Question 1

What is happening in this passage about the altar and temple foundation?

Accepted Answer

This passage describes what the returned exiles did soon after coming back to the land. In the seventh month they gather in Jerusalem “as one man.” Jeshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the leader rebuild the altar on its old site so they can offer burnt offerings again, morning and evening, just as the law said. They keep the Feast of Tabernacles and other appointed sacrifices. Then they pay workers and bring wood to prepare for the temple. In the second year, they organize the Levites, lay the temple foundation, and hold a great worship celebration.

Question 2

Why did they rebuild the altar before the temple itself?

Accepted Answer

They rebuilt the altar first so that regular worship and sacrifices to God could begin again right away, even though the temple building was not yet standing. The people were surrounded by hostile neighbors and were afraid, so they wanted to seek God’s favor and help through offerings. Restoring the altar meant they could obey what was written in the law of Moses, keep the appointed feasts, and show that honoring God was more important than getting settled in their own homes or finishing the building project first.

Question 3

Why were the people afraid of the people of those countries in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The returned exiles were a small group surrounded by other peoples who now lived in the land. The text says “fear was upon them because of the people of those countries.” They likely felt weak, exposed, and unsure how the neighbors would react to their return and rebuilding. Instead of letting fear stop them, they set up the altar and offered burnt offerings. Their fear pushed them toward God, not away. They sought his protection and help by restoring the worship he had commanded, trusting him in a risky situation.

Question 4

Why did some people weep while others shouted for joy when the foundation was laid?

Accepted Answer

When the temple foundation was laid, younger people and those who had never seen the old temple shouted loudly for joy because God had brought them back and the work was starting again. But many older priests, Levites, and leaders who remembered Solomon’s temple wept loudly. They saw that this new beginning looked small compared to the former glory they had known. The sounds of weeping and joy mixed together so that no one could tell them apart. It shows how renewal with God can carry both deep sorrow over loss and real joy over his mercy.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about worship and obedience to God?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that worship is not something to delay until life feels safe or perfect. The people had just returned from exile, faced fear from surrounding nations, and had many needs, yet they gathered, rebuilt the altar, and followed what was written in the law. They kept the feasts in their proper time and brought offerings, including freewill gifts. Their actions say, in simple form, that God comes first. Obedience shows up in concrete steps: meeting together, giving, serving, and praising God even when circumstances are hard or the beginnings feel small.

Question 6

Who are Jeshua and Zerubbabel in this passage, and what do they do?

Accepted Answer

Jeshua son of Jozadak is the high priest, and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel is the civil leader of the returned exiles. Together they guide the people in restoring worship. They lead in rebuilding the altar so sacrifices can begin again. Later they take the lead, along with the priests, Levites, and the rest of the returned group, in starting the temple work. They appoint Levites to oversee the building and stand with them as the foundation is laid. Their teamwork shows how both spiritual and practical leadership are needed in God’s work.

Question 7

What is the meaning of the shout and the weeping being heard afar off?

Accepted Answer

The passage says the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, and at the same time many of the older men wept with a loud voice. The sound was so strong and mixed that those nearby could not tell the shouts of joy from the cries of sorrow, and the noise was heard far away. This picture shows how public and wholehearted their response to God was. Their emotions were not hidden. It also shows the depth of what was happening: a new start after judgment and exile, carrying both hope for the future and pain from the past.

Question 8

How can the mixed emotions in this passage help believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage reminds readers that it is normal for renewal with God to stir different emotions at once. Some may feel excited and hopeful about fresh beginnings, while others grieve losses, past sins, or what used to be. God does not silence either group in this story; both the shouts and the tears rise together during worship. Today this can help believers accept that rebuilding in their own lives or churches may look smaller than before, yet still be real work of God. It invites people to thank God for his mercy while honestly bringing him their sadness.

Ezra 3:1

And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.

Sacrifices Restored

Temple Restoration Begins

Sacrifices Restored

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Ezra 3:1

And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.

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Sacrifices Restored

Temple Restoration Begins

Sacrifices Restored

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