it (Geshem confirmed it), that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. 7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, 'There is a king in Judah': and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together."

8 Then I sent unto him, saying,

"There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest (imagine) them out of thine own heart!"

9 For they all made us afraid, saying,

"Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done."

"Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands."

10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said,

"Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee!" 

11 And I said,

"Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in."

12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me. 

14 "My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear!"

15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. 17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. 18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. 19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Ezra 4:7-24 (KJV)

7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.

8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: 9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites, 10 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time. 11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king;

"Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time. 12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations. 13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. 14 Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king; 15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. 16 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river."

17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river,

"Peace, and at such a time. 18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. 19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. 20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. 21 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me. 22Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?"

23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Now, review the list above:

Cyrus I, ~580 B.C. to ~550 B.C., ~550 B.C.
Cambyses I, ~550 B.C. to 559 B.C., 559 B.C.
Cyrus II, 559 B.C. to 530 B.C., 530 B.C., also called "Cyrus the Great"
Cambyses II, 530 B.C. to 522 B.C., 521 B.C., died in route to put down a rebellion
Bardiya, 522 B.C. to 522 B.C., 522 B.C., killed by Persian aristocrats
Darius I, 522 B.C. to 486 B.C., 486 B.C., son of Hystaspes
Xerxes I also called "Ahasuerus" who chose Esther as his queen, 485 B.C. to 465 B.C., 465 B.C.
Artaxerxes I, 465 B.C. to 424 B.C., 424 B.C., believed by some to be Esther's "Ahasuerus"
Xerxes II, 424 B.C. to 424 B.C., 424 B.C., son of Artaxerxes I, killed by "Sogdianus"
"Sogdianus", 424 B.C. to 423 B.C., 423 B.C., son of Artaxerxes I only in Persia and Elam, killed by Darius II
Darius II, 424 B.C. to 404 B.C., 404 B.C., son of Artaxerxes I

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Artaxerxes I came AFTER Darius I! The Darius that came after Artaxerxes I was DARIUS II! 

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Look at the dates of their reigns! How could the Temple be finished in 515 B.C., if it wasn't finished until AFTER Artaxerxes I, who reigned from 465 B.C. to 424 B.C? In fact, construction was HALTED until the reign of Darius AFTER Artaxerxes, that is, Darius II, who reigned from 424 B.C. to 404 B.C!

At this time, because of the intrigue that was happening in Persia, the elders of Yhudah may have felt that it was safe to begin working again:

Ezra 5:1- (KJV)

1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. 2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

(Now, they had a NEW set of antagonists!)

3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them,

"Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?"

4 Then said we unto them after this manner,

"What are the names of the men that make this building?"

5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.

6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king: 7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus;

"Unto Darius the king, all peace. 

8 "Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands. 9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus,

"'Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?'

10 "We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. 11 And thus they returned us answer, saying,

'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up. 12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. 13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God. 14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; 15 And said unto him,

"'"Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place." 16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.'

17 "Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter."

This was a BAD move on their part! They gave him too much information and Darius II was a THOROUGH man! So they awaited his response:

 

[Retrobyter]

Shabbat shalom, everyone.

Continuing on...

Ezra 6:1-12 (KJV)

1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls (scrolls), where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. 2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll (scroll), and therein was a record thus written: 

3 "In the first year of Cyrus the king (the same Cyrus the king) made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem,

"'Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; 4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expences be given out of the king's house: 5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.'"

6 "Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: 7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place! 8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. 9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: 10That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons! 11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged (impaled) thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill (a public restroom) for this! 12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed!"

I can just imagine the reaction to the reading of Darius' reply! Back in the 90's, McDonalds had a few good commercials, one of which was Ronald McDonald getting new hair styles by "Birdie." When Ronald had the "big hair," his reaction was "Eeee!"

A New Do

I imagine their reaction was similar! "EEEK!"

Ezra 6:13-22 (KJV)

13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily. 14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15 And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy, 17 And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.

19 And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month. 20 For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. 21 And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat, 22 And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Thus, the sixth year of the reign of Darius II would have been 419 to 418 B.C, not "515 B.C.," a difference of 94 years! No wonder that Zkharyahuw (Zechariah) said,

Zechariah 4:8-10 (KJV)

8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 

9 "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet (the plumb line) in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth."

Zerubbabel would have been WELL into his 100's by the time it was finished!

[Retrobyter]

3 hours ago, Da Puppers said:

Sorry to spoil your bubble, but Esther's husband,  Ahaseurus, was not Xerxes,  but was probably the son of Cyaxares.  Of Mordecai and Esther it says: 

Est 2:6 KJV Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.

This was 597 BC.

