Ezra 3
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
When the seventh month was come - The month Tisri, which answers to the latter part of our September, and beginning of October. It seems that the Israelites had left Babylon about the spring of the year; that on their arrival at Jerusalem they constructed themselves huts and sheds to lodge in among the ruins, in which they must have spent some months. After this they rebuilt the altar of burnt-offerings, and kept the feast of tabernacles, which happened about this time, and continued to offer sacrifices regularly, as if the temple were standing.
Open source ↗THE ALTAR SET UP. (Ezr 3:1-13) when the seventh month was come--The departure of the returning exiles from Babylon took place in the spring. For some time after their arrival they were occupied in the necessary work of rearing habitations to themselves amid the ruins of Jerusalem and its neighborhood. This preliminary work being completed, they addressed themselves to rebuild the altar of burnt offering. As the seventh month of the sacred year was at hand--corresponding to the latter end of our September--when the feast of tabernacles (Lev 23:34) fell to be observed, they resolved to celebrate that religious festival, just as if the temple had been fully restored.
Open source ↗And when the seventh month was come,.... The month Tisri, which answers to part of September and October; or when it "was approaching" (p), for before it was actually come some following things were done, the people met, and an altar was built; for on the first day of it sacrifices were offered, Ezr 3:6, and the children of Israel were in the cities; their respective cities, settling their domestic affairs: the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem; the thing was universal, and done with as much dispatch as if only one man was concerned; and it seems to denote as if they were under a divine impulse, and came together without any consultation, or knowledge of each other's designs, and without summons. (p) "cum appropinquaret", Piscator.
Open source ↗The building of the altar, the restoration of the daily sacrifice, and the celebration of the feast of tabernacles. - Ezr 3:1 When the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. The year is not stated, but the year in which they returned from Babylon is intended, as appears from Ezr 3:8, which tells us that the foundations of the temple were laid in the second month of the second year of their return. The words, "and the children of Israel were in the cities," are a circumstantial clause referring to Ezr 2:70, and serving to elucidate what follows. From the cities, in which each had settled in his own (Ezr 2:1), the people came to Jerusalem as one man, i.e., not entirely (Bertheau), but unanimously (ὁμοθυμαδόν, 1 Esdr. 5:46); comp. Neh 8:1; Jdg 20:1. (Note: The more precise statement of 1 Esdr. 5:46, εἰς τὸ εὐρύχωρον τοῦ πρώτου πυλῶνος τοῦ πρὸς τῇ ἀνατολῇ, according to which Bertheau insists upon correcting the text of Ezra, is an arbitrary addition on the part of the author of this apocryphal book, and derived from Neh 8:1.) Ezr 3:2 Then the two leaders of the people, Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the prince (see on Jos 2:2), with their brethren, i.e., the priests and the men of Israel (the laity), arose and built the altar, to offer upon it burnt-offerings, as prescribed by the law of Moses, i.e., to restore the legal sacrifices. According to Ezr 3:6, the offering of burnt-offerings began on the first day of the seventh month; hence the altar was by this day already completed. This agrees with the statement, "When the seventh month approached" (Ezr 3:1), therefore before the first day of this month. Ezr 3:3 They reared the altar על־מכונתו, upon its (for…
Open source ↗Here is, I. A general assembly of the returned Israelites at Jerusalem, in the seventh month, Ezr 3:1. We may suppose that they came from Babylon in the spring, and must allow at least four months for the journey, for so long Ezra and his company were in coming, Ezr 7:9. The seventh month therefore soon came, in which many of the feasts of the Lord were to be solemnized; and then they gathered themselves together by agreement among themselves, rather than by the command of authority, to Jerusalem. Though they had newly come to their cities, and had their hands full of business there, to provide necessaries for themselves and their families, which might have excused them from attending on God's altar till the hurry was a little over, as many foolishly put off their coming to the communion till they are settled in the world, yet such was their zeal for religion, now that they had newly come from under correction for their irreligion, that they left all their business in the country, to attend God's altar; and (which is strange) in this pious zeal they were all of a mind, they came as one man. Let worldly business be postponed to the business of religion and it will prosper the better. II. The care which their leading men took to have an altar ready for them to attend upon. 1. Joshua and his brethren the priests, Zerubbabel and his brethren the princes, built the altar of the God of Israel (Ezr 3:2), in the same place (it is likely) where it had stood, upon the same bases, Ezr 3:3. Bishop Patrick, observing that before the temple was built there seems to have been a tabernacle pitched for the divine service, as was in David's time, not on Mount Moriah, but Mount Sion (Ch1 9:23), supposes that this altar was erected there, to be sued while the temple was in building. Let us…
