Ezra 3:1-13
Q.1. What prompted the renewal of the sacrificial system? What was the first festival celebrated? How did they pay for the rebuilding of the Temple foundations? – (Ezra 3:1-7)
The edict from Cyrus, king of Persia had been for the exiles of Judah to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of the Lord (Ezra 1:2-3). However, long before this task was completed, the priests and leaders – … 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 (Ezra 3:2). The reason given for re-establishing the sacrificial system was – … 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 (Ezra 3:3). Fear of negative consequences can be powerfully used by God, to cause us to stop procrastinating, and obey Him. Being the seventh month, they first celebrated the Feast of Booths, complete with all its offerings (Num.29:1-40). From the beginning they raised funds to pay for the materials needed to rebuild the temple (Ezra 3:5-7). Much of the cost was born by the Persian Empire – 3 In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: `Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the temple, the place where sacrifices are offered, be rebuilt, and let its foundations be retained, its height being 60 cubits and its width 60 cubits; 4 with three layers of huge stones and one layer of timbers. And let the cost be paid from the royal treasury (Ezra 6:3-4).
Q.2. When and how was the Temple restoration begun? What was the reaction when the foundations for the temple were laid? What do you make of the responses? – (Ezra 3:8-13)
The rebuilding of the cities of Judah was a major distraction. Therefore, the temple restoration did not begin until the second year. The work was overseen by the Levites. Eventually, they were able to consecrate the foundation of the temple – 10 Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord according to the directions of King David of Israel. 11 They sang, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid (Ezra 3:10-11). Though the post-exilic Temple was of similar proportions, the beautification was greatly inferior to that lavished on the building by Solomon from his and David’s treasures (Ezra 6:3 c.f. 2 Sam.8:11; 1 Kgs.7:51). The Book recorded that the response of those who had seen Solomon’s magnificent temple brought weeping, whereas those for whom this was a new beginning, shouted with joy (Ezra 3:11-13). Often our emotions of joy and sadness depend on our perspective.