Est 2:16 KJV So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

The evil deeds of Haman occurred in the 12th year of Ahaseurus, (5 years later) most likely before the temple was destroyed.    Cyaxares and Nabonidus, (Nebuchadnezzar's father) formed a joint coalition of the Medes and Babylonians and defeated the Assyrians at Carchemish around 605 BC.  They sealed the deal by intermarriage of their families,  daughter and son,  daughter in law,  son in law.   The title,  Ahaseurus,  was used by the successor son of Cyaxares,  long before Xerxes ever came along.   

Daniels life and/or ministry ended with the reign of Cyrus, 

Dan 1:21 KJV And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

The title "ahaseurus" was already being used at the turn of the 6th century BC, (600 bc).  

Dan 9:1 KJV In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;

Ahaseurus,  as the father of Darius, would have to be at least 50 years old, when Darius became king in 539.  Being that Daniel's ministry ended during the kingdoms of Cyrus and Darius (who was 62 when he assumed the throne,) he [Daruis] was born in 601 BC.  Darius' father,  Ahaseurus,  would be more than likely,  not less than 20 years old at the turn of the 6th century.  This most likely means that Darius' father was the king of the Medes at the time of Esther, around 590 - 600 BC.

Be Blessed 

The Pup 

Shabbat shalom, Da Puppers.

Well, that's not at all what the historians say or what Judaism claims of Purim. To the contrary, they agree with Wikipedia which says,

Quote

Ahasuerus is also given as the name of a King of Persia in the Book of Ezra. Modern commentators associate him with Xerxes I who reigned from 486 BC until 465 BC.

Furthermore, you're forgetting the connections with Ezra and Nehemiah!

Ezra 4:4-7 (KJV)

4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 5 And hired counsellers against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

7And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter waswritten in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.

That clinches it for me. You have the chain of Cyrus, Darius, Ahasuerus, Artaxerxes in a chronological order.

And, when you add the fact that Mordecai is also mentioned as one of those who returned with Zerubbabel, I believe it's clear that THIS "Ahasuerus" is indeed Xerxes I (as being a different person than Artaxerxes mentioned above):

Ezra 2:1-2 (KJV)

1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; 2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:...

Edited March 29, 2020 by Retrobyter
to add some emphasis

[Retrobyter]

21 hours ago, Da Puppers said:

I don't see how you can dismiss the scripture that says that Mordecai arrived at the time of Jeconiah (in 597 BC).  The 6th or 12th years of Xerxes would be about 120 years later.  The accusation against Jerusalem & Judah (between the times of Cyrus and Darius) is simple.   Haman sought to have all Jews killed. 

Be Blessed 

The Pup 

Shalom, Da Puppers.

The answer is simple and two-fold:

First, grammatically speaking, Esther 2:6, referring back to Esther 2:5, is saying that KISH is the one who was in the captivity of 597 B.C., not Mordecai, because the antecedent of the verb in 2:6 refers back to 'iysh, the "man" of Benjamin, referring to the (great grand)father, Kish! Here's the two verses in Hebrew (transliterated):

Esteer 2:5-6 (JPS Hebrew-English TANAKH)

5 Iysh Yhuwdiy haayaah bShuwshan habiyraah uwshmow Maardaakay ben Yaa'iyr ben-Shim`iy ben-Qiysh iysh Ymiyniy:
6 asher haaglaah miYruwshaalayim `im-hagolaah asher haagltaah `im Ykhaanyaah melekh-Yhuwdaah asher heglaah NVuwkhadne'tsar Melekh:

5 Iysh = 5 A-man
Yhuwdiy = belonging-to-Yhudah/Judah
haayaah = there-was
bShuwshan = in-Susa
habiyraah = taken
uwshmow = and-his-name-[was]
Maardaakay = Mordecai
ben = a-son
Yaa'iyr = of Yair/Jair
ben-= a-son
Shim`iy = of-Shim`iy
ben-= a-son
Qiysh = of-Kish
iysh = a-man
Ymiyniy: = belonging-to-(Ben)jamin
6 asher = 6 who-[was]
haaglaah = had-been-taken
miYruwshaalayim = from-Jerusalem
`im-= with
hagolaah = the-captivity
asher = who
haagltaah = had-been-captured
`im = with
Ykhaanyaah = Jeconaiah
melekh- = king-
Yhuwdaah = of-Yhudah/Judah
asher = who
heglaah = had-been-taken-by
NVuwkhadne'tsar = Nebuchadnezzar
Melekh: = King:

Second, IF Mordecai was among the captives (which I doubt since these verses don't say he was), he would have been only a child, possibly not even born yet, still in the womb with his mother!

In either case, and most likely in the first, it was KISH who was said to be taken into captivity!

Edited March 29, 2020 by Retrobyter
autocorrect was wrong: iym -> iysh

[Retrobyter]

Shalom, Da Puppers.

I should add that Haman STILL sought to kill all Jews! That's why the solution was to give the Jews, wherever they were found, the right and ability to defend themselves on the days they were to be exterminated!

