What is the meaning of Ezra 3:4? They also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles The remnant who returned from exile wasted no time restoring the rhythms God had set for His people. The Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths) was commanded in Leviticus 23:33-43; it reminded Israel that God sheltered them in the wilderness. Re-establishing it showed they trusted the same God to shelter them now. Nehemiah 8:14-17 later records another joyful observance, proving how central this feast was to post-exilic faith. By celebrating, they publicly declared, “We are still God’s covenant people.” John 7:2, 37-39 shows Jesus standing in the temple during this feast, pointing to its ultimate fulfillment in Him. in accordance with what is written Obedience was measured by Scripture, not by convenience or innovation. The returned community aligned every detail with the written law (Deuteronomy 12:32). Doing “what is written” echoes Ezra’s own heart in Ezra 7:10: “Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, to practice it, and to teach.” This phrase highlights that revival is inseparable from unwavering submission to God’s Word (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 19:7-11). and they offered burnt offerings daily The burnt offering (Leviticus 1) symbolized total dedication—everything on the altar, consumed for God alone. Offering them “daily” (Numbers 28:3) kept worship from being a one-time event. It signaled ongoing surrender and gratitude. In the exile they had lived without a temple or altar; now continual sacrifice restored the heartbeat of national worship (Psalm 51:19). Hebrews 10:1-14 later explains that these offerings pointed ahead to Christ, who offered Himself once for all. based on the number prescribed for each day God had even numbered the sacrifices for each day of this feast—see Numbers 29:12-38. By following that pattern exactly, the people affirmed that every detail of God’s instruction mattered. Their precise obedience mirrored the care shown when Moses built the tabernacle “just as the Lord commanded” (Exodus 40:16). First Corinthians 14:40 reminds believers today that orderly worship still pleases God. summary Ezra 3:4 reveals a community restored to covenant life: they gather for the Feast of Tabernacles, obey Scripture down to the letter, maintain daily whole-hearted worship through burnt offerings, and honor God’s exact prescriptions. Their faithfulness after exile models how God’s people today can rebuild—by returning to His Word, offering continual devotion, and trusting His faithful shelter. |
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