Ezra 3:6

KJV

From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not [yet] laid.

KJV (with Strong's)

From the first {H259} day {H3117} of the seventh {H7637} month {H2320} began {H2490} they to offer {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} unto the LORD {H3068}. But the foundation {H3245} of the temple {H1964} of the LORD {H3068} was not yet laid {H3245}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the first day of the seventh month, they began offering burnt offerings to ADONAI, even though the foundation of ADONAI's temple had not yet been laid.

Berean Standard Bible

On the first day of the seventh month, the Israelites began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, although the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not been laid.

American Standard Version

From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah: but the foundation of the temple of Jehovah was not yet laid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 3:6 powerfully encapsulates the spiritual priorities of the returned Jewish exiles, revealing their immediate and profound commitment to corporate worship. Despite the formidable challenge of rebuilding a desolate Jerusalem and the complete absence of the temple's physical structure, the community, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, consecrated themselves to the Lord. This was accomplished by reinstituting burnt offerings on a newly reconstructed altar, an act of faith performed on the highly significant first day of the seventh month. This pivotal moment underscored their understanding that true devotion and covenant faithfulness to God must precede and empower all other endeavors, laying a spiritual foundation before any physical stone was laid.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 3:6 is situated within the initial phase of the Jewish exiles' return from Babylonian captivity, a narrative thoroughly detailed in [Ezra 1-2](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1-2 - Return from Exile"). Following King Cyrus's monumental decree in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree"), the first wave of returnees, led by Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua, meticulously prepared for their resettlement in Judah. [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees") provides an exhaustive register of those who returned, emphasizing the sheer scale and organized nature of this repatriation. Chapter 3 then immediately shifts to describe their collective resolve to re-establish proper worship. Verses 1-3 recount the assembly of the people in Jerusalem, their unanimous decision to rebuild the altar, and their immediate resumption of daily burnt offerings, notably even in the face of fear from surrounding peoples. Verse 6 specifically highlights the commencement of these offerings on a profoundly significant calendar date, contrasting this spiritual readiness with the yet-unlaid physical foundation of the temple itself. This contrast sets the stage for the subsequent efforts, challenges, and eventual completion of the temple reconstruction described later in the chapter and book ([Ezra 3:7-13](/ezra/3-7-13 "Ezra 3:7-13 - Laying the Temple Foundation")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile, a period prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Exile")), marked a profound turning point for the Jewish people. They were no longer an independent kingdom but a province under the vast Persian Empire. In this new geopolitical reality, the restoration of their religious identity and practices was paramount to their survival and continuity as God's covenant people. The "first day of the seventh month" (Tishri 1) was a highly significant date in the Hebrew calendar, known as Rosh Hashanah or the Feast of Trumpets ([Leviticus 23:23-25](/leviticus/23-23-25 "Leviticus 23:23-25 - The Feast of Trumpets")). This day marked the beginning of the civil new year and initiated a period of solemn introspection leading up to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on Tishri 10 and the joyous Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) on Tishri 15 ([Leviticus 23:26-43](/leviticus/23-26-43 "Leviticus 23:26-43 - Day of Atonement and Feast of Tabernacles")). By beginning their offerings on this specific day, the exiles were not merely performing a ritual but were symbolically and literally re-establishing their covenant relationship with God according to the prescribed Mosaic Law, signifying a national spiritual renewal and a re-anchoring of their identity in divine worship and obedience.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **Priority of Worship**; the community understood that their relationship with God, expressed through obedience and sacrifice, took precedence over all other rebuilding efforts. They did not wait for ideal conditions or a completed temple but immediately reinstituted the central act of Israelite worship. This demonstrates a profound understanding that true devotion stems from a willing heart, as later articulated by the prophet Samuel (cf. [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Faith in Action** amidst incomplete circumstances. The phrase "But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not [yet] laid" emphasizes their audacious trust in God's promises even when the physical manifestation of those promises was absent. Their worship was an act of profound faith, believing in God's future provision and the eventual completion of the temple, which would indeed occur years later ([Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Completion of the Temple")). Finally, it speaks to **Restoration and Obedience**. The exiles' return was a divine act of restoration, and their immediate resumption of offerings signaled their commitment to obey God's commands regarding worship, thereby laying a crucial spiritual groundwork for the physical rebuilding and the re-establishment of their national identity in the promised land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **began (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, this primitive root means "to bore" or "to wound," but figuratively, it carries the sense "to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge')." In Ezra 3:6, its use signifies a deliberate and decisive initiation of the burnt offerings. It implies that the exiles were not merely resuming a practice but were actively and intentionally "opening" a new chapter of worship, marking a fresh start and a foundational act for their community. This beginning was not passive but an active, purposeful step of obedience.
