Ezra 3:5 kjv
And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.
Ezra 3:5 nkjv
Afterwards they offered the regular burnt offering, and those for New Moons and for all the appointed feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and those of everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering to the LORD.
Ezra 3:5 niv
After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred festivals of the LORD, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the LORD.
Ezra 3:5 esv
and after that the regular burnt offerings, the offerings at the new moon and at all the appointed feasts of the LORD, and the offerings of everyone who made a freewill offering to the LORD.
Ezra 3:5 nlt
They also offered the regular burnt offerings and the offerings required for the new moon celebrations and the annual festivals as prescribed by the LORD. The people also gave voluntary offerings to the LORD.
Ezra 3 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 29:38-42 | “Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs… regular burnt offering…” | Command for daily sacrifices. |
| Num 28:3-8 | “And you shall say to them, ‘This is the food offering… regular burnt offering…” | Details the daily offerings. |
| Neh 10:33 | “...for the regular burnt offering, and for the new moons, and for the sabbaths…” | Later commitment to these offerings. |
| Num 28:11-15 | “At the beginnings of your months you shall present a burnt offering to the Lord…” | Instructions for New Moon offerings. |
| Col 2:16-17 | “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink… shadows of what is to come…” | Ceremonial law (incl. New Moons) as shadows fulfilled in Christ. |
| Lev 23:1-44 | (Various verses) “…These are the appointed feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim…” | General institution of the annual feasts. |
| Deut 16:16 | “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God…” | Command to observe major feasts annually. |
| Num 29:1-40 | (Various verses) “On the first day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation…” | Detailed instructions for feast offerings. |
| Lev 7:16 | “But if the sacrifice of his offering is a freewill offering…” | Definition of freewill offering. |
| Exod 35:29 | “The people of Israel brought a freewill offering to the Lord, every man…” | Willing hearts in giving to God's work. |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion…” | NT principle of cheerful, voluntary giving. |
| Ezra 3:2-4 | “Then Jeshua… and Zerubbabel… built the altar… and offered burnt offerings on it…” | Immediate context: rebuilding the altar and basic offerings. |
| Lev 1:9 | “…The priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering…” | Purpose of burnt offerings: complete dedication. |
| Rom 12:1 | “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice…” | New Covenant call to living a consecrated life. |
| Heb 10:1-14 | “For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come… Christ offered for all time a single sacrifice…” | Christ's perfect sacrifice fulfilling all old covenant offerings. |
| Hag 1:8 | “Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it…” | God's desire for the temple and proper worship to be re-established. |
| Jer 29:10-14 | “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you…” | Prophecy of return and restoration of proper worship. |
| Ezek 46:3, 9-11 | “The people of the land shall worship at the entrance of that gate… burnt offerings and peace offerings.” | Post-exilic vision of future worship with similar sacrifices. |
| Mal 3:8-10 | “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me of your tithes and contributions…” | Admonition against withholding offerings, emphasizing proper giving. |
| Isa 66:23 | “From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me…” | Future worship of God, referencing recurring observances. |
Ezra 3 verses
Ezra 3 5 Meaning
Ezra 3:5 describes the detailed reinstatement of the sacrificial system by the returned Jewish exiles in Jerusalem. After re-establishing the foundational daily burnt offering, they resumed the specific offerings for the New Moons, for all the various appointed feasts consecrated to the Lord, and for any freewill offerings willingly presented by individuals. This verse highlights the community's diligent adherence to Mosaic Law, marking a comprehensive return to commanded worship after their Babylonian exile.
Ezra 3 5 Context
Ezra 3:5 is situated in the narrative of the first return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel and Jeshua. Having arrived in the seventh month, they immediately focused on rebuilding the altar of God. Ezra 3:1-3 details their gathering as one man in Jerusalem, overcoming fear, and building the altar for daily burnt offerings (the "tamid"). Ezra 3:4 mentions the offering of the Festival of Booths (Sukkot), explicitly noting it was "as prescribed" in the Law of Moses. This verse, Ezra 3:5, then continues to list the full range of required offerings, demonstrating a thorough and immediate recommitment to the divinely commanded worship system, even before the Temple structure itself was rebuilt. This orderly resumption of sacrifice reflected their sincere desire to reconcile with God and adhere to the covenant requirements after their long period of exile due to disobedience.
