Ezra - Chapter 3

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS

Chapter 3, verses 1-7, begins the story of laying a solid foundation needed for a restoration of faith and worship inside the promised land after the 70 years of captivity, caused by the chosen people becoming idol worshipers exactly like their pagan neighbors. Ezra 3 illustrates that a solid foundation is needed for the faith of each of us so that the other areas of life might follow as solid. Here in these few verses the spiritual foundation begins.

Seven months had seen some serious efforts to recreate a necessary basis for a renewal. The names mentioned, Jeshua (high priest) and Zerubbabel (civic leader), clearly indicate both portions of life in Judea were joining as one to bring proper strength to this important part of the life of the people who returned. The altar of sacrifice was rebuilt and we are told it was positioned “on its bases” meaning it was rebuilt upon the original position used prior in Temple worship. Now the important Feast of Tabernacles could be held which required much sacrifice to God. Verse 6 allows us to know that this work had been completed even before the foundation of the rebuilding of the Temple began. After the altar was redone, other factors could be considered. Masons and carpenters were hired to take the next step needed for restoration.

Now in verses 8-13, after the spiritual foundation had been laid, the material foundation could move forward. Now Zerubbabel led all other sections of those who had returned into the work necessary to arrange a new Temple. Levite leaders were appointed to oversee the work. Verse 9 allows the actual name of those families appointed.

Verse 10 brings a surprise as just as soon as a foundation had been completed, work stopped for celebration. Musical worship was begun just as King David had long ago commanded and the priests and Levites sang responsively and included all the people in the singing. In joyous song, the people gave credit to God for the progress in the restoration and we are told that they “worshiped with a great shout”. Happiness had returned.

In verses 12-13 we view another surprise as many of the elder priests and family leaders wept with loud voices as they saw the Temple foundation completed before their eyes. These were elderly men who had seen the original Temple.

Ezra three tells a story about foundations, both literal and figurative. On one hand  the people laid Temple foundations which brought much joy, but not before spiritual foundations had been completed. Here a fundamental teaching is given which is that they put first things first, establishing priorities for the lives of those returned.

Jesus Himself later gave this same message by saying we are to seek first the Kingdom of God, and then all other things will be added to our lives.

We should also not overlook a needed bit of wisdom in this chapter which is that we are not to let buildings distract us from what truly matters. After only completing the foundation of the new Temple, praise and joyful celebration was given by the people. The spirit of worship and thanks here are demonstrated before a wall was done.

Our lesson is that we must always remember to put first things first and that our priority is mindfulness of who it is that is truly in charge and how every step we take to build a faith journey should be coupled with joyful thanks.