Question

What were the reasons for Israel’s loss of enthusiasm in rebuilding the Temple? Also, what was the importance for believers to remain focused on the Lord and His plans for our lives while awaiting Christ’s second coming?

Answer 1

The Temple was looted and then destroyed in 586/587 BCE at the hands of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II, who also deported the Jews to Babylon. The destruction of the temple and the deportation were seen as fulfillments of prophecy and strengthened Judaic religious beliefs.