Ezra 3:2

Then 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.

Study Bible

Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests
Jeshua, also known as Joshua, was the high priest during the time of the return from Babylonian exile. His lineage as the son of Jozadak places him in the priestly line of Aaron, emphasizing the continuity of the priesthood despite the exile. The mention of "his fellow priests" indicates a collective effort in re-establishing worship practices, highlighting the importance of community and shared responsibility in spiritual leadership.

along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates
Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, played a crucial role in the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple. His leadership, alongside Jeshua, symbolizes the collaboration between the priestly and royal lines, foreshadowing the ultimate union of these roles in Jesus Christ, who is both King and High Priest. Zerubbabel's associates likely included other leaders and elders who supported the rebuilding efforts, reflecting the communal nature of the restoration work.

began to build the altar of the God of Israel
The altar was central to Israelite worship, serving as the place for sacrifices and offerings to God. Its construction marked the re-establishment of the sacrificial system, which was essential for atonement and maintaining the covenant relationship with God. The focus on the "God of Israel" underscores the returnees' commitment to their ancestral faith and identity, despite the influence of surrounding nations.

to sacrifice burnt offerings on it
Burnt offerings were a key component of Old Testament worship, symbolizing complete devotion and atonement for sin. The act of offering sacrifices upon the altar demonstrated obedience to God's commands and a desire to restore proper worship. This practice pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect atonement for sin.

as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God
The reference to the Law of Moses highlights the returnees' adherence to the Torah, which provided the guidelines for worship and sacrifices. Moses, as the mediator of the covenant, is acknowledged as "the man of God," emphasizing his role in delivering God's commandments to Israel. This phrase underscores the importance of Scripture as the foundation for worship and religious practice, pointing to the continuity of God's revelation from Moses to the time of the restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeshua son of Jozadak
A high priest who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the altar and the temple. His leadership was instrumental in restoring worship in Jerusalem.

2. Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel
A governor of Judah and a descendant of King David. He led the first group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem and was pivotal in the reconstruction efforts.

3. The Altar of the God of Israel
The central place of worship where burnt offerings were made. Rebuilding the altar was a significant step in re-establishing the covenant relationship with God.

4. The Law of Moses
Refers to the commandments and instructions given by God to Moses, which include the guidelines for worship and sacrifices.

5. Burnt Offerings
Sacrifices made to God as an act of worship and atonement, symbolizing dedication and repentance.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Leadership in Worship
Jeshua and Zerubbabel exemplify godly leadership. Their commitment to rebuilding the altar demonstrates the importance of leaders who prioritize worship and obedience to God's commands.

Restoration of Worship as a Priority
The first act upon returning to Jerusalem was to rebuild the altar, signifying that worship and relationship with God should be our foremost priority in any restoration process.

Obedience to God's Word
The rebuilding was done "as it is written in the Law of Moses," highlighting the necessity of aligning our actions with Scripture. Obedience to God's Word is foundational to true worship.

Community Involvement in God's Work
The involvement of "fellow priests" and "associates" underscores the collective effort required in God's work. It is a reminder that the community of believers must work together in unity.

Symbolism of the Altar and Sacrifice
The altar represents a place of meeting with God, and the sacrifices symbolize dedication and repentance. In our lives, we must continually offer ourselves as living sacrifices, wholly dedicated to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the roles of Jeshua and Zerubbabel in rebuilding the altar inspire us to take leadership in our own communities of faith?

2. In what ways can we prioritize worship in our daily lives, similar to how the Israelites prioritized rebuilding the altar?

3. How does the obedience to the Law of Moses in this passage challenge us to align our lives with Scripture today?

4. What are some practical ways we can foster community involvement in our church's mission and activities?

5. How can the symbolism of the altar and burnt offerings deepen our understanding of personal sacrifice and dedication to God in the New Testament context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 27:1-8
Provides the original instructions for building the altar, emphasizing the continuity of worship practices from the time of Moses to the post-exilic period.

Leviticus 1:1-17
Details the procedures for burnt offerings, highlighting the importance of sacrifice in maintaining a relationship with God.

Haggai 1:1-15
Encourages the rebuilding of the temple, showing the prophetic support for the efforts of Jeshua and Zerubbabel.

Zechariah 4:6-10
Offers divine encouragement to Zerubbabel, emphasizing that the rebuilding efforts are empowered by God's Spirit.