Open source ↗3:1–4:5 After resettling in various towns in Judah, the community turned to restoring the worship of God at Jerusalem. They quickly rebuilt the altar and began regular sacrifices in time to celebrate the Jewish festivals (3:4), and then they began the more difficult task of rebuilding the Temple itself (3:8). Soon they faced opposition from local foreigners (4:1-5). 3:1 Festivals in early autumn (literally in the seventh month) included the Festival of Trumpets (see Lev 23:23-25), the Day of Atonement (see Lev 16), and the Festival of Shelters (see Lev 23:34-36).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
שְׁבִיעִי (shᵉbîyʻîy, H7637) — seventh חֹדֶשׁ (chôdesh, H2320) — the new moon; by implication, a month נָגַע (nâgaʻ, H5060) — properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with… בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… אָסַף (ʼâçaph, H622) — to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave… אֶחָד (ʼechâd, H259) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine
Open source ↗קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) יֵשׁוּעַ (Yêshûwaʻ, H3442) — Jeshua, the name of ten Israelites, also of a place in Palestine בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יוֹצָדָק (Yôwtsâdâq, H3136) — Jotsadak, an Israelite אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… זְרֻבָּבֶל (Zᵉrubbâbel, H2216) — Zerubbabel, an Israelite שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shᵉʼaltîyʼêl, H7597) — Shealtiel, an Israelite בָּנָה (bânâh, H1129) — to build (literally and figuratively) מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
Open source ↗כּוּן (kûwn, H3559) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a… מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar מְכוֹנָה (mᵉkôwnâh, H4350) — a pedestal, also a spot אֵימָה (ʼêymâh, H367) — fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God בֹּקֶר (bôqer, H1242) — properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning עֶרֶב (ʻereb, H6153) — dusk
Open source ↗עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application חַג (chag, H2282) — a festival, or a victim therefor סֻכָּה (çukkâh, H5521) — a hut or lair כָּתַב (kâthab, H3789) — to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe) יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) מִסְפָּר (miçpâr, H4557) — a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also… מִשְׁפָּט (mishpâṭ, H4941) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a… דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Open source ↗אַחַר (ʼachar, H310) — properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various… תָּמִיד (tâmîyd, H8548) — properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as… עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) חֹדֶשׁ (chôdesh, H2320) — the new moon; by implication, a month מוֹעֵד (môwʻêd, H4150) — properly, an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival;… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God קָדַשׁ (qâdash, H6942) — to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally) נָדַב (nâdab, H5068) — to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously נְדָבָה (nᵉdâbâh, H5071) — properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a…
Open source ↗אֶחָד (ʼechâd, H259) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… שְׁבִיעִי (shᵉbîyʻîy, H7637) — seventh חֹדֶשׁ (chôdesh, H2320) — the new moon; by implication, a month חָלַל (châlal, H2490) — properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane… עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God יָסַד (yâçad, H3245) — to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down… הֵיכָל (hêykâl, H1964) — a large public building, such as a palace or temple
Open source ↗נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) כֶּסֶף (keçeph, H3701) — silver (from its pale color); by implication, money חָצַב (châtsab, H2672) — to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square,… חָרָשׁ (chârâsh, H2796) — a fabricator or any material מַאֲכָל (maʼăkâl, H3978) — an eatable (includ. provender, flesh and fruit) מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh, H4960) — drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally)… שֶׁמֶן (shemen, H8081) — grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness צִידֹנִי (Tsîydônîy, H6722) — a Tsidonian or inhabitant of Tsidon צֹרִי (Tsôrîy, H6876) — a Tsorite or inhabitant of Tsor (i.e. Syrian) בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) אֶרֶז (ʼerez, H730) — a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots) עֵץ (ʻêts, H6086) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks) לְבָנוֹן (Lᵉbânôwn, H3844) — Lebanon, a mountain range in Palestine יָם (yâm, H3220) — a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the…
