What is the meaning of Ezra 3:6? On the first day of the seventh month • God singles out the calendar date (Tishri 1) on purpose. It is the Feast of Trumpets—an appointed time of spiritual awakening (Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 29:1). • In Scripture, a “first day” often signals a fresh start (Genesis 8:13; Ezra 10:17). After decades in exile, Israel is literally beginning again. • By taking action on the exact day God prescribed, the returned exiles show that obedience to the Word guides their schedule, not convenience (cf. Nehemiah 8:2–3). the Israelites began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD • Before a single stone is set for the new temple, an altar goes up (Ezra 3:2–3). Worship is the first priority. • A burnt offering is wholly consumed on the altar, picturing total consecration (Leviticus 1:9). – Daily offerings (Exodus 29:38–42) – Special new-moon offerings (1 Chronicles 23:31) – Voluntary, grateful sacrifices (Genesis 8:20) • They “began” and kept going (Ezra 3:5). Persistence in worship keeps momentum alive while long projects unfold (Romans 12:1). although the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not been laid • God’s presence is not limited to a structure; an obedient heart and a simple altar invite Him just as surely (1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 51:17). • This clause underscores faith. They sacrifice amid rubble, trusting God will supply everything else (Haggai 1:8; Matthew 6:33). • It also rebukes procrastination. Sacred duty is never postponed until “ideal” conditions arrive (Luke 16:10). • In time, the physical foundation will be laid (Ezra 3:10), but the spiritual foundation—worship—came first (1 Peter 2:5). summary Ezra 3:6 shows a nation that refuses to wait for perfect circumstances before honoring the LORD. On the very day God appointed, they rebuild the altar and present burnt offerings, demonstrating that wholehearted worship precedes—and empowers—all other work. The verse calls believers to the same pattern: put first things first, obey God promptly, and trust Him to establish everything else. |
    |