Ezra 3 3

Ezra 3:3 kjv

And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.

Ezra 3:3 nkjv

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.

Ezra 3:3 niv

Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and evening sacrifices.

Ezra 3:3 esv

They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them 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 nlt

Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the altar to the LORD each morning and evening.

Ezra 3 verses

Ezra 3 3 Meaning

Ezra 3:3 states that the returning Jewish exiles, under the leadership of Jeshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor, promptly re-established the altar for burnt offerings on its rightful, original foundation. They acted with a sense of urgency, motivated by fear of the hostile surrounding peoples inhabiting the land. Nevertheless, despite this apprehension, they faithfully reinstated the regular, daily burnt offerings to the LORD, presenting them both in the morning and in the evening as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. This act signified their commitment to prioritizing covenant worship and trust in God amidst challenging circumstances.

Ezra 3 3 Context

Ezra chapter 3 recounts the early actions of the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem after seventy years of Babylonian captivity, facilitated by the decree of King Cyrus (Ezra 1). The preceding verses describe the gathering of the people "as one man" in Jerusalem under the leadership of Jeshua the High Priest and Zerubbabel, the governor (Ezra 3:1-2). This gathering underscored their unity and purpose: to begin rebuilding the Temple. Verse 3 is a pivotal step, as it details the immediate reconstruction of the altar before the actual Temple structure, signifying the spiritual priority of worship and atonement even in the midst of ruins and hostility. Historically, this period was characterized by the fragility of the returning remnant and the inherent dangers posed by established non-Jewish populations in the region, particularly the Samaritans, who viewed the Jewish return and rebuilding with suspicion and later open antagonism (as elaborated in Ezra 4). The re-establishment of daily sacrifices was not merely a ceremonial act but a bold declaration of faith and an assertion of God's covenant in a potentially hostile land.

Ezra 3 3 Word analysis

• They: Refers collectively to Jeshua the son of Jozadak (the high priest), Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel (the governor, of the Davidic line), and their fellow priests and kinsmen (Ezra 3:2), representing the leadership and the entire congregation of returning exiles. It highlights the communal commitment to the task.
• also: This conjunctive particle signifies that this act was a continuation of their collective effort, immediately following their unified assembly and preparation as mentioned in the preceding verse.
• set up: The Hebrew word qûm (קוּם) implies to rise, to cause to stand, or to establish. Here, it denotes prompt, determined action to restore something that had been overthrown. It conveys both speed and precision in its execution.
• the altar: The Hebrew term mizbeach (מִזְבֵּחַ) refers to a place of sacrifice, typically a raised structure for offerings to God. It was the central and most vital piece of sacred furniture for communal worship and atonement, symbolizing God's provision for dealing with sin and enabling communion. Its re-establishment was paramount.
• on its foundation: The Hebrew m’kôn (מְכוֹן) refers to an established base, a fixed place, or a secure site. This indicates that they rebuilt the altar precisely where it had stood previously, honoring its sacred and traditional location, likely based on earlier temple blueprints or memories of older generations. This ensured continuity with former worship practices and God’s command for a specific location (Deut 12:5-6).
• for fear was on them: The Hebrew pachad (פַּחַד) indicates a strong feeling of dread, terror, or awe. In this context, it describes a palpable, legitimate human apprehension due to external threats. This motivation for swift action underscores their vulnerability and precarious situation. It demonstrates that faith doesn't necessarily eliminate fear but rather prompts action in spite of fear.
• because of the peoples of the lands: The Hebrew `ammê ha'ăraṣot (עַמֵּי הָאֲרָצוֹת) specifically refers to the non-Israelite populations who had been settled in Judah and Samaria by foreign empires after the exile. These were often syncretistic or pagan and hostile towards the restoration of Jewish worship and national identity (e.g., the Samaritans later mentioned in Ezra 4). Their presence made the Jewish community feel exposed and vulnerable.
• and they offered: An immediate, direct act of worship, demonstrating obedience and prioritizing their relationship with God.
• burnt offerings: The Hebrew `olôt (עֹלוֹת), derived from the verb "to go up," refers to a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, ascending to God. These offerings typically symbolized complete dedication to God and made atonement for sin, signifying total surrender and appeasement of God’s wrath.
• on it to the LORD: Specifies that the sacrifices were consecrated on this particular rebuilt altar and directed exclusively to Yahweh (יהוה), the covenant God of Israel. This underlines the exclusive and monotheistic nature of their worship, distinguishing it from pagan practices of the surrounding peoples.
• burnt offerings morning and evening: This highlights the resumption of the divinely prescribed tamid (daily) offerings, commanded in Exod 29:38-42 and Num 28:3-8. It was a commitment to consistent, regular, and enduring worship, affirming their adherence to the Mosaic covenant.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "They also set up the altar on its foundation": This phrase highlights the foundational act of restoring proper worship. By rebuilding the altar first, before the temple structure, the exiles prioritized atonement and communion with God. This immediate restoration on the "foundation" emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and adherence to tradition and divine instruction regarding sacred sites. It represents the crucial step of re-establishing a covenant relationship with God as the basis for national restoration.
• "for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands": This part reveals a crucial tension. The fear (a human response to a real threat from hostile neighbors) ironically served as a catalyst for swift action. It indicates a pragmatic decision to secure their spiritual foundation quickly, perhaps hoping for divine protection and recognizing their vulnerable state. This contrasts human fear with divine obedience, showing that faith is often acted upon despite formidable obstacles.
• "and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening": This demonstrates immediate obedience and commitment to God's covenant laws. The resumption of the regular tamid (daily) offerings signifies consistency, faithfulness, and a complete reliance on God's provision for atonement and sustained relationship. It was a bold declaration of faith in God's protection and a powerful act of worship, emphasizing that their trust was placed in the LORD, not in human defenses or diplomacy.

Ezra 3 3 Bonus section

The act of setting up the altar on its original foundation underscores the theological concept of continuity in God's covenant and His faithfulness to His people across generations. It suggests a divine preservation of sacred spaces and purposes, linking the post-exilic community directly to the worship traditions of Moses and Solomon's Temple. The tension between their "fear" and their "offering" provides a powerful testimony: it was an act of worship in defiance of circumstances, demonstrating that true faith operates even amidst adversity, relying on divine promise rather than human safety or visible assurance. This action also symbolically prepared the way for the rebuilding of the temple itself (Ezra 3:8), recognizing that proper worship and atonement must precede the construction of God's dwelling place among His people. It implicitly counters any temptation to engage in syncretism or neglect God's commands for self-preservation, asserting the supremacy of Yahweh and His prescribed way of worship.

Ezra 3 3 Commentary

Ezra 3:3 encapsulates a profound moment in the post-exilic history of Israel, emphasizing the paramount importance of worship and faith over fear. Despite their vulnerable position and the real threat from hostile "peoples of the lands," the returning remnant prioritized the immediate reconstruction of the altar. This wasn't merely an architectural task; it was a theological declaration. By placing the altar back on its original foundation, they were reconnecting with their ancestral heritage and, more importantly, with the covenant God who had led them through exile and back. The rapid restoration of the daily burnt offerings, morning and evening, symbolized their renewed commitment to the regular worship and atonement procedures ordained in the Law of Moses. This act showcased resilience and trust; they sought God's face through prescribed means of worship, knowing that divine favor and protection were their true safeguards against their adversaries. This prioritization of the spiritual over the immediate physical dangers illustrates that genuine revival and lasting restoration begin with putting God first, fostering a corporate reliance on Him in every circumstance. Their example challenges believers to address spiritual priorities immediately and faithfully, even when surrounded by challenges and uncertainties.