The 9th day of the Jewish month of Av is observed as a national day of fasting and somber remembrance of two tragic days in the history of the Jews. On this day, the Jewish temple was destroyed by conquering armies … not just once, but twice! But, why is the destruction of the Jewish temple important in prophecy? The Bible teaches that there will be two more temples built in Jerusalem, most likely on the same exact spot the first two temples were located. The destruction of the second temple created a desire in the hearts of every Jew to one day rebuild their temple, the third temple. This will occur just prior to, or during the seven year tribulation period.
A little bit of history about the Jewish temples. King David desired to build a house for the Lord in place of the Tabernacle, a temporary portable temple structure used by Moses during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness. However, God told David that he would not be the one to build the temple, but his son Solomon would instead. David purchased a plot of land used as a threshing floor near Jerusalem, on the hills of Moriah. The first temple was eventually built and is known as “Solomon’s temple”. On the 9th day of Av, 587 BC, the Babylonian army marched on Jerusalem and captured the city. They destroyed the first temple, and led the inhabitants of the city into captivity in Babylon.
After seventy years in captivity, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild their temple. This rebuilt temple, not nearly as grand or big as the first, was known simply as the “second temple.” The second temple was destroyed by the Roman army on the 9th day of Av, 70 AD. The Romans destroyed the city and as Jesus had predicted, razed the temple to the ground so that “not one stone will be left on another” (Mt. 24:4). Remarkably, both of these tragedies occurred on the very same day, the 9th day of the month of Av.
It has always been the desire of the Jews to once again have a temple in Jerusalem. This third temple will exist the Bible tells us, and it will be in operation during the tribulation period. Many verses in both the Old and New Testaments describe a Jewish temple in operation during the tribulation, and the Antichrist desecrating it.
“And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” Daniel 9:27.
“Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.” Daniel 11:31.
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.” 2 Thess. 2:3-4
Currently, there is a huge roadblock standing in the way of the third temple being erected...a Muslim mosque and shrine stand on top of the “temple mount” where it is believed the previous temples once stood. Israel does not have control or access to the temple mount. In order for a Jewish temple to be built in that location, some intervention will need to occur. The Jews will need to retake control of the temple mount, destroy the existing Islamic buildings, and build the third temple. Possibly, a sharing of the space between the Jews and the Islamic authority in control of the mount will need to be agreed on so that the third temple can be built alongside the Islamic holy sites. Or, perhaps ongoing excavations in the City of David will determine that the actual original location of the first two temples was not on the “temple mount”, but further down the hill towards the City of David. This would allow Israel to begin building a third temple almost immediately. However it occurs, a functioning third temple, a “tribulation period temple,” will exist in order for prophesied events during the tribulation to occur.
However it happens, the third “tribulation” temple will be built. And, it will be destroyed, just as the two before it were. As mentioned previously, the Antichrist will commit the “abomination of the desolation” in the temple during the middle of the tribulation period. This abomination is most likely the defiling of the holy place, and the placing of a likeness of the Antichrist in the Holy of Holies to be worshiped. Quickly following that blasphemous act, an all out war begins against the Jews. This is the warning Jesus issued in Matthew 24:15-16 “Therefore when you see the abomination of the desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.” It is most likely that the Antichrist and his forces will at that point destroy the Jewish temple once again. I would not be at all surprised to see this occur on the 9th of Av.
But, we also know that this will not be the final temple, there will be a fourth one in Jerusalem. The Old and New Testaments refer to a temple which will be in existence and operation during the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3; Isa. 56:6-7; Isa. 60:13; Eze. 40:1- 47:1; Daniel 9:24; Joel 3:18; Hag. 2:7-9; Zech. 6:12-15; Zech. 8:20-23).
“And many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways And that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:3
"Then say to him, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, "Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord. "Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices. Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the Lord.” Zech. 6:12-14
This temple will exist for a thousand years during the millennial reign of Christ here on the Earth after the tribulation. And as great and grand as this temple will be, it too will be destroyed we are told. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released from the pit. He will stir up those on the earth at that time and a large army will come up to Jerusalem and surround the city. At this time, the Lord will devour His enemies with fire from heaven. Satan will be thrown into the Lake of Fire and defeated permanently. After this final battle and the final judgement occurs, the earth and heavens will be destroyed by fire and there will be a new heaven and a new earth.
“And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Rev. 20:9-10
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10
The date of the 9th of Av is a solemn one. However, it is clear from the scriptures that there will be several Jewish temples, and all most likely erected in the same exact spot. It is through this progression of temples that we finally arrive at the fourth temple, the “millennial” temple which is the one that is in use during the millennial reign of Jesus in Jerusalem. It’s destruction at the end of the age is what brings about the new heaven and the new earth. It is there that we will live forever with God.
“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Rev. 21:2-5
