Ezra 3:2

Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as [it is] written in the law of Moses the man of God.

Then stood up {H6965} Jeshua {H3442} the son {H1121} of Jozadak {H3136}, and his brethren {H251} the priests {H3548}, and Zerubbabel {H2216} the son {H1121} of Shealtiel {H7597}, and his brethren {H251}, and builded {H1129} the altar {H4196} of the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, to offer {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} thereon, as it is written {H3789} in the law {H8451} of Moses {H4872} the man {H376} of God {H430}.

Then Yeshua the son of Yotzadak with his fellow cohanim, and Z'rubavel the son of Sh'alti'el with his kinsmen, organized rebuilding the altar of the God of Isra'el; so that they could offer burnt offerings on it, as is written in the Torah of Moshe the man of God.

Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.

Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt-offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.

Ezra 3:2 marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile. This verse details the immediate and faithful actions of the returned exiles, led by their spiritual and civil leaders, to re-establish proper worship of God in Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following Cyrus the Great's decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland, a significant contingent made the arduous journey back to Judah. They arrived in a desolate land, with the temple in ruins. Before any grand reconstruction of the temple walls could begin, their priority was to restore the central act of worship: sacrificial offerings. This act was crucial for their spiritual identity and national restoration, signifying a recommitment to their covenant with God after seventy years of exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 29:10).

Key Figures and Their Roles

  • Jeshua the son of Jozadak: As the High Priest, Jeshua represented the spiritual leadership of the community. His role was vital in re-establishing the Levitical order and the sacrificial system according to God's law. He is also mentioned prominently in the book of Zechariah as a figure of purification and restoration (e.g., Zechariah 3:1).
  • Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel: Zerubbabel was the civil governor, a descendant of King David, and thus represented the royal line. His presence alongside Jeshua symbolized the unity of spiritual and governmental authority in leading the people. He would later be instrumental in the actual rebuilding of the temple itself (see Haggai 1:14).

The collaboration between these two leaders, one priestly and one royal, was essential for the coherent and divinely sanctioned rebuilding effort.

Central Action: Building the Altar

The immediate construction of the altar, even before the temple foundation was laid, highlights the profound importance placed on worship and atonement. The altar was the place where sacrifices were made, symbolizing communion with God and the expiation of sins. This was not merely a pragmatic step but a deep spiritual declaration. It demonstrated their faith that God would receive their offerings and their desire to live in accordance with His commands, even in the midst of fear from surrounding peoples (Ezra 3:3).

Adherence to the Law

The phrase "as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God" underscores the meticulous obedience of Jeshua and Zerubbabel to divine instruction. The burnt offering, a specific type of sacrifice, was prescribed in detail in the Pentateuch, particularly in the book of Leviticus 1. This adherence to the Law of Moses demonstrated their commitment to restoring the true worship of the God of Israel, not according to their own ideas, but according to established divine revelation.

Theological Significance and Practical Application

Ezra 3:2 teaches us about the priority of worship and obedience in spiritual restoration. For the returning exiles, putting God first by re-establishing the altar was foundational for all subsequent rebuilding efforts. It reminds believers today that laying a strong spiritual foundation—rooted in obedience to God's Word and a commitment to worship—is paramount. Even when facing daunting tasks or challenging circumstances, prioritizing communion with God through prayer, study of His Word, and corporate worship provides the strength and direction needed to proceed. It is a powerful example of faith in action, demonstrating that true restoration begins with a renewed commitment to God's established ways.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezra 2:2

    Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

  • Luke 3:27

    Which was [the son] of Joanna, which was [the son] of Rhesa, which was [the son] of Zorobabel, which was [the son] of Salathiel, which was [the son] of Neri,

  • Haggai 1:1

    ¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

  • 1 Chronicles 3:17

    And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,

  • Matthew 1:12

    And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

  • Matthew 1:13

    And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

  • Exodus 20:24

    An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

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