Ezra 3 — Altar Before Foundation
They return, counted and cautious (remember yesterday’s census), and do first things first: they rebuild the altar “on its place” (Hebrew: mekomo), even though “dread” (emah) of the surrounding peoples presses on them. Western readers often miss how bold this is: worship resumes before there are walls, locks, or a roof. The altar is set where it had stood before—continuity over novelty; obedience over innovation.
The month is the seventh (Tishri), loaded with feasts—Trumpets, Atonement, Booths (Leviticus 23). They keep morning and evening offerings “as it is written,” then celebrate Sukkot with its daily sacrifices. Archaeologically and historically, the logistics feel authentic: cedar from Lebanon via Joppa, just as in Solomon’s day (2 Chronicles 2). Priests and Levites are vested according to David’s arrangements; the old liturgy returns with the old refrain: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever” (New International Version, Ezra 3:11). The Hebrew hesed—steadfast covenant love—anchors their song.
When the foundation (yesod) is laid, the soundscape becomes a theology lesson: young voices shout for joy; elders who remember the first temple weep. Memory and hope mingle; the narrator lets the ambiguity stand. Reformers and many after them have seen here a warning and a comfort: do not despise the day of small things (Zechariah 4:10), and yet do not romanticize former glory. God’s fidelity—not our feelings—carries the work.
For us: build the “altar” first—daily worship, repentance, and thanksgiving—before programs and projects. Christ is the true temple, and we, in him, are living stones (John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:19–22).
Suggested cross-references - Leviticus 23; 1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 136 - Haggai 2:3–9; Zechariah 4:10 - Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:10–15
Hymn to sing: How Firm a Foundation.
Prayer Lord, set our altar before our architecture. Teach us to trust your hesed in days of small beginnings and in seasons of remembered loss. Make us living stones in the house your Son is building. Amen.