* **burnt offerings (Hebrew, _ʿôlâh'_):** From H5930, this term refers to a "holocaust (as going up in smoke)." The `ʿôlâh` was unique among Israelite sacrifices because the entire animal (except for the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. It symbolized complete dedication, consecration, and atonement for sin. Its immediate reintroduction by the returned exiles demonstrated their understanding of its centrality to their relationship with God, signifying their total surrender, their desire for reconciliation, and their acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over their lives and their land.
* **temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** From H1964, this word refers to "a large public building, such as a palace or temple." In this context, it specifically denotes the sacred house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The mention that the "foundation of the temple... was not yet laid" highlights the stark contrast between the spiritual readiness of the people and the physical absence of the central sanctuary. The `hêykâl` was the visible symbol of God's dwelling among His people and the focal point of their national worship; its future construction was paramount, yet their worship began without it, emphasizing the internal over the external.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD."**: This clause establishes the immediate, intentional, and communal nature of the exiles' worship. The specific date, Tishri 1 (the first day of the seventh month), is profoundly significant, marking the civil new year and a time of spiritual renewal in the Hebrew calendar. The verb "began" (`ḥālal`) implies a deliberate and decisive initiation, indicating that this was a conscious and unified act of prioritizing their relationship with God through the prescribed rituals of the Law. The "burnt offerings" (`ʿōlâ`) signify their complete dedication and desire for atonement, directed specifically "unto the LORD," emphasizing the divine recipient and ultimate purpose of their devotion. This act was a profound declaration of their renewed covenant with God.
* **"But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not [yet] laid."**: This second clause introduces a stark contrast, highlighting the remarkable faith and spiritual maturity of the community. The conjunction "But" (Hebrew: `wāw` functioning adversatively) draws attention to the astonishing fact that their spiritual devotion commenced even before the physical structure for worship, the temple, had even begun to be built. This emphasizes that their worship was not contingent on ideal circumstances or a completed edifice. It was an act of profound faith, demonstrating that the heart of worship and obedience to God takes precedence over material achievements or perfect conditions. The implied "[yet]" (added in KJV for clarity) underscores the temporary nature of this incomplete state, pointing to future hope and the eventual, divinely-ordained completion of the temple.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 3:6 is **Juxtaposition**, specifically the placement of two contrasting ideas side-by-side to highlight a significant theological point. The verse starkly juxtaposes the immediate and fervent act of offering burnt sacrifices ("From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD") with the incomplete state of the physical structure ("But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not [yet] laid"). This stark **Contrast** powerfully emphasizes the exiles' spiritual priority over material progress. It communicates that their devotion to God was not dependent on a perfect environment or a completed building, but sprang from a deep-seated commitment to obey and worship Him regardless of external circumstances. This also serves as a subtle form of **Irony**, where the spiritual core of their faith is fully present and actively expressed even when the physical symbol of that faith (the temple) is absent. The act of offering sacrifices itself carries strong **Symbolism**, representing their renewed covenant, their seeking of atonement, and their complete dedication to the Lord, even in a land that was still largely in ruins and required immense physical rebuilding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 3:6 powerfully articulates the enduring theological truth that genuine worship is not contingent upon perfect circumstances or grand physical structures, but rather flows from a heart devoted to God. The exiles' immediate re-establishment of the altar and their resumption of burnt offerings, even before the temple's foundation was laid, demonstrates a profound understanding of God's priority: He desires obedience and heartfelt devotion above all else. This act of worship was a declaration of renewed covenant, a seeking of atonement, and an expression of faith in God's promises for their future restoration. It serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual commitment must always precede and drive material endeavors.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Chosen Place for Worship")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Haggai 1:4-9](/haggai/1-4-9 "Haggai 1:4-9 - Consider Your Ways and Rebuild")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 3:6 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today, prompting us to examine our own spiritual priorities. Do we often find ourselves waiting for ideal conditions, sufficient resources, or perfect circumstances before we fully commit to worship, service, or obedience in our lives? The exiles, surrounded by the ruins of their homeland and facing an enormous, daunting rebuilding task, did not delay their spiritual duties. They understood that their relationship with God was paramount and that true worship was an act of audacious faith, a declaration of dependence, and a powerful catalyst for all other work. This verse reminds us that our devotion to God should be immediate, intentional, and unhindered by external imperfections or incomplete situations. It teaches us to cultivate a heart that prioritizes God's presence and His commands, even when our "temples"—our personal lives, our ministries, our families, or our communities—are still under construction, facing challenges, or seem far from perfect. Our faithfulness is demonstrated not by waiting for everything to be "laid out" perfectly, but by taking steps of obedience and worship right where we are, trusting that God honors such devotion and will bring His purposes to completion in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "foundations" or ideal circumstances am I currently waiting for before fully committing to an area of worship or service in my life?**
* **How can I practically prioritize heartfelt worship and obedience to God even when my personal circumstances feel incomplete, challenging, or uncertain?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge my understanding of what true faith and active devotion look like in the midst of real-world imperfections?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "seventh month" (Tishri) so significant for the exiles to begin their offerings?**