[Retrobyter]

51 minutes ago, Da Puppers said:

Sorry,  I had a brain freeze when I said that (Haman/Ahaseurus, see Ezra 4:6) took place between the times of Cyrus and Darius the Persian.   They were probably a different Ahaseurus's.

Do you agree that Ezra 4:7-23, [The letters to & from Artaxerxes] covers the period prior to 2nd year of Darius in 520 BC?

Shalom, Da Puppers.

No, This occurs AFTER Cyrus II, Darius I, "Ahasuerus" or Xerxes I, and THEN Comes Artaxerxes I, that is, Artaxerxes the FIRST! The Darius mentioned AFTER this is NOT Darius I but is a Darius that FOLLOWED Artaxerxes I, which would be Darius II, or Darius the SECOND, who reigned from 424 to 404 B.C. His second year would be 423 B.C. That's the point of all this!

51 minutes ago, Da Puppers said:

Ezr 4:24 KJV Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

So,  would you agree that "Artaxerxes" was the king of Persia , after Cyrus,  but before temple construction resumed under Darius the Persian? 

Be blessed

The Pup 

Not Darius I, but rather Darius II! He was INDEED Artaxerxes I, and not just some fake title given to one of the kings between Cyrus and Darius I. The Temple construction resumed under Darius II! Why do you think he was so miffed when he heard that Cyrus' command had not yet been carried out?!

He said "GET IT DONE ... OR ELSE!" Who wants their home turned into an outhouse and to be impaled on one of its rafters?! By his sixth year, 418 B.C., the job was finished!

[Retrobyter]

19 hours ago, Da Puppers said:

The scripture disagrees with what you are putting forth. 

   
Ezr 4:24 KJV    Then CEASED the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased UNTO the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Shalom, Da Puppers.

Seriously?!

Haven't you been following what I wrote?! WRONG DARIUS!!!

Ezra 4:4-24 (KJV)

4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 5 And hired counsellers against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

7 And in the days of Artaxerxes (I) wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter waswritten in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.

8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: 9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites, 10 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that areon this side the river, and at such a time. 11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time. 12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations. 13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. 14 Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king; 15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. 16 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. 18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. 19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and thatrebellion and sedition have been made therein. 20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. 21 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me. 22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

This is a CLEAN chronology! They're ALL listed! Cyrus II, Darius I, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I, and DARIUS II!

 

19 hours ago, Da Puppers said:

Ezr 5:1-2 KJV    THEN the prophets, HAGGAI the prophet, and ZECHARIAH the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. THEN rose up ZERUBBABEL the son of Shealtiel, and JESHUA the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

THEN rose up Haggai, Zechariah,  Zerubbabel and Jeshua.  These were all contemporaries of each other in 520 BC. 

Guess what. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah are DATED by the assumption that the "Darius the king of Persia" in Ezra 4:24 is Darius I! HOWEVER, if this "Darius" in indeed Darius II, as I've been saying, then both Haggai and Zechariah's dates are ALSO pushed forward in time to 418 B.C., because, as you say, they were indeed all contemporaries!

19 hours ago, Da Puppers said:

1.  Zerubbabel was the grandson of Jeconiah, who went into captivity in 596 BC:

1Ch 3:17 KJV And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,...and Pedaiah...1Ch 3:19 KJV And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:

First, we've already covered the fact that Zerubbabel himself didn't go into the captivity but was BORN in the captivity! He was one who RETURNED FROM the captivity!

19 hours ago, Da Puppers said:

2.  Jeshua was the grandson of Seraiah (who was killed in 586 BC), the son of Jehozadak.  He was also the nephew of Ezra, Jehozadak's brother. 

Ezr 7:1 KJV Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

If you've ever watched the old movie You've Got Mail, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, (not endorsing the movie, just saying) then you know that it's possible for the nephew to be much older than the uncle, especially in light of the fact that many people were adopted by relatives when their parents died either in Judah, en route to Babylon, or while in Babylon! Yet, as a GRANDSON, we know that Jeshua was NOT taken in the Captivity but was born while his parents were in the Captivity! He also was one who RETURNED FROM the Captivity!

19 hours ago, Da Puppers said:

 
1Ch 6:14-15 KJV    And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak, And Jehozadak went into captivity, when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

Ezr 6:15 KJV And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

The temple was completed in the 6th year of Darius under under the inspiration of Haggai and Zechariah.

You're right! HOWEVER, this is the SAME DARIUS as in Ezra 4:24! (See above.)

19 hours ago, Da Puppers said:

Ezr 6:14-15 KJV    And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

The temple was finished in the 6th year of Darius in 516 BC, not 418 BC.

Be Blessed 

The Pup

And, here, again, it is the same Darius II! I hope you can see this eventually.