From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid.
EZRA 3:6KJVWhat does Ezra 3:6 mean?
Ezra 3:6 explains that the people began offering burnt offerings to the LORD on the very first day of the seventh month, even though the foundation of the LORD’s temple had not yet been laid. This shows that worship and sacrifices resumed before the physical rebuilding of the temple itself had started.
Ezra is narrating the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. The people are eager to restore their worship practices as soon as possible, so they start making offerings to God right away, even though the temple is still in ruins. This verse highlights their commitment to reestablishing their relationship with God, prioritizing worship before construction.
The Hebrew behind Ezra 3:6
- The word for “offer” is עָלָה (ʿalah), which means “to go up” or “to ascend.” In this context, it refers to making burnt offerings, which were entirely burned on the altar and symbolized complete dedication to God.
- The word for “foundation” is יָסַד (yasad), meaning “to lay a foundation” or “to establish.” The verse points out that, although the physical base of the temple was not yet in place, the people did not wait to begin worship.
- The word for “burnt offerings” is עֹלָה (ʿolah), which refers to offerings that are wholly consumed by fire, emphasizing total surrender to God.
Why Ezra 3:6 matters
- Ezra 3:6 clarifies that worship does not depend on a completed building; the people’s relationship with God could be renewed even without the temple structure.
- The verse highlights the priority of spiritual restoration over physical rebuilding, showing what mattered most to the returning exiles.
- This detail connects to the wider story in Ezra, where the rebuilding of the temple is a process, but the restoration of worship begins immediately, setting the tone for the community’s renewed faith.