They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;

EZRA 3:4KJV
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Ezra 3:4 (KJV)

What does Ezra 3:4 mean?

Ezra 3:4 describes how the returned exiles in Jerusalem observed the Feast of Tabernacles exactly as it was written in the law, offering the required daily burnt offerings in the proper number and order for each day. The people were careful to follow the established customs and duties for this festival, as prescribed in their scriptures.

This verse takes place after the Israelites have returned from exile in Babylon and are beginning to restore worship in Jerusalem. The leaders and people are making a point to reestablish their religious practices according to the ancient instructions, showing their commitment to their faith and heritage. The verse highlights their attention to detail and respect for tradition as they rebuild their community.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 3:4

  • The word "feast" (חַג, ḥag) means a festival or pilgrimage celebration, and here it refers specifically to the Feast of Tabernacles, a major event in the Jewish calendar that commemorates the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.
  • "Tabernacles" (סֻכָּה, sukkah) means temporary shelters or booths, which the people would build and live in during the festival to remember their ancestors' time in the desert.
  • "Custom" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) means an established rule or ordinance, emphasizing that the people were not improvising but following a set pattern handed down to them.
  • "Duty" (דָּבָר, davar) literally means "word" or "matter," but here it refers to the specific requirement or obligation for each day, showing that each day's offering had its own instructions.

Why Ezra 3:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the returned exiles were not inventing new religious practices but were intentionally restoring what had been written and commanded long before, anchoring their identity in tradition.
  • The emphasis on following the "custom" and "duty of every day" shows a deep respect for the details of their faith, not just the big events, but the daily rhythms and requirements.
  • In the wider context of Ezra, this verse marks a turning point where the community is reestablishing itself around worship and obedience, setting the stage for the rebuilding of the temple and the renewal of their covenant with God.

Where else these words appear

“tabernacles” Hebrew H5521 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 33:17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
  • 1 Kings 20:12 And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city.
  • Job 38:40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?

“feast” Hebrew H2282 · used in 55 verses

  • Exodus 10:9 And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD.
  • Deuteronomy 16:14 And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.
  • Psalms 81:3 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.

“number” Hebrew H4557 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 32:8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
  • Ezra 2:2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: