Ezr 3:3 | MHM | STEP | 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 ). v. 3–6 : The people began offering burnt offerings on the altar, starting on the first day of the seventh month (Ezra 3:6 ). 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 ). 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.

‏ Ezra 3:3

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 ^a).

v. 3–6: The people began offering burnt offerings on the altar, starting on the first day of the seventh month (Ezra 3:6 ^b). 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 ^c). 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.