Ezr 3:2-3, 6, Psa 135:2 | JFB | STEP | 2. Jeshua —the grandson of Seraiah, the high priest, put to death by Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah ( ). His father, Josedech, had been carried captive to Babylon, and died there, some time before this. Zerubbabel —was, according to the order of nature, son of Pedaiah ( ); but having been brought up by Salathiel, he was called his son. builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon —This was of urgent and immediate necessity, in order, first, to make atonement for their sins; secondly, to obtain the divine blessing on their preparations for the temple, as well as animate their feelings of piety and patriotism for the prosecution of that national work.

Ezra 3:2-3

2. Jeshua—the grandson of Seraiah, the high priest, put to death by Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah (2Ki 25:18-21). His father, Josedech, had been carried captive to Babylon, and died there, some time before this.

Zerubbabel—was, according to the order of nature, son of Pedaiah (1Ch 3:17-19); but having been brought up by Salathiel, he was called his son.

builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon—This was of urgent and immediate necessity, in order, first, to make atonement for their sins; secondly, to obtain the divine blessing on their preparations for the temple, as well as animate their feelings of piety and patriotism for the prosecution of that national work.

3. they set the altar upon his bases—They reared it upon its old foundation, so that it occupied as nearly as possible the site on which it had formerly stood.

they offered burnt offerings . . . morning and evening—Deeming it their duty to perform the public rites of religion, they did not wait till the temple should be rebuilt and dedicated; but, at the outset, they resumed the daily service prescribed by the law (Ex 29:38, 39; Le 6:9, 11), as well as observed the annual seasons of solemn observance.

Ezr 3:4-7. OFFERINGS RENEWED.

Ezra 3:6

4, 6. They kept also the feast of tabernacles . . . From the first day of the seventh month—They revived at that time the daily oblation, and it was on the fifteenth day of that month the feast of tabernacles was held.

Psalms 135:2

1-3. In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.