3:3 And they set the altar upon {c} 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.(c) In the place where Solomon had placed it. read more
THE ALTAR AND SACRIFICES RESUMED (vv. 1-8) Though the building of the temple did not begin until the second month of the second year (v. 8), the children of Israel gathered together "as one man" in the seventh month of the year to Jerusalem, that is, the same year they returned to Judah. At least they could build the altar of God, which symbolized their relationship with God on the basis of sacrifice. We too can have no relationship with God apart from the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary.... read more
BACK TO THE HOMELAND CYRUS’ PROCLAMATION (Ezra 1:0 ) Babylon has had its days, and with its downfall has come that of the Assyrian Empire. The Medes and Persians, with Cyrus at their head, are now in power, and in the providence of God, Daniel, the Jewish prophet and statesman, has influence at this court, as in that of Nebuchadnezzar. By a study of the earlier prophets, especially Jeremiah, he has become aware that the time is nigh for the captivity of Judah to end and his people to... read more
Ezra 3:0 1. And when the seventh month [a month of festivities (Leviticus 23:0 )] was come [approached], and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man [with one consent] 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 [the Temple was built around the altar, which was the centre of all] of the God of Israel, to offer burnt... read more
Observe the morning and evening sacrifice. Here again remember, Reader, as this was according to the law of Moses, the lamb of the morning and evening sacrifice was offered. And what could more fully shadow forth the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world? Observe what is said of the fear of the people. They were surrounded with foes ready to take advantage of their present defenseless state. But yet in the midst, the Lord's services shall not be neglected. Recollect, Reader, how... read more
Fear. This must not prevent God's servants from offering sacrifice. (Worthington) read more
1-7 From the proceedings of the Jews on their arrival, let us learn to begin with God, and to do what we can in the worship of God, when we cannot do what we would. They could not at once have a temple, but they would not be without an altar. Fear of danger should stir us to our duty. Have we many enemies? Then it is good to have God our Friend, and to keep up communion with him. Our fears should drive us to our knees. The sacrifices for all these solemnities were a heavy expense for so poor a... read more
Ezra 3 As WE BEGIN to read the third chapter, a fourth feature of true revival is plainly manifested: obedience to the Word of God. In verse Ezr_3:2 , and again in verse Ezr_3:4 , we find the words, 'as it is written'. Their first recorded action, when back in their land, was to approach their God in the manner He had laid down at the first. There was a very great contrast between their present humble circumstances and the great days when the law was given and the tabernacle constructed under... read more
The Worship Resumed v. 1. And when the seventh month was come, namely, that of the church-year, in which the new year of the civil year, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles were celebrated, and the children of Israel were in the cities, when they had just about gotten settled in the homes assigned to them, the people, filled with zeal for the ancient worship, gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem, all inspired with the same idea and purpose. v. 2. Then stood up... read more
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Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Ezra 3:1-13
CHAPTER 3 1. The altar set up (Ezra 3:1-3 ) 2. The feast of tabernacles celebrated (Ezra 3:4 ) 3. The sacrifices brought (Ezra 3:5-7 ) 4. The foundation of the temple laid (Ezra 3:8-13 ) Ezra 3:1-3 . How long the journey lasted is not stated. The previous chapter in its close states that all dwelt in their cities--”and all Israel in their cities.” The significant seventh month (Tishri) with its holy convocation (feast of trumpets, day of atonement and feast of tabernacles) having come,... read more