Cyrus II, founder of the Achaemenian dynasty of Persia and conqueror of Babylonia, in 538 bce issued an order allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Work was completed in 515 bce.
How many times has Jerusalem been destroyed and rebuilt?
During its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times.
What year did Jerusalem get rebuilt?
1967: The reunification of Jerusalem. Jerusalem served as the capital of sovereign Jewish kingdoms and commonwealths for centuries in antiquity, until after the birth of Jesus.
How did God punish Israel?
God gets angry at Israel for an unspecified reason, so he incites David against them by commanding him to take a census of the people. David obeys, albeit twisting the command a little by numbering only the able-bodied soldiers. This appears to be a sinful action, so God kills 70,000 Israelites in a plague.
When did Israelites return from Babylon?
Chronology
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 562 BCE | Release of Jehoiachin after 37 years in a Babylonian prison. He remains in Babylon |
| 539 BCE | Persians conquer Babylon (October) |
| 538 BCE | Decree of Cyrus allows Jews to return to Jerusalem |
Is Jerusalem in Israel or Palestine?
Jerusalem
| Jerusalem ירושלים (Hebrew) القُدس (Arabic) | |
|---|---|
| Claimed by | Israel and Palestine |
| Israeli district | Jerusalem |
| Palestinian governorate | Quds |
| Gihon Spring settlement | 3000–2800 BCE |