Ezra 3:5

After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings and those for New Moons and for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD, as well as all the freewill offerings brought to the LORD.

Study Bible

After that
This phrase indicates a sequence of events, suggesting that the actions described follow a previously established order. In the context of Ezra, this refers to the rebuilding of the altar and the reestablishment of worship practices. Historically, this was a time of restoration for the Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile. The phrase underscores the importance of order and obedience in worship, reflecting a return to God's prescribed ways.

they presented
The act of presenting offerings is a significant ritual in the Jewish faith, symbolizing dedication and submission to God. The Hebrew root for "presented" is often associated with bringing forth or offering something of value. This act of presentation is a physical manifestation of the Israelites' renewed commitment to God, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the Lord as an act of worship and gratitude.

the regular burnt offerings
Burnt offerings were a central aspect of Old Testament worship, symbolizing atonement and complete surrender to God. The Hebrew term for "burnt offering" is "olah," which means "that which goes up," referring to the smoke rising to heaven. These offerings were made daily, signifying a continual dedication to God and a reminder of His holiness and the need for purification from sin.

and the offerings for the New Moons
The New Moon offerings were part of the monthly cycle of worship, marking the beginning of each month in the Hebrew calendar. These offerings are rooted in Numbers 28:11-15, where God commands the Israelites to present specific sacrifices at the start of each month. This practice highlights the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over time and the rhythm of life, encouraging believers to regularly renew their commitment to Him.

and for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD
The appointed feasts, such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, were times of communal worship and remembrance of God's mighty acts in Israel's history. The Hebrew word for "appointed" is "moed," meaning a set time or season. These feasts served as reminders of God's faithfulness and provision, fostering a sense of identity and continuity among the Israelites.

as well as the freewill offerings
Freewill offerings were voluntary gifts given out of gratitude and devotion, not mandated by law. The Hebrew term "nedabah" reflects a spirit of generosity and willingness. These offerings demonstrate the heart of worship, where giving is not just an obligation but a joyful expression of love and thankfulness to God.

brought to the LORD
The act of bringing offerings to the Lord signifies an intentional approach to worship, where the focus is on God as the recipient of honor and praise. This phrase emphasizes the personal and communal relationship between the Israelites and their God, reminding believers today of the importance of approaching God with reverence and intentionality in worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The returning exiles who are rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem and re-establishing worship practices.

2. Jerusalem
The city where the temple is being rebuilt, central to Jewish worship and identity.

3. The Altar
The place where sacrifices and offerings are made, symbolizing the restoration of worship.

4. Sacrifices and Offerings
Various types of offerings mentioned, including burnt offerings, New Moon offerings, and freewill offerings, each with specific significance in Jewish worship.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, to whom the offerings and sacrifices are made.

Teaching Points

Restoration of Worship
The rebuilding of the altar and the resumption of sacrifices signify a return to proper worship and obedience to God's commands. This teaches us the importance of prioritizing worship in our lives.

Community and Commitment
The collective effort of the Israelites to restore worship practices highlights the power of community in pursuing spiritual goals. We are reminded to engage with our faith communities in shared worship and service.

Diversity of Offerings
The variety of offerings (burnt, New Moon, freewill) reflects the multifaceted nature of worship, involving regular, special, and voluntary acts of devotion. This encourages us to consider how we can offer diverse forms of worship in our own lives.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
The Israelites' adherence to the appointed feasts and offerings demonstrates their commitment to God's law. We are called to be faithful in our obedience to God's Word.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The physical sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. As Christians, we are reminded of the significance of Christ's sacrifice and our response to it through living a life of worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the restoration of the altar and sacrifices in Ezra 3:5 reflect the priorities of the returning exiles, and what can we learn from their example about prioritizing worship in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we, as a faith community, work together to restore or enhance our worship practices, similar to the collective efforts of the Israelites?

3. How do the different types of offerings mentioned in Ezra 3:5 (burnt, New Moon, freewill) inspire us to offer diverse forms of worship and service to God today?

4. What are some specific ways we can demonstrate faithfulness to God's commands in our daily lives, as the Israelites did by observing the appointed feasts and offerings?

5. How does the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament offerings connect to the New Testament understanding of Christ's sacrifice, and how should this influence our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 23
Details the appointed feasts of the LORD, providing context for the sacred feasts mentioned in Ezra 3:5.

Numbers 28-29
Outlines the regular burnt offerings and New Moon offerings, giving background to the practices being reinstated.

Nehemiah 8
Describes the reading of the Law and the celebration of the Feast of Booths, showing the community's commitment to following God's commands.

Psalm 81:3
References the New Moon as a time of celebration, connecting to the offerings mentioned in Ezra 3:5.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the physical offerings in Ezra.