The "Temple" of our text is of course the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. This was actually the third Temple. The first Temple was built by Solomon (see 1 Kings 6-7). When Solomon dedicated the Temple, almost one thousand years prior to this account, Yahweh's glory fell in power upon that place. Upon the dedication of the Temple, as the people prayed, the Shekinah glory of God descended in such awesome majesty that no one could even enter that holy Temple. God claimed that place for Himself. He received it as His house, and it would be a place where He would meet with His people.

The second Temple was the one rebuilt by the Jews returning from their Babylonian captivity (Ezra 6:15). This third Temple was known as "Herod's Temple."

Solomon's Temple (and, previously, the Tabernacle) was the place where the glory of Yahweh was displayed to His people. There He met with them. There His eternal and holy presence was symbolized. But due to Israel's sin, the glory of Yahweh had departed long ago.

See full sermon transcript here: http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/transcripts/john/john_02_12-25_the-rebuilt-temple_video.php

05/29/16 - Pastor David B. Curtis - Berean Bible Church - http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org - Message #811