Ezra 3:3
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
They set up the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD—both the morning and evening burnt offerings—even though they feared the people of the land.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
So they set up the altar on its foundation, because they were terrified of the peoples of the lands; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening.

NASB 1995
So they set up the altar on its foundation, for they were terrified because of the peoples of the lands; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening.

NASB 1977
So they set up the altar on its foundation, for they were terrified because of the peoples of the lands; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening.

Legacy Standard Bible
So they set up the altar on its foundation, for they were terrified because of the peoples of the lands; and they offered burnt offerings on it to Yahweh, burnt offerings morning and evening.

Amplified Bible
So they set up the altar on its [old] foundation, for they were terrified because of the peoples of the lands; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, morning and evening.

Christian Standard Bible
They set up the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings for the morning and evening on it to the LORD even though they feared the surrounding peoples.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They set up the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings for the morning and evening on it to the LORD even though they feared the surrounding peoples.

American Standard Version
And they set the altar upon its base; for fear was upon them because of the peoples of the countries: and they offered burnt-offerings thereon unto Jehovah, even burnt-offerings morning and evening.

Contemporary English Version
And they built the altar where it had stood before, even though they were afraid of the people who were already living around there. Then every morning and evening they burned sacrifices and offerings to the LORD.

English Revised Version
And they set the altar upon its base; for fear was upon them because of the people of the countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So they rebuilt the altar on its original site, though they were afraid of the people in the neighboring regions. They sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD every morning and evening.

Good News Translation
Even though the returning exiles were afraid of the people who were living in the land, they rebuilt the altar where it had stood before. Then they began once again to burn on it the regular morning and evening sacrifices.

International Standard Version
Even though they feared the people in neighboring regions, they rebuilt the altar where it had stood before. They offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD—burnt offerings both in the morning and in the evening.

Majority Standard Bible
They set up the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD—both the morning and evening burnt offerings—even though they feared the people of the land.

NET Bible
They established the altar on its foundations, even though they were in terror of the local peoples, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and the evening offerings.

New Heart English Bible
In spite of their fear because of the peoples of the surrounding lands, they set the altar on its base; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they set the altar upon its bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt-offerings on it to the LORD, even burnt-offerings morning and evening.

World English Bible
In spite of their fear because of the peoples of the surrounding lands, they set the altar on its base; and they offered burnt offerings on it to Yahweh, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they establish the altar on its bases, because of the fear on them of the peoples of the lands, and he causes burnt-offerings to ascend on it to YHWH, burnt-offerings for the morning and for the evening.

Young's Literal Translation
And they establish the altar on its bases, because of the fear upon them of the peoples of the lands, and he causeth burnt-offerings to ascend upon it to Jehovah, burnt-offerings for the morning and for the evening.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will prepare the altar upon its foundations; for in the terror upon them from the people of the lands: and they will bring up burnt-offerings upon it to Jehovah, burnt-offerings for morning and for evening.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they set the altar of God upon its bases, while the people of the lands round about put them in fear, and they offered upon it a holocaust to the Lord morning and evening.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now they set the altar of God upon its bases, while keeping the people of all the surrounding lands away from it. And they offered upon it a holocaust to the Lord, morning and evening.

New American Bible
They set the altar on its foundations, for they lived in fear of the peoples of the lands, and offered burnt offerings to the LORD on it, both morning and evening.

New Revised Standard Version
They set up the altar on its foundation, because they were in dread of the neighboring peoples, and they offered burnt offerings upon it to the LORD, morning and evening.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they set the altar upon its bases; for fear was upon them because of the peoples who dwelt in the cities, and they offered burnt offerings upon it to the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the altar was fitted on its position, because great fear was upon them from the Gentiles who dwelt in the cities, and they offered up burnt offerings upon it to LORD JEHOVAH, a burnt offering at dawn and at sunset.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they set the altar upon its bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of the countries, and they offered burnt-offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt-offerings morning and evening.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they set up the altar on its place, for there was a terror upon them because of the people of the lands: and the whole-burnt-offerings was offered up upon it to the Lord morning and evening.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sacrifices Restored
2Then 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. 3They set up the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD— both the morning and evening burnt offerings— even though they feared the people of the land. 4They also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in accordance with what is written, and they offered burnt offerings daily based on the number prescribed for each day.…

Cross References
Exodus 29:38-42
This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. / Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight. / With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour, mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives, and a drink offering of a quarter hin of wine. ...

Numbers 28:3-4
And tell them that this is the food offering you are to present to the LORD as a regular burnt offering each day: two unblemished year-old male lambs. / Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight,

Deuteronomy 12:5-7
Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. / To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. / There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.

1 Kings 9:25
Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple.

2 Chronicles 2:4
Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever.

2 Chronicles 8:12-13
At that time Solomon offered burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of the LORD he had built in front of the portico. / He observed the daily requirement for offerings according to the commandment of Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons, and the three annual appointed feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Psalm 27:1-3
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

Isaiah 56:7
I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Jeremiah 33:18
nor will the priests who are Levites ever fail to have a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to present sacrifices.”

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 24:15-16
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), / then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Mark 12:33
and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Luke 1:74-75
deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear, / in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.


