The second temple was erected by the exiles on their return from Babylon. About five hundred years later, Herod the Great became king of Judea. The Temple building had suffered from natural decay and attacks from enemies. Herod, wanting to gain the favor of the Jews, proposed to rebuild it. The work on the main
part of the Temple building began in 18 B.C. and was completed in ten years. The erection of the outer courts of the Temple and embellishment of the Temple
proceeded during Yeshua's life. The work was completed in 65 A.D., leaving the new Temple Complex approximately 45 acres, or about 15 percent of the area of Jerusalem. The second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD in fulfillment of
Yeshua's prediction in Luke 19:41-44.

The Third Temple (Future) It appears from 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Revelation
11:1-2 and Daniel 9:27 that a third Temple will be at least partially in place during the End Times:

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him...for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that
man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself
that he is God.” - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

Although Temple vessels are being made in preparation for a third Temple, the Temple is no longer
necessary because Yeshua is our Temple. Yeshua alluded to this after driving out the money changers
from the second Temple complex when He said to the Jews: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I
will raise it up.” - John 2:19. They did not understand how the Temple could be rebuilt in three days, “But
he spake of the temple of his body.” - John 2:21

When Yeshua dwells with us, He will be our Temple and believers will be “as lively [living] stones, are
built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer
up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 2:5

The new Temple will not be built of materials like
physical stones, but “built upon the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.” - Ephesians 2:20-22

2 Sanctuary (Heichal)
The Sanctuary was 20 cubits wide and 40 cubits long (29.5 ft. x 59.1 ft.). It contained the Golden Table upon which rested the Panim Bread (Lehem Hapanim), a gold Menorah, and the Altar of Incense.

3 Sanctuary Entrance
The Sanctuary entrance was 20 cubits high and 10 cubits wide (29.5 ft. x 14.8 ft.). It had two sets of doors covered with gold.

4 Nicanor Gate
This gate is the entrance to the court of the Priests. It was named after an Alexandrian who donated the magnificent doors crafted from Corinthian Bronze.

5 Eastern Gate
The entrance to the Court of the Women.

6 Altar of Sacrifice
The Altar of Sacrifice measured 32 cubits square and 15 cubits high (47.3 sq.ft. x 22.2ft.) and was approached from the south via a ramp. On special occasions, such as the Day of Atonement, four fires burned, one at each corner. There was a horn at each corner of the altar with a grove cut into it, down which was poured blood, water, and oil. Yeshua is our sacrifice, upon which we must place our sins for His atoning sacrifice that is forever!

7 The Great Laver (wash basin or Kiyor)
The Kiyor was placed between the Altar and the Sanctuary as stated in the Torah. It was used by the priests (Kohanim) to wash their hands and feet. Water for sacrifice was drawn from underground cisterns.

8 Sacrifice Marble Tables
Eight marble tables were located north of the Altar near the meat hangers, the place where the animals were slaughtered and prepared for eating or sacrificial burning on the Altar. This was the most sacred side of the Altar. Yeshua would have to be sacrificed north of the Altar to be considered an acceptable sacrifice (Leviticus 1:11). This why it is likely that He was crucified just north of the Temple on Mount Moriah.

9 Court of the Priests
The area between the Nicanor Gate and the Temple was known as the Court of the Priests. This area contained the Altar, the Laver, tables and hangers. Only the male Levites could enter this sacred court. The area was approximately 11 cubits by 135 cubits (16.2 ft.x 199.4 ft.)

10 Court of Prayer
(Court of the Women)
This court was not exclusively for women, but was so named because it was the limit that women could enter the Temple area. It was a later addition to the Temple court. This area was approximately one-third of the Temple court area. It contained four chambers, one at each corner.

11 Chamber of Leper (Metzorah)
This chamber served as a gathering place for people with a Biblical skin disease caused by speaking slander. It was only diagnosed by a qualified Priest (Kohain).

12 Chamber of Wood
This chamber stored the Altar wood. Kohanim examined all wood to ensure it was insect-free for use on the Altar.

13 Chamber of Nazarites
This chamber was where the offerings of the Nazarites were cooked and where their newly shorn hair was burned.

14 Chamber of Oil and Wine
This chamber stored the olive oil for the great Menorahs and meal offerings.