Ezra 3:7-13 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The founding of the temple.

The worship of Israel during the first year of the restoration from Babylon was such as could be conducted around an altar in the open. The people naturally felt how imperfectly they could fulfil the law of Moses without a temple, with its courts, its veil, and its sacred furniture. They did not let discouragement paralyse them, but taxed their energies and resources. These words bring under our notice

I. THE PREPARATORY WORK .

1. What was required (see Ezra 3:7 )?

2. How did they meet the demand ?

II. THE STONE - LAYING . The arrangements were—

1. The appointment of officers for the building ( Ezra 3:8 , Ezra 3:9 ).

2. The presence of all things essential to the ceremony.

3. The provision for the celebration of praise.

III. THE EFFECT OF THE PROCEEDINGS . This was various.

1. There was the emotion of the people.

2. There was the emotion of the ancients.

3. The outsiders heard the sound.