Ezra 3

Festivals in early autumn (literally in the seventh month) included the Feast of Trumpets (see Leviticus 23:23–25), the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 16), and the Feast of Tabernacles (see Leviticus 23:34–36).

After resettling in various towns in Judah, the community focused on restoring the worship of God in Jerusalem. They quickly rebuilt the altar and began regular sacrifices in time to celebrate the Jewish festivals (Ezra 3:4). Then, they started the more challenging task of rebuilding the temple itself (Ezra 3:8). Soon, they faced opposition from local foreigners (Ezra 4:1–5).

• Jeshua (Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 3:1) was the high priest (Nehemiah 12:1). However, Ezra did not use this title (Ezra 2:2; 3:2; 4:3; 5:2), which suggests the title was given after the temple was completed (6:15).

• Zerubbabel served as the governor of Judah, appointed by Persia (Haggai 1:1), likely after Sheshbazzar died (see study note on Ezra 1:8). He was the grandson of King Jehoiachin of Judah (1 Chronicles 3:17).

• The local residents were foreigners resettled from abroad by the Assyrian king Esarhaddon, who ruled from 680 to 669 BC after the people of the northern kingdom of Israel were exiled in 722 BC (2 Kings 17:24–40). Some had moved into the Jerusalem area during Judah’s seventy-year exile. A pagan altar might have been built on the site, and it needed removal before constructing the new one dedicated to the Lord.

• on its foundations: It was important to place the altar at the exact sacred spot where Solomon’s altar had been to connect with the authentic worship carried on before the exile in Babylon.

• Daily morning and evening sacrifices (see Exodus 29:38–42; Numbers 28:3–8) dedicated the day to God.

The seven-day Festival of Shelters, as described in the Law (Leviticus 23:33–36; Numbers 29:12–38; Deuteronomy 16:13–16), reminded people of God's guidance and care during the forty years the nation lived in tents while traveling from Egypt to the promised land. This festival was especially meaningful to those who had recently made a similar journey from a foreign land, living in tents as they traveled to the promised land.

• The list of sacrifices, offered even before the temple's foundation was laid, showed the people's eagerness to worship God faithfully at every chance. They followed the law's instructions precisely.

• The new moon celebrations occurred on the first day of each Hebrew month. The sacrifices and trumpet blasts reminded the people of God's covenant with them (Numbers 10:10; 28:11–15).

• Voluntary offerings included gifts like money for building the temple (Exodus 35:29; 36:3). The Hebrew term can also refer to peace offerings of meat or bread, eaten to celebrate fellowship with God (Leviticus 7:11–21).

Sidon and Tyre: Few tall and straight trees grew in the dry climate of Judah. Those that had grown in Israel were already cut down. Therefore, they hired skilled laborers from countries with tall trees (see also 1 Chronicles 22:1–5; 2 Chronicles 2:7–16).

• In mid-spring, the dry season began, so workers did not have to deal with mud.

• The second year after they arrived was likely 536 BC. The delay in rebuilding was due to the time needed to transport wood from Lebanon to Jerusalem.

• the rest of their associates...began the work: This showed the unity among the returned exiles. Putting the Levites in charge ensured the work followed God's instructions.

• The music at this dedication ceremony was similar to the singing when Solomon first brought the ark into the temple (2 Chronicles 5:12–13). Both events led the worshipers to give praise and thanks to the Lord for his faithful covenant love and goodness.

• as David king of Israel had prescribed: See 1 Chronicles 25:1–7.

Some people cried loudly because they were disappointed that the new temple's foundation was not as impressive as the old one (see Haggai 2:3). Others cried because they were very happy to see the Lord's temple restored.