The Bible Says
Ezra 3:1-7 Meaning

Ezra 3:1-7 begins by saying: Now when the seventh month came, and the sons of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem (v. 1). This gathering marks a significant moment of unity among the returning exiles. They had been dispersed, but when the seventh month arrived, they felt compelled to come together in the holy city of Jerusalem. This city, located in the southern region of Israel, had been the religious center for the Israelites until the destruction of the first temple in 586 BC by the Babylonians. Now, under a new season of divine favor, the people’s hearts were stirred to reestablish worship in that same place where previous generations had encountered God.

Jerusalem rests on the Judaean hills, about 2,500 feet above sea level, making it a naturally fortified location. Its significance extends beyond its strategic position, as biblically it was chosen by God to be the place where His Name would dwell. In gathering as one, the Israelites were reclaiming their shared identity as God’s covenant people, seeking the LORD’s guidance and renewing that special bond that had been weakened by decades of exile.

The phrase “as one man” captures how corporate and unified their efforts were. After living scattered in various cities, they were now drawn back to their spiritual roots. This foretaste of renewed obedience foreshadows how God’s people are often called to gather in unity, ultimately fulfilled through the community of believers in Jesus, who is the cornerstone that unites all who believe (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brothers 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 (v. 2). Jeshua, a priestly figure whose lineage traces him back to the priests who served before the exile, steps forward as a leader. He would date roughly around 538 BC, after the Persians under Cyrus gave permission for the Jewish exiles to return. His high priestly lineage signified continuity with Aaron, the brother of Moses. Zerubbabel, of the royal line of David around the same era, emerges as a governmental leader.

The act of building the altar first before anything else is purposeful. Before constructing the full temple, the people recognize the importance of restoring regular sacrifices, emphasizing worship as the central act of their nation. The altar was the focal point for offering burnt offerings, according to the instructions God gave Moses (see Exodus 27:1-8). By basing their actions on what is written in the law of Moses, they show reverence for the Holy Scriptures and a willingness to be guided by God’s Word. 

Jeshua and Zerubbabel represent the priestly and royal branches of Israel’s leadership, pointing to God’s design of spiritual and civil cooperation. The faithfulness exhibited here silently anticipates a future day when priest and king merge in the person of Jesus, who is both our High Priest and King (Hebrews 4:14; Revelation 19:16).

So they set up the altar on its foundation, for they were terrified because of the peoples of the lands; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening (v. 3). Establishing the altar on its original foundation signals continuity with the original worship system God had ordained. By returning the altar to its rightful place, they recognize God’s holiness and sovereignty.

The reference to fear of surrounding peoples indicates that external threats were real. The region was inhabited by those who had taken over during the exile, and there was potential hostility toward the returning Jews. Yet, even in the face of fear, their response was to worship consistently. This morning and evening pattern follows a scriptural mandate (Exodus 29:38-39), making their devotion a firmly grounded, day-by-day commitment.

Worship, in this context, becomes both a spiritual anchor and a defiant proclamation of God’s reign among the nations. Though fear gripped them, they placed their hope in the LORD, trusting His presence would overshadow external pressures. For believers in any generation, worship likewise can be a remedy for fear, as it reminds us of God’s protective and faithful character (Philippians 4:6-7). 

Then, They celebrated the Feast of Booths, as it is written, and offered the fixed number of burnt offerings daily, according to the ordinance, as each day required (v. 4). The Feast of Booths (also known as the Feast of Tabernacles) was held in the seventh month and commemorated Israel’s wilderness wanderings, during which the LORD protected and provided for them (Leviticus 23:34-43). Celebrating it soon after their return from exile highlights God’s recurrent deliverance: He delivered them from Egypt and now again from Babylon.

The daily offerings were an integral part of this festival, illustrating the consistency and devotion God desires from His people. Each day, they fulfilled the prescribed sacrifices, reflecting a renewed commitment to obeying the LORD’s commands in every detail.

The Feast of Booths also promoted unity and joy, as people would live in temporary shelters to remember God’s faithfulness. By reviving this long-standing tradition, the returned exiles demonstrated how each generation is called to appreciate the LORD’s enduring provision in their own time.

And afterward there was a continual burnt offering, also for the new moons and for all the fixed festivals of the LORD that were consecrated, and from everyone who offered a freewill offering to the LORD (v. 5). After the special festival ended, the people continued to offer sacrifices in obedience to God’s laws. The mention of “new moons” points to the monthly observances in Israel’s liturgical calendar (Numbers 28:11-14).

This consistency underscores that even beyond major feasts, worship was an everyday priority. Faith and devotion were not to be confined to special events but practiced regularly in community life. Their pattern of worship mixed both regulations (fixed festivals) and heartfelt expressions, such as freewill offerings.

In the bigger biblical picture, these systematic sacrifices foreshadow the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:1-10). Yet, we see the principle that God desires consistent devotion, not just one-time gestures. As the foundation for Israel’s renewed worship was reestablished, they modeled a heart posture of honoring God in both structured and spontaneous ways.

From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, but the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not been laid (v. 6). The people didn’t wait for perfect circumstances to start worshiping. Though the temple rebuilding had not begun, they did what they could with the altar alone. This reveals a principle of putting God’s worship first, before large-scale projects are fully implemented.

Spiritually, this shows that the heart of worship does not require an elaborate setting. True devotion can commence in the simplest of forms. The returning exiles understood that a complete temple structure was ideal, but they did not delay their obedience until every detail was in place.

The mention that the temple foundation was yet to be laid also reminds us that God’s plans often unfold in multiple stages. In life, we may not see the entire picture, but we can still move forward in faithful worship, trusting that God will bring every aspect to completion in His time (Philippians 1:6).

Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food, drink and oil to the Sidonians and to the Tyrians to bring cedar wood from Lebanon to the sea at Joppa, according to the permission they had from Cyrus king of Persia (v. 7). This verse shows practical steps taken to rebuild the entire temple, going beyond the altar. The Sidonians and Tyrians inhabited regions to the north, in modern-day Lebanon, famed for their quality timber. The Phoenician coast was well known for maritime trade, and Joppa (the port city on the Mediterranean Sea, present-day Jaffa) served as the entry point to transport these materials inland to Jerusalem.

Cyrus, who ruled Persia from about 559 to 530 BC, had issued a decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild. His permission gave them political cover to gather resources such as cedar wood from Lebanon, reminiscent of how King Solomon had previously acquired timber for the first temple (1 Kings 5:8-10). By highlighting these connections, the divine narrative shows a continuity of God’s provision across generations.

As the people invested financially and materially in the temple project, they displayed their dedication to reestablishing God’s place of worship. This communal effort pointed to Israel’s desire to honor the LORD completely, giving of their resources just as they gave their time and hearts. In the same way, believers in Christ today can rejoice in sowing into God’s kingdom with both spiritual and practical offerings (2 Corinthians 9:7).