1 And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel [were] in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as [it is] written in the law of Moses the man of God.
3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear [was] upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, [even] burnt offerings morning and evening.
4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as [it is] written, and [offered] the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;
5 And afterward [offered] the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.
6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not [yet] laid.
7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
9 Then stood Jeshua [with] his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, [with] their sons and their brethren the Levites.
10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.
11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, [who were] ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:
13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
Context and Background
The Book of Ezra is a historical account that takes place after the Babylonian exile, focusing on the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple. Chapter 3 marks a significant moment in this narrative, as it details the initial steps taken by the returning exiles to restore their religious practices and rebuild their sacred space.
Key Themes
- Restoration: The chapter emphasizes the theme of restoration, both physically through the rebuilding of the Temple and spiritually through the renewal of worship.
- Community and Unity: The collective effort of the people highlights the importance of community in religious practices and the shared identity of the returning exiles.
- Faithfulness to Tradition: The adherence to the laws and practices established by previous generations underscores the significance of tradition in the life of the community.
Summary of Events
- Gathering of the People (Ezra 3:1): The chapter opens with the people of Israel gathering as one in Jerusalem, indicating a unified purpose and desire to restore their worship.
- Building of the Altar (Ezra 3:2-3): Led by Jeshua the high priest, the people construct an altar to offer sacrifices, demonstrating their commitment to God and the importance of sacrificial worship.
- Celebration of Festivals (Ezra 3:4): The observance of the Feast of Tabernacles signifies a return to traditional practices and the joy of communal worship.
- Foundation of the Temple (Ezra 3:10): The laying of the foundation of the Temple is a pivotal moment, symbolizing hope and the restoration of the Israelites’ relationship with God.
- Mixed Reactions (Ezra 3:11-13): The chapter concludes with a poignant scene where the people express joy and grief, reflecting on the past glory of the former Temple while celebrating the new beginning.
Character Analysis
- Jeshua the High Priest: A central figure in the chapter, he represents spiritual leadership and the continuity of worship practices.
- Zerubbabel: As the governor, he symbolizes political leadership and the practical aspects of rebuilding the community.
- The People: The collective response of the exiles showcases their resilience and shared identity as they navigate their return to Jerusalem.
Theological Implications
Ezra 3 serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and community in the life of believers. The establishment of the altar and the celebration of festivals highlight the necessity of maintaining a connection with God through communal practices. This chapter also reflects the belief in God’s faithfulness, as the people take tangible steps toward restoring their relationship with Him after a period of exile.
Conclusion
Chapter 3 of Ezra is a significant turning point in the narrative of the return from exile. It encapsulates themes of restoration, community, and faithfulness to tradition, while also illustrating the emotional complexities of rebuilding after loss. The chapter invites readers to reflect on their own practices of worship and the importance of community in their faith journeys.
