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
The name "Jeshua" is a variant of "Joshua," meaning "The LORD is salvation." Jeshua, the high priest, represents the spiritual leadership necessary for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. His lineage, being the son of Jozadak, ties him to the priestly line, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. This continuity is crucial as it underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and their leaders through the Babylonian exile.

and his fellow priests
The mention of "fellow priests" highlights the communal aspect of worship and leadership in Israel. The priests were responsible for maintaining the spiritual health of the nation, and their unity in this task is a testament to their dedication to God's commandments. This collective effort is a model for the Church today, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared purpose in spiritual endeavors.

along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel
Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, represents the political leadership necessary for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His name means "seed of Babylon," reflecting his birth during the exile. Zerubbabel's leadership is a fulfillment of prophetic promises regarding the restoration of the Davidic line, pointing to God's sovereignty in orchestrating history for His purposes.

and his associates
The inclusion of "associates" indicates the collaborative effort required for the monumental task of rebuilding. It suggests a broader community involvement, which is essential for the success of any God-ordained mission. This collaboration is a reminder of the body of Christ, where each member plays a vital role in the fulfillment of God's plans.

began to build the altar of the God of Israel
The altar is central to Israel's worship, symbolizing the nation's relationship with God through sacrifice. Building the altar first signifies the priority of worship and obedience to God. It is a declaration of faith and a return to the covenant relationship with Yahweh, setting the foundation for the spiritual renewal of the people.

to offer burnt offerings on it
Burnt offerings were a key aspect of Old Testament worship, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The act of offering these sacrifices demonstrates the people's repentance and desire to restore their covenant relationship with God. It is a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system once and for all.

as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God
This phrase underscores the importance of adhering to God's revealed Word. The Law of Moses provided the guidelines for worship and living, and the people's commitment to follow it reflects their reverence for God's authority. It serves as a reminder of the timeless relevance of Scripture and the necessity of grounding our lives in its truths.

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.