They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is that their fear of the surrounding peoples didn't paralyze them; instead, it spurred them to immediate action to re-establish the altar and the daily sacrifices. This wasn't just about rebuilding a structure, but about courageously restoring their connection with God as their primary defense.
They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just returned to Jerusalem, the returned exiles, facing the immediate threat and interference of surrounding peoples, prioritize restoring worship by rebuilding the altar on its original site. They immediately begin offering the prescribed daily sacrifices, morning and evening, as a crucial act of faith and reliance on God's protection amidst their fear. This foundational step signals their commitment to re-establishing their covenant relationship with God before proceeding with the temple's reconstruction.
Imagine returning to a place that was once vibrant and full of worship, now lying in ruins. What do you rebuild first? For the returned exiles, the answer was clear: the altar.
The returned exiles didn't just find a spot for the altar; they set it 'upon its bases' or 'in its place.' This wasn't random construction. It signifies a deliberate act of restoration, placing the altar back on its original foundation, directly in front of where the temple would eventually stand.
This act was about more than just bricks and mortar. It was a symbolic re-establishment of God's presence and covenant faithfulness, a commitment to continue the worship that had been interrupted. They were saying, 'We are restoring what was lost, beginning with the very place where our connection to God was most directly expressed.'
The very real threat of their neighbors loomed large. So, why build the altar then? Because fear, paradoxically, drove them to God.
The verse states, 'fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands.' This fear wasn't paralyzing; instead, it became a catalyst for action. They understood that in the face of external threats, their greatest security lay in their relationship with God.
Rebuilding the altar and offering sacrifices was their way of actively seeking God's protection. It was a public declaration that despite their vulnerability, they trusted the LORD. This wasn't about ignoring danger, but about prioritizing their divine connection amidst the danger, demonstrating that true strength comes from acknowledging our dependence on God.
Ask a follow-up
The altar wasn't just for special occasions; it was for every day. What does this tell us about sustained faithfulness?
The exiles didn't just offer one grand sacrifice and stop. The text specifies they 'offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening.' This points directly to the regular, daily sacrifices prescribed in the Law of Moses.
This commitment to continuous worship, even amidst uncertainty and rebuilding, highlights the vital importance of consistent spiritual discipline. It wasn't merely about a response to immediate fear, but about re-establishing the rhythm of devotion that sustained their community and their covenant relationship with God. Their faithfulness was meant to be a daily reality, not just a crisis response.
Understand the original words
pachad · Hebrew Noun
A feeling of holy reverence, awe, or terror; in this context, it refers to the concern felt by the returned exiles regarding the opposition from surrounding hostile nations.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God (Yahweh), emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithfulness to the covenant He established with His people.
The rebuilding of the altar and resumption of worship in Ezra 3:3 weren't just religious acts; they were bold steps taken in a climate of palpable fear and political uncertainty, demonstrating the exiles' deep reliance on God amidst hostile neighbors.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus, overtakes the Babylonian Empire, setting the stage for the return of Jewish exiles.
538 BC
Cyrus' Decree and First Return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild the Temple. Many return under Zerubbabel, bringing Temple treasures.
c. 537 BC— this verse
Rebuilding the Altar
The returning exiles gather in Jerusalem, re-establish the altar on its original site, and resume daily sacrifices, despite fear of the local inhabitants.
c. 536 BC
Temple Foundation Laid
The foundation of the Second Temple is laid, but the work is soon halted by opposition from the Samaritans and surrounding peoples.
522-521 BC
Reign of Darius I
Darius I becomes king after a period of turmoil. He reissues Cyrus' decree, allowing the rebuilding of the Temple to resume.
516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is finally completed and dedicated, overcoming decades of opposition and setbacks.
This passage describes the daily burnt offerings that were to be made to the Lord, mirroring the regular morning and evening sacrifices offered by the returned exiles in Ezra 3:3, establishing continuity in worship.
Numbers 28:3Numbers 28 details the prescribed daily, Sabbath, and festival sacrifices. This highlights the foundational importance and prescribed nature of the burnt offerings that the people re-established in Ezra 3:3, even amidst their fears.
Psalm 118:8This Psalm speaks of the goodness of God and the wisdom of trusting in Him rather than in human strength or princes, resonating with the exiles' act of setting up the altar and offering sacrifices out of fear, demonstrating a reliance on God for protection.
Nehemiah 4:17During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah’s workers carried tools in one hand and weapons in the other due to opposition. This mirrors the context of Ezra 3:3, where the exiles faced threats from surrounding peoples while attempting to re-establish worship.
1 Kings 18:30Elijah rebuilt the altar of the LORD that had been torn down, and offered sacrifices. This shows a precedent for restoring altar worship when it had been neglected or destroyed, similar to the action taken by the returned exiles in Ezra 3:3.
clarkeEzra 3:3: "And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening."
They set the altar upon his bases - Rebuilt it on the same spot on which it had formerly stood. As it was necessary to keep up the Divine worship during the time they should be employed in re-edifying the temple, they first reared this altar of burnt-offerings; and all this they did,…
henryEzra 3:1-7: "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."
3:1-7 From the proceedings of the Jews on their arrival, let us learn to begin with God, and to do what we can in the worship of God, when we cannot do what we would. They could not at once have a temple, but they would not be without an altar. Fear of danger should stir us to our duty. Have we many enemies? Then it is good to have Go…
What's striking here is that their fear of the surrounding peoples didn't paralyze them; instead, it spurred them to immediate action to re-establish the altar and the daily sacrifices. This wasn't just about rebuilding a structure, but about courageously restoring their connection with God as their primary defense.
Having just returned to Jerusalem, the returned exiles, facing the immediate threat and interference of surrounding peoples, prioritize restoring worship by rebuilding the altar on its original site. They immediately begin offering the prescribed daily sacrifices, morning and evening, as a crucial act of faith and reliance on God's protection amidst their fear. This foundational step signals their commitment to re-establishing their covenant relationship with God before proceeding with the temple's reconstruction.
Having just returned to Jerusalem, the returned exiles, facing the immediate threat and interference of surrounding peoples, prioritize restoring worship by rebuilding the altar on its original site. They immediately begin offering the prescribed daily sacrifices, morning and evening, as a crucial act of faith and reliance on God's protection amidst their fear. This foundational step signals their commitment to re-establishing their covenant relationship with God before proceeding with the temple's reconstruction.
"They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening." — What's striking here is that their fear of the surrounding peoples didn't paralyze them; instead, it spurred them to immediate action to re-establish the altar and the daily sacrifices. This wasn't j…
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Last reviewed October 2026