Ezra 3 5 Word analysis
- and afterward: (וְאַחֲרֵי-כֵן, ve'acharei-khen) Signifies a chronological progression following the initial, immediate acts of worship described in Ezra 3:3-4 (daily burnt offering and Festival of Booths). It implies the establishment of a full, ongoing schedule.
- the regular burnt offering: (עוֹלַת הַתָּמִיד, 'olat hatamid) Refers to the daily sacrifices of one lamb in the morning and one in the evening (Exod 29:38-42; Num 28:3-8). This was the foundational, continual act of atonement and communion between God and Israel, signifying Israel's dependence on God's mercy and provision every single day. The term olah (burnt offering) implies the entire offering was consumed by fire, wholly ascending to God.
- and those for the new moons: (וְלַחֳדָשִׁים, v'la'chodashim) Sacrifices prescribed for the beginning of each new month (Num 28:11-15). These monthly offerings marked the sanctity of time and God's sovereignty over the calendar, reinforcing regular, corporate worship.
- and for all the appointed feasts of the Lord: (וְלָכׇל-מוֹעֲדֵי יְהוָה, v'la'kol-mo'adei YHWH) Mo'ed means "appointed time" or "set season." This refers to the annual pilgrim festivals commanded in the Law (e.g., Passover/Unleavened Bread, Weeks/Pentecost, Booths/Tabernacles, Day of Atonement, Trumpets, Num 28-29; Lev 23). These feasts served to commemorate significant historical events of God's redemption, give thanks, and symbolize future blessings, knitting together their national identity with divine covenant.
- that were consecrated: (הַמְקֻדָּשִׁים, hamkuddashim) From the root qadash, meaning "to be holy" or "set apart." This emphasizes that these feasts and offerings were specifically dedicated and hallowed for the Lord, distinct from common use and bearing sacred significance. They were holy convocations.
- and those for everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering: (וּלְכֹ֛ל מִתְנַדֵּ֥ב נְדָבָ֖ה, u'lechol mitnadeiv nedavah) This refers to voluntary offerings (Lev 7:16; Num 29:39). While the preceding offerings were mandated, the inclusion of freewill offerings (nedavah) highlights the devotion and generosity of individual Israelites, going beyond legal requirement. It indicates a restored spirit of devotion and uncompelled giving, signifying true heart commitment.
Ezra 3 5 Bonus section
The deliberate detail in Ezra 3:5—listing distinct categories of offerings—underscores a pivotal aspect of post-exilic worship: accuracy and adherence to the divine blueprint. Unlike previous generations that had often neglected or corrupted their worship practices, these returnees demonstrated a renewed commitment to do everything "as prescribed" (Ezra 3:4). This detail serves as a quiet polemic against past apostasy and casual neglect, asserting their earnest intention to remain faithful to Yahweh and His revealed will. The offerings foreshadowed the ultimate and complete sacrifice of Christ, which perfects and transcends all these types, allowing believers today to offer "spiritual sacrifices" (1 Pet 2:5) through Him. The meticulous nature also speaks to the profound longing for reconciliation with God and the restoration of His favor through obedient worship.
Ezra 3 5 Commentary
Ezra 3:5 reveals the immediate post-exilic community's fervent desire to re-establish proper worship according to the Law of Moses. The sequence—daily offering first, then New Moons, then annual feasts, and finally freewill offerings—illustrates a comprehensive and systematic return to all aspects of the sacrificial cult. This wasn't merely rote observance but a deep-seated spiritual act following a long period of exile caused by their fathers' unfaithfulness. The meticulous re-institution of specific offerings like the 'olat hatamid (daily burnt offering) underscored their reliance on continuous atonement and communion with God. The New Moon and appointed feast offerings re-integrated the people into God's sacred calendar, bringing order and divine remembrance into their lives. The mention of freewill offerings demonstrates a restored spirit of genuine, uncoerced devotion, indicating a transformed heart among the returning exiles. This commitment served as a spiritual foundation upon which the physical Temple structure would later be built, demonstrating that right worship preceded and enabled physical reconstruction.
Examples of practical usage:
- Priority in worship: Just as the daily offerings were prioritized, we are called to prioritize daily devotion and fellowship with God (e.g., daily prayer, Scripture reading).
- Sacred rhythm: Like the appointed feasts brought rhythm to ancient Israel's year, regular corporate worship (e.g., weekly church attendance) structures the believer's life around God.
- Heart of generosity: The freewill offerings emphasize that our giving to God (of time, talent, resources) should stem from a willing, joyful heart, not mere obligation.