Treasury of Scripture

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

the altar

2 Chronicles 4:1
Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.

for fear

Ezra 4:11-16
This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time…

Ezra 8:21,22
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance…

Psalm 27:1,2
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? …

even burnt

Exodus 29:38-42
Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually…

Numbers 28:2-8
Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season…

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Altar Base Bases Built Burnt Countries Despite Establish Evening Fear Foundation Lands Morning Offered Offerings Peoples Sacrificed Terrified Thereon
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Altar Base Bases Built Burnt Countries Despite Establish Evening Fear Foundation Lands Morning Offered Offerings Peoples Sacrificed Terrified Thereon
Ezra 3
1. The altar is set up
4. Offerings renewed
7. Workmen employed in preparing materials
8. The foundations of the temple are laid in great joy and mourning














They set up the altar on its foundation
The phrase "They set up the altar on its foundation" signifies a return to the worship practices ordained by God. The Hebrew root for "altar" is "mizbeach," which is derived from "zabach," meaning "to sacrifice." This indicates the centrality of sacrifice in the Israelites' relationship with God. The "foundation" refers to the original location of the altar, emphasizing continuity with the past and a restoration of proper worship. Historically, this act symbolizes the re-establishment of religious order and identity after the Babylonian exile, highlighting the importance of worship in the community's life.

because they were terrified of the peoples of the land
The phrase "because they were terrified of the peoples of the land" reflects the Israelites' vulnerability and fear of surrounding hostile groups. The Hebrew word for "terrified" is "pachad," which conveys a deep sense of dread or fear. This fear drove them to seek divine protection through worship. The "peoples of the land" refers to the non-Israelite inhabitants who might have opposed the rebuilding efforts. This context underscores the Israelites' reliance on God for security and the role of worship as a source of courage and divine favor.

and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD
The phrase "and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD" highlights the act of worship and devotion. The Hebrew term for "burnt offerings" is "olah," meaning "that which goes up," signifying the smoke rising to God as a pleasing aroma. Offering sacrifices was a way to atone for sins and express dedication to God. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This act of offering sacrifices demonstrates obedience and reverence, reinforcing the community's commitment to God amidst external threats.

both the morning and evening burnt offerings
The phrase "both the morning and evening burnt offerings" indicates the regularity and consistency of worship. The practice of offering sacrifices twice daily is rooted in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 29:38-42), symbolizing continual devotion and the need for constant atonement. This routine reflects the Israelites' desire to maintain a perpetual connection with God, seeking His presence and favor throughout the day. It serves as a reminder of the importance of regular spiritual discipline and the sustaining power of worship in the life of believers.

(3) Upon his bases.--Upon its old site, or its place, discovered among the ruins. Thus was it signified that all the new was to be only a restoration of the old.

For fear was upon them.--Until their offerings went up they did not feel sure of the Divine protection. This was their first act of defiance in the presence of the nations around: near the altar they were strong.

Verse 3. - They set the altar upon his bases. They built the new altar upon the foundations of the old one, making it exactly conform to them. This was done, no doubt, to indicate that the religion which the exiles brought back from Babylon was in every respect identical with that which they had possessed before they were carried thither. Many moderns hold the contrary; but it has not yet been proved that the sojourn at Babylon modified the religious ideas of the Jews in any important particular. For fear was upon them. Or, "though fear was upon them." Notwithstanding their fear of the surrounding nations, they set up the altar. We must remember that their neighbours were not Persians, but descendants of various idolatrous nations - Hamathites, Babylonians, Susianians, Elamites, Cuthaeans, etc. - bitterly opposed to anything like a pure spiritual religion (see 2 Kings 17:24; Ezra 4:9, 10). Though the exiles had permission from Cyrus to raise up not only their altar, but their temple, it was not at all certain that his nominal subjects would passively submit. It was as if a modern Turkish Sultan should decree the erection of a Christian altar and a grand Christian cathedral at Kerbela or Bussorah, towards the verge of his empire. There would be great danger in acting on such a decree. Burnt offerings morning and evening. So the law required (see Exodus 29:38, 39; Numbers 28:3, 4). CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES (ver. 4). Emboldened by their successful restoration of the altar of burnt sacrifice, Zerubbabel and Jeshua allowed the people to gather themselves together and celebrate the autumnal festival, though they can scarcely have made it on this occasion a "feast of ingathering."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They set up
וַיָּכִ֤ינוּ (way·yā·ḵî·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3559: To be erect

the altar
הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

its foundation
מְכ֣וֹנֹתָ֔יו (mə·ḵō·w·nō·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4350: A fixed resting place, base

and sacrificed
וַיַּעֲל֨וּ‪‬ (way·ya·‘ă·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

burnt offerings
עֹלוֹת֙ (‘ō·lō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering

upon it
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

to the LORD—
לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

[both] the morning
לַבֹּ֥קֶר (lab·bō·qer)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

and evening
וְלָעָֽרֶב׃ (wə·lā·‘ā·reḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

burnt offerings—
עֹל֖וֹת (‘ō·lō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering

even though
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they feared
בְּאֵימָ֣ה (bə·’ê·māh)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 367: Fright, an idol

the people
מֵעַמֵּ֖י (mê·‘am·mê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of the land.
הָאֲרָצ֑וֹת (hā·’ă·rā·ṣō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT History: Ezra 3:3 They set the altar on its base (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 3:2
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