Ezra 3 The altar set up, Ezra 3:1–3. The feast of the tabernacles kept, Ezra 3:4. Their continual offerings, Ezra 3:5–6. Workmen hired, Ezra 3:7. Priests and Levites are appointed to set forward the work, Ezra 3:8–9. The foundation of the temple is laid with great joy and mourning, Ezra 3:10–13.

When the seventh month was come , or rather, was coming, or drew near; for the altar was set up after this time, Ezra 3:3, which yet was employed the first day of this month, Ezra 3:6. This was a sacred kind of month, wherein there were divers festivals, as appears from Lev.

Jeshua the son of Jozadak, the high priest. The son of Shealtiel, i.e. the grandson; for he was the son of Pedaiah, 1 Chron. 3:17–19. Built the altar; which was of more present and urgent necessity than the temple, both to make atonement to God for all their sins, and to obtain God’s assistance for…

The feast of tabernacles seems to be mentioned synecdochically for all the solemnities of this month, whereof this was the most eminent and most lasting. Otherwise it is not probable that they would neglect the day of atonement, which was so severely enjoined, Lev.

The continual burnt offering; thee morning and evening sacrifice; of which see on Num. 28:6. Consecrated, i.e. set apart for the solemn and holy service of God.

To offer burnt-offerings, and the other sacrifices which were to be offered with them upon that day, being the feast of trumpets, Num. 29:1;c. Burnt-offerings are oft put for all sacrifices, as hath been observed once and again.

Jeshua; not the high priest so called, but a Levite, of whom see Ezra 2:40. To set forward the workmen; by their presence and favour to encourage them to a cheerful and vigorous prosecution of the work.

After the ordinance of David, Heb. by or according to the hands of David, i.e. in such manner and with such psalms, or songs, and instruments as God hath appointed by the hands or ministry of David.

Had seen the first house; which divers of them might very well do, because it was destroyed not quite sixty years ago, as is manifest from 2 Kings 25:0; 2 Chron. 36:0; Ezek. 40:1.