Open source ↗שֵׁנִי (shênîy, H8145) — properly, double, i.e. second; also adverbially, again שָׁנֶה (shâneh, H8141) — a year (as a revolution of time) בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine חֹדֶשׁ (chôdesh, H2320) — the new moon; by implication, a month חָלַל (châlal, H2490) — properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane… זְרֻבָּבֶל (Zᵉrubbâbel, H2216) — Zerubbabel, an Israelite בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shᵉʼaltîyʼêl, H7597) — Shealtiel, an Israelite יֵשׁוּעַ (Yêshûwaʻ, H3442) — Jeshua, the name of ten Israelites, also of a place in Palestine יוֹצָדָק (Yôwtsâdâq, H3136) — Jotsadak, an Israelite שְׁאָר (shᵉʼâr, H7605) — a remainder
Open source ↗עָמַד (ʻâmad, H5975) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) יֵשׁוּעַ (Yêshûwaʻ, H3442) — Jeshua, the name of ten Israelites, also of a place in Palestine בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… קַדְמִיאֵל (Qadmîyʼêl, H6934) — Kadmiel, the name of three Israelites יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… אֶחָד (ʼechâd, H259) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first נָצַח (nâtsach, H5329) — properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application מְלָאכָה (mᵉlâʼkâh, H4399) — properly, deputyship, i.e. ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work… בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… חֵנָדָד (Chênâdâd, H2582) — Chenadad, an Israelite לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi
Open source ↗בָּנָה (bânâh, H1129) — to build (literally and figuratively) יָסַד (yâçad, H3245) — to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down… הֵיכָל (hêykâl, H1964) — a large public building, such as a palace or temple יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God עָמַד (ʻâmad, H5975) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… לָבַשׁ (lâbash, H3847) — properly, wrap around, i.e. (by implication) to put on agarment or clothe (oneself, or… חֲצֹצְרָה (chătsôtsᵉrâh, H2689) — a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note) לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אָסָף (ʼÂçâph, H623) — Asaph, the name of three Israelites, and of the family of the first מְצֵלֶת (mᵉtsêleth, H4700) — (only dual) double tinklers, i.e. cymbals הָלַל (hâlal, H1984) — to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to… יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),
Open source ↗עָנָה (ʻânâh, H6030) — properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond;… הָלַל (hâlal, H1984) — to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to… יָדָה (yâdâh, H3034) — physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God טוֹב (ṭôwb, H2896) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the… חֵסֵד (chêçêd, H2617) — kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or… עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm, H5769) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… רוּעַ (rûwaʻ, H7321) — to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout… גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent תְּרוּעָה (tᵉrûwʻâh, H8643) — clamor, i.e. acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangorof trumpets, as an… יָסַד (yâçad, H3245) — to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down… בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Open source ↗רַב (rab, H7227) — abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality) כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application זָקֵן (zâqên, H2205) — old רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… רִאשׁוֹן (riʼshôwn, H7223) — first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) יָסַד (yâçad, H3245) — to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down… עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) בָּכָה (bâkâh, H1058) — to weep; generally to bemoan גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent קוֹל (qôwl, H6963) — a voice or sound
Open source ↗עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… נָכַר (nâkar, H5234) — properly, to scrutinize, i.e. look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to… קוֹל (qôwl, H6963) — a voice or sound תְּרוּעָה (tᵉrûwʻâh, H8643) — clamor, i.e. acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangorof trumpets, as an… שִׂמְחָה (simchâh, H8057) — blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival) בְּכִי (Bᵉkîy, H1065) — a weeping; by analogy, a dripping רוּעַ (rûwaʻ, H7321) — to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout… גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… רָחוֹק (râchôwq, H7350) — remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.
“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts.
With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,
This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—
And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month.
Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah.
For then I will restore pure lips to the peoples, that all may call upon the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder.