One of the enduring consequences of the exile is that the temple was destroyed by the ungodly. And though the temple had rebuilt by the returned exiles (Ezra 1:1–11; Ezra 5:1–17), it lacked both the majesty of the temple of Solomon. Furthermore, the “glory of the Lord” never filled the second temple, as with the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) and the first temple that Solomon built (1 Kings 8:11). The promise that the Lord would come to his temple gave hope of God’s glorious presence amongst his people.
1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.