Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.

EZRA 3:2KJV
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Ezra 3:2 (KJV)

What does Ezra 3:2 mean?

Ezra 3:2 describes how Jeshua (a priest) and Zerubbabel (a leader) led the returned exiles in rebuilding the altar of God in Jerusalem so they could offer burnt offerings, following what was written in the law of Moses. This act marked the community’s effort to restore worship according to their ancient traditions after returning from exile.

The verse takes place just after some Israelites have come back from Babylonian exile. Jeshua, son of Jozadak, and Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, along with other priests and leaders, take the initiative to rebuild the altar before anything else. Their first priority is to reestablish the proper worship of God as described in the Torah, showing their commitment to their faith and heritage.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 3:2

  • מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach, “altar”): This word refers to the structure used for sacrifices. The rebuilding of the altar, before even the temple itself, highlights the importance of restoring sacrificial worship immediately.
  • עֹלוֹת (olot, “burnt offerings”): This term means offerings that are completely burned on the altar. These offerings were a central part of Israelite worship and symbolized dedication to God.
  • תּוֹרַת (torat, “law”): The word for “law” here refers specifically to the instructions given through Moses. The people are careful to follow the ancient commands, showing respect for their traditions and the authority of Moses as “the man of God.”

Why Ezra 3:2 matters

  • Ezra 3:2 makes clear that the leaders prioritized worship and obedience to God’s law above rebuilding their own homes or even the temple itself.
  • The verse connects the returning exiles to their ancestors by emphasizing that they followed “the law of Moses,” grounding their actions in a shared history and faith.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of Ezra, showing that the restoration of proper worship was at the heart of the community’s renewal after exile.

Where else these words appear

“Jozadak” Hebrew H3136 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 3:8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
  • Ezra 5:2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.
  • Ezra 10:18 And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.

“Shealtiel” Hebrew H7597 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:17 And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,
  • Nehemiah 12:1 Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
  • Haggai 1:14 And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

“Zerubbabel” Hebrew H2216 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:19 And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:
  • Nehemiah 12:1 Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
  • Haggai 2:4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

“Jeshua” Hebrew H3442 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 24:11 The ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,
  • Ezra 8:33 Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;
  • Nehemiah 9:4 Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.