Ezra 3:3

Ezra 3:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They set up the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD—both the morning and evening burnt offerings—even though they feared the people of the land.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And they set the altar upon its base; for fear was upon them because of the peoples of the countries: and they offered burnt-offerings thereon unto Jehovah, even burnt-offerings morning and evening.

Bible in Basic English BBE

They put the altar on its base; for fear was on them because of the people of the countries: and they made burned offerings on it to the Lord, even burned offerings morning and evening.

Free Bible Version FBV

Even though they were afraid of the local people, they set up the altar on its original foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both morning and evening burnt offerings.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And they set the altar vpon his bases (for feare was among them, because of the people of those countreis) therefore they offered burnt offrings thereon vnto the Lord, euen burnt offrings in the morning, and at euen.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they establish the altar on its bases, because of the fear upon them of the peoples of the lands, and he causeth burnt-offerings to ascend upon it to Jehovah, burnt-offerings for the morning and for the evening.

World English Bible WEB

In spite of their fear because of the peoples of the surrounding lands, they set the altar on its base; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they set the altar upon its bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt-offerings on it to the LORD, even burnt-offerings morning and evening.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they set the altar of God upon its bases, while the people of the lands round about put them in fear, and they offered upon it a holocaust to the Lord morning and evening.

Translation for Translators T4T

Even though they were afraid of the people who were already living in that area, they rebuilt the altar at the same place where the previous altar had been. Before they started to lay the foundation of Yahweh’s temple, the priests started to burn sacrifices to Yahweh on the altar. They offered sacrifices every morning and every evening. Fifteen days after they started to offer these sacrifices, the people celebrated the Festival of Living in Temporary Shelters, as Moses had commanded them to do in the laws that God gave to him. Each day the priests offered the sacrifices that were required for that day. In addition, they presented the regular burned offerings and the offerings that were required for the New Moon Festivals and the other festivals that they celebrated each year to honor Yahweh. They also brought other offerings only because they desired to bring them, not because they were required to bring them.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 3:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezra 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּכִ֤ינוּ הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ עַל מְכ֣וֹנֹתָ֔י/ו כִּ֚י בְּ/אֵימָ֣ה עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם מֵ/עַמֵּ֖י הָ/אֲרָצ֑וֹת ו/יעל וַ/יַּעֲל֨וּ עָלָ֤י/ו עֹלוֹת֙ לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה עֹל֖וֹת לַ/בֹּ֥קֶר וְ/לָ/עָֽרֶב

וַ/יָּכִ֤ינוּ kûwn H3559 to establish Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ mizbêach H4196 altar Art | N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מְכ֣וֹנֹתָ֔י/ו mᵉkôwnâh H4350 base N-fp | Suff

כִּ֚י kîy H3588 for Conj

בְּ/אֵימָ֣ה ʼêymâh H367 terror Prep | N-fs

עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

מֵ/עַמֵּ֖י ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-mp

הָ/אֲרָצ֑וֹת ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cp

ו/יעל ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

וַ/יַּעֲל֨וּ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

עָלָ֤י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

עֹלוֹת֙ ʻôlâh H5930 burnt offering N-fp

לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

עֹל֖וֹת ʻôlâh H5930 burnt offering N-fp

לַ/בֹּ֥קֶר bôqer H1242 morning Prep | N-ms

וְ/לָ/עָֽרֶב ʻereb H6153 evening Conj | Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 3:3

וַ/יָּכִ֤ינוּ kûwn H3559 "to establish" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.

Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.

הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ mizbêach H4196 "altar" Art | N-ms

An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.

Definition: altar

Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

מְכ֣וֹנֹתָ֔י/ו mᵉkôwnâh H4350 "base" N-fp | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a base or a pedestal, providing a foundation for something. It is used in the Bible to describe the base of the altar or other structures, emphasizing stability and strength. This concept is crucial in understanding the design of the tabernacle.

Definition: fixed resting place, base, pedestal Also means: me.khu.nah (מְכֻנָה "base" H4369)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: base. See also: 1 Kings 7:27; 1 Kings 7:43; Jeremiah 27:19.

כִּ֚י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בְּ/אֵימָ֣ה ʼêymâh H367 "terror" Prep | N-fs

The Hebrew word for terror or dread, used to describe fear or horror, and sometimes an idol that inspires fear. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of awe or fright. This word is used in various contexts, including descriptions of God's power.

Definition: terror, dread

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dread, fear, horror, idol, terrible, terror. See also: Genesis 15:12; Job 20:25; Psalms 55:5.

עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

מֵ/עַמֵּ֖י ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-mp

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הָ/אֲרָצ֑וֹת ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cp

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

ו/יעל ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

וַ/יַּעֲל֨וּ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

עָלָ֤י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

עֹלוֹת֙ ʻôlâh H5930 "burnt offering" N-fp

This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.

Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.

לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

עֹל֖וֹת ʻôlâh H5930 "burnt offering" N-fp

This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.

Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.

לַ/בֹּ֥קֶר bôqer H1242 "morning" Prep | N-ms

The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.

Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning

Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.

וְ/לָ/עָֽרֶב ʻereb H6153 "evening" Conj | Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.

Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.

Study Notes — Ezra 3:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezra 3:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 3:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 3:3
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 3:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 3:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 3:3
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 3:3
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 3:3
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 3:3
Sermons on Ezra 3:3

Context — Sacrifices Restored

1By the seventh month, the Israelites had settled in their towns, and the people assembled as one man in Jerusalem. 2Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.

3They set up the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD—both the morning and evening burnt offerings—even though they feared the people of the land.

4They also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in accordance with what is written, and they offered burnt offerings daily based on the number prescribed for each day. 5After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings and those for New Moons and for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD, as well as all the freewill offerings brought to the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezra 4:4	Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build.
2	Numbers 28:2–8	“Command the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to Me at its appointed time the food for My offerings by fire, as a pleasing aroma to Me. And tell them that this is the offering made by fire you are to present to the LORD as a regular burnt offering each day: two unblemished year-old male lambs. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight, along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives. This is a regular burnt offering established at Mount Sinai as a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD. The drink offering accompanying each lamb shall be a quarter hin. Pour out the offering of fermented drink to the LORD in the sanctuary area. And offer the second lamb at twilight, with the same grain offering and drink offering as in the morning. It is an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
3	Ezra 8:21–22	And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.”
4	Ezra 4:11–16	(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem. And they are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls, and repairing its foundations. Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates.
5	Exodus 29:38–42	This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight. With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour, mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives, and a drink offering of a quarter hin of wine. And offer the second lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and drink offering as in the morning, as a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD. For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you.
6	2 Chronicles 4:1	He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high.
7	Psalms 56:2–4	My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
8	Psalms 27:1–2	The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.

Ezra 3:3 Summary

[The Israelites were afraid of the people around them, but they still chose to obey God and set up the altar to worship Him. They did this by sacrificing burnt offerings every morning and evening, which was a way of saying sorry for their sