Ezra 3:2 – “Then Joshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 3:2 captures a critical moment in the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. Led by Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel, a leader from the line of David, the Israelites begin rebuilding the altar of God, a significant act of worship. The altar was the center of their relationship with God, as it was the place where sacrifices were made. This verse emphasizes the importance of returning to the foundations of faith and worship by following the instructions given in the Law of Moses. The Israelites were not only rebuilding their physical home but also restoring their spiritual practices.
Historical Context
The historical context of Ezra 3:2 is the Israelites’ return from captivity in Babylon, an event allowed by the Persian King Cyrus. After years of exile, the people were granted permission to return and rebuild the temple. Before the full temple could be reconstructed, the first priority was re-establishing the altar to resume the sacrificial system that had been interrupted. This was crucial for the Israelites, as sacrifices were the means through which they expressed repentance, devotion, and thanksgiving to God. The leadership of Joshua the priest and Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, reflects the restoration of both religious and royal lines of authority in Israel.
Theological Implications
Ezra 3:2 highlights several theological themes. First, it underscores the importance of obedience to God’s Word. The verse points out that the Israelites built the altar “in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses.” This shows that true worship requires adherence to God’s commands, not just human ideas of spirituality. Secondly, the act of sacrifice is central to restoring the relationship between God and His people. The altar represents the place where sins are dealt with and where people can approach God. This focus on sacrifice foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ would make on behalf of all humanity.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, this verse begins the narrative of spiritual restoration in the book of Ezra. It introduces key figures—Joshua and Zerubbabel—who play critical roles in the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of Israel’s worship. The mention of the Law of Moses roots the actions of the Israelites in a long-standing tradition and covenant relationship with God. The verse also contrasts the beginning of this humble altar reconstruction with the grandeur of Solomon’s temple, showing that what truly matters is not the physical structure but the heart of worship behind it.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 20:24: God commands the Israelites to build an altar of earth to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. This shows the ancient practice the Israelites are continuing.
- Leviticus 6:8-13: Instructions about the burnt offering, which is one of the key sacrifices performed on the altar.
- Haggai 1:12-14: A passage from the same period where God stirs up the hearts of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people to rebuild the temple.
- Isaiah 56:7: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” This shows the broader significance of the temple as a place of worship for all.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern-day Christians, Ezra 3:2 serves as a reminder of the importance of placing worship and devotion to God at the center of our lives. Just as the Israelites built the altar before anything else, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God above all other activities and concerns. The Israelites’ obedience to the Law of Moses highlights the importance of basing our lives on God’s Word, and their focus on sacrifice points us to Jesus, whose death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Today, we no longer offer animal sacrifices, but we are called to offer our lives as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1) in worship to God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 3:2 reveals God’s love through His desire for a restored relationship with His people. Even after the Israelites had faced judgment for their disobedience, God’s love prompted Him to make a way for their return. The rebuilding of the altar signifies that God welcomes His people back into fellowship with Him. God’s instructions in the Law of Moses were not burdensome rules but expressions of His care for how His people could maintain their relationship with Him. His provision of a sacrificial system foreshadows the greatest act of love in history: the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the cross for the sins of the world (John 3:16).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Ezra 3:2 points directly to the work of Jesus Christ. The altar was the place where sacrifices were made to atone for sin. In the New Testament, Jesus is called the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). His death on the cross was the final and perfect sacrifice, making the old system of animal sacrifices obsolete. Just as the Israelites needed the altar to restore their relationship with God, we need Jesus to restore our broken relationship with God due to sin. Jesus also fulfills the roles of both priest and king, much like Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel, the royal leader. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of love that reunites us with God forever.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it look like for us to “build an altar” in our lives today—how can we prioritize worship and obedience to God?
- How does the concept of sacrifice in this verse point us to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
- In what ways do you see God’s love and mercy in allowing the Israelites to rebuild the altar, and how has He shown that same love to you?
- How does this verse challenge us to return to the foundations of our faith in times of difficulty or spiritual exile?
- How does this passage help us understand the importance of following God’s Word in our everyday lives?
This verse is rich with meaning and serves as a timeless reminder of God’s faithfulness, His call to worship, and the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus to bring us back into fellowship with Him.