Ezra 3
The Renewal of the Sacrifices This section describes how the Israelites, after returning from Babylon, gathered together in Jerusalem to worship God again. Even though they were busy settling into their new homes, they made worship their first priority. The leaders worked quickly to rebuild the altar for sacrifices, even though they faced danger from the surrounding people. Their actions show the importance of putting God first, trusting him in hard times, and doing what they can even if they cannot do everything at once.v. 1: In the seventh month, the Israelites who returned from captivity came together in Jerusalem . They probably arrived from Babylon in the spring, since the journey took about four months (Ezra 7:9 a). Even though they were just getting settled and had many personal concerns, they all agreed to meet for worship. Their unity and eagerness to put God first is a good example for us. They left their daily business to focus on the altar of God, showing that spiritual matters come before worldly ones. v. 2–3: Joshua the high priest, Zerubbabel the leader, and the other priests and leaders built the altar of the God of Israel . They likely built it in the same place as before (Ezra 3:3 b). Some think it may have been on Mount Zion, as in King David’s time (1 Chronicles 9:23 c). They could not build the temple yet, but they did what they could by starting with the altar. We learn here to begin with God, especially in difficult times. If we cannot do everything for God, we should do what we can. Like Abraham, who always built an altar wherever he went, we should offer prayers and praise to God whenever possible. v. 3: They built the altar quickly because they were afraid of the people living around them. The area was full of enemies who did not like them or their religion. Even though this was risky, they did not let fear stop them from worshiping God. In fact, the danger made them even more eager to seek God’s help and protection. Fear should not keep us from doing what is right; instead, it should drive us to prayer. Even King Saul knew he needed to pray before facing trouble (1 Samuel 13:12 d).v. 3–6: The people began offering burnt offerings on the altar, starting on the first day of the seventh month (Ezra 3:6 e). They did not wait for a miracle like fire from heaven but used what they had, as the patriarchs did. They also started the daily burnt offerings, morning and evening (Ezra 3:3, 5 f). Before, they had suffered from not being able to offer these sacrifices. Now they were determined to keep the daily offerings going, because these symbolized constant trust in God’s mercy. The daily lamb reminded them of the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God, which gives us confidence in prayer. v. 4–5: They celebrated all the special feasts of the Lord, especially the Feast of Tabernacles (Ezra 3:4–5 g). This joyful feast was fitting, since God had shown them so much kindness. It also reminded them of how their ancestors lived in tents after leaving Egypt. During the feast, they offered the sacrifices required for each day, as the law commanded (Numbers 29:13-38 h). This teaches us to do the right thing at the right time and make the most of each day for God. v. 5: Besides the required offerings, each person also brought freewill offerings (Ezra 3:5 i). Although they did not have much, they gave generously to God. Their enthusiasm and love encouraged them to give more than was required. Sometimes, when people come out of hard times, they have a special spiritual passion like this. – v. 7: The people also began preparing for the rebuilding of the temple . They arranged for workers from Tyre and Sidon and for timber from Lebanon, just as King Solomon once did. Cyrus, the Persian king, had given them permission for this. When God calls us to do something, we can trust that he will provide what we need. The Foundation of the Temple Laid This section tells how the Jewish people who returned from Babylon started rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Everyone agreed the temple was important, and they worked together to begin the project as soon as possible. The leaders and people all played their part. There was great joy and also some sadness as the foundation was laid, because the new temple would not be as impressive as Solomon’s. Still, everyone understood that God’s mercy was the reason they could start again.v. 8: The rebuilding began in the second month of the second year after the return from Babylon, just after the Passover (Ezra 3:8 j). The people did not waste time. They spent only a little over half a year getting the site and materials ready, because they were eager to begin. When we have a good work to do, it is wise to start quickly, even if we expect problems. Starting well helps us finish well.v. 8–9: Zerubbabel and Jeshua, with their companions, led the work. The leaders, priests, and people all worked together, each doing their part. God gave them unity for this important job. The Levites were put in charge of making sure the work went forward. They encouraged the workers and helped organize everything. Even if someone cannot do the work themselves, they can still help by supporting and motivating others. – v. 10–11: When the foundation of the temple was laid, the priests played trumpets, and the Levites played cymbals, as Moses and David had commanded (Ezra 3:10–11 k). The people sang, God is good, and his mercy endures forever, the same words found in Psalm 136 l. This song reminded them that all blessings come from God’s everlasting mercy, even when times are hard. God’s goodness to Israel remains, whether they are in trouble or in peace. v. 11–12: The people were deeply moved when the foundation was finished. Many shouted for joy because they had never seen a temple before and were excited for this new beginning (Ezra 3:11 m). Others, especially the older priests and Levites who remembered Solomon’s great temple, wept loudly (Ezra 3:12 n). They were sad because the new temple would not be as grand as the old one. There was a good reason for their sadness, especially if they remembered that it was sin that caused the first temple to be destroyed. But it was also a mistake to let their sorrow spoil the celebration. We should not be ungrateful for small beginnings or compare God’s new blessings to the past. In times of public joy, we should try to encourage others and not discourage them, especially if we are leaders. – v. 13: The sounds of joy and weeping were mixed together, and people could hardly tell them apart. This is like life on earth, where happiness and sadness are often found together. In heaven, there is only joy; in hell, only sorrow. Here, we learn to support each other through every emotion. As the Bible says, rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15 o). Let us value both the joys and the lessons of our journey.
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