06/08/26

Ezra 3:1-2 The last time we visited Ezra, he told us that altogether, there were 5,400 things made from gold and silver that Sheshbazzar (also known as Zerubbabel) the governor, brought with him when the exiles left Babylon and went back to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:11). Then he listed all the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and the provinces they were from including all the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem and to the other cities of Judah, from which their parents had been deported to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar (Ezra 12:1-70). Keep in mind that this was after 70 years in captivity, and many of the original exiles had long been laid to rest. So it was their children who were given the opportunity that their forefathers only dreamt about.

Now in this third chapter, he tells us that “When the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem. Then ^[a]Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.” This passage begins during the time period of September to October, which was the most sacred month in the Jewish calendar—it contained major observances such as the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. So, after settling into their respective cities, the people gathered in Jerusalem “as one man.” This phrase emphasizes their total unity and shared purpose in restoring their relationship with God. We also see that two key figures led this spiritual restoration: Jeshua (Joshua), the High Priest, representing the restoration of the religious/priestly line. Zerubbabel, the governor and a descendant of David, representing the restoration of the royal line. Their cooperation signifies the harmony between civil and religious authority in the community. 

The leaders’ first act was to rebuild the altar, not the Temple itself. We know that the altar was the center of sacrifice and communion. This act teaches that God meets His people at the place of sacrifice, even if a permanent “house” (the Temple) does not yet exist. They built it exactly “as it is written in the Law of Moses.” After years of exile caused by disobedience, the remnant was determined to follow God’s Word with precision. These sacrifices were intended for atonement and total consecration, symbolizing the people’s renewed commitment to God. It is apparent that the exiles prioritized worship over their own safety and comfort.

“Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening burnt offerings.” (v.3). This verse describes the critical first step taken by the returning exiles to restore worship in Jerusalem: rebuilding the altar of the God of Israel. Even before the temple’s foundation was laid, the people prioritized their spiritual reconnection with God. True to their faith, the exiles rebuilt the altar on its original site where Solomon’s temple once stood. This choice emphasized continuity with their ancestral faith and affirmed that their worship was a restoration of the old covenant, not an invention of new religious practices. Furthermore, they acted even though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries. However, despite their terror, they refused to let external threats stop them from fulfilling their religious duties. So, by resuming the daily burnt offerings prescribed in the Law of Moses, the people re-established a consistent rhythm of worship. This signified a daily reliance on God’s grace and a renewed commitment to spiritual discipline. 

What spiritual implications are in these verses? They teach us that true spiritual restoration begins by prioritizing worship and obedience over building personal comfort, even in the face of fear. Those who have drifted from God’s House and want to worship Him again should return to the altar of dedication, focusing on reconciliation with God and maintaining daily devotion despite the surrounding threats. The reason for revisiting the altar is that one can resume one’s spiritual duties immediately, without waiting until going to church. This teaches that we should start our spiritual reconstruction with the resources we currently have. In other words, we don’t need to wait until Sunday to once again worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.