Page 64 - Satan in the Sanctuary

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Step by Step—A Plan of Action

As WE HAVE GATHERED from the biblical experiences of
Israel, not just anybody can build the Temple of God.
Almost all religious Jews want the Temple to be rebuilt,
eventually, and this important matter has been in their prayers
since the Herodian Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70. There
is certainly little question of whether the Temple should be
rebuilt, but rather when and, most importantly, by whom?
Building the Temple has always been considered a most
sacred project, to be undertaken only after the deepest con-
sideration of the will of God. We recall that when God com-
missioned the building of the first Temple He did not permit
so celebrated and successful a King of Israel as David to
proceed with the actual work. "Thou hast shed blood abund-
antly," God pointed out to the disappointed monarch, "and
hast made great wars: thou shalt not build a house unto my
name" (1 Chron 22:8).
The task passed instead to Solomon, a "man of peace" and
a more fitting builder of God's house on earth.
The second Temple was accomplished in the most difficult
of times, only by those of pioneer spirit, willing to reclaim
the ruins of Jerusalem and build while wielding a sword in
defense of the site. God blessed their smaller work, and later
it was enhanced to its fitting proportions and beauty. Again,
only the consecrated participated in the building.
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