Answer: The "seventh month," Tishri, was profoundly significant because it marked the beginning of the civil new year in the Hebrew calendar, known as Rosh Hashanah or the Feast of Trumpets ([Leviticus 23:23-25](/leviticus/23-23-25 "Leviticus 23:23-25 - The Feast of Trumpets")). This day initiated a period of solemn introspection, leading up to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on Tishri 10 and the joyous Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) on Tishri 15 ([Leviticus 23:26-43](/leviticus/23-26-43 "Leviticus 23:26-43 - Day of Atonement and Feast of Tabernacles")). By choosing this specific date to resume burnt offerings, the exiles were not merely performing a ritual but were symbolically and literally resetting their national and spiritual calendar according to God's commands. It underscored their desire for a fresh start, a renewed covenant relationship, and a commitment to observe all of God's appointed times from the very beginning of their return to the land.

**What kind of "burnt offerings" were these, and what was their purpose?**

Answer: The "burnt offerings" (Hebrew: `ʿôlâ`) were a central feature of Israelite worship, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")). The unique characteristic of the `ʿôlâ` was that the entire animal (excluding the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. This complete consumption symbolized total dedication, consecration, and surrender to the Lord. The primary purpose of the burnt offering was to make atonement for sin and to express complete devotion and communion with God. For the returned exiles, reinstituting these offerings immediately signified their profound need for God's forgiveness and their renewed commitment to Him, acknowledging their dependence and seeking His favor as they embarked on the daunting task of rebuilding.

**Why did the exiles offer sacrifices *before* laying the temple foundation? Wasn't the temple essential for proper worship?**

Answer: While the temple was indeed the designated place for God's presence and the central hub of Israelite worship, the exiles' decision to offer sacrifices *before* laying its foundation highlights a crucial theological principle: the priority of the heart over physical structures. They understood that true worship was not dependent on a grand edifice but on a willing and obedient heart ([Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")). By rebuilding the altar first and resuming offerings, they demonstrated their immediate commitment to God's covenant and their desire for atonement and communion. This act of faith showed that their spiritual devotion was paramount, even in the face of incomplete physical circumstances. It underscored that God desires our worship and obedience regardless of external perfection, and that spiritual foundations must precede and enable all other endeavors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 3:6, with its profound emphasis on worship preceding a physical temple, powerfully foreshadows the New Covenant reality found in Christ. The temporary nature of the rebuilt altar and the animal sacrifices offered upon it pointed forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The "burnt offerings" of the Old Testament, though commanded by God, could never fully atone for sin or perfect the worshiper ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). They served as a shadow, anticipating the once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood truly cleanses, consecrates, and grants eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the idea of worship without a completed physical temple finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Jesus himself declared that true worship would no longer be confined to a specific geographical location like Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim, but would transcend physical boundaries, being offered "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He Himself is the true temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, the very embodiment of God's presence ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple")). Moreover, through Christ's redemptive work, believers are now incorporated into His body, becoming the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples")) and are built as "living stones" into a spiritual house, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Thus, the exiles' faith-filled worship in an incomplete setting prefigures the profound and liberating truth that our access to God and our ability to worship Him are now perfectly and eternally established through Christ, the ultimate sacrifice and the eternal temple, regardless of our earthly circumstances or material imperfections.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.