Ezra 3:1-3 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The altar rebuilt.

The return from Babylon is supposed to have been in the spring. The first employment of the people would be to construct for themselves huts, or so to repair dilapidated buildings as to make them fit for habitation. This accomplished, no time was lost in setting about the great work of re-establishing their ancient worship. So "when the seventh month was come," the month Tisri, corresponding to portions of our September and October, they repaired to Jerusalem to encourage and witness,—

I. THE REBUILDING OF THE ALTAR OF BURNT OFFERINGS .

1. They saw it placed upon its old bases.

2. They saw it rise to its completion.

II. THE OFFERING OF THE DAILY SACRIFICES . These are described Numbers 28:1-8 .

1. The offerings. These were—

2. These were continual.

3. But there was no sacred fire.

III. A UNITED NATION OF WORSHIPPERS ,

1. There was concert among the priests.

2. There was concert among the nobles.

3. The people were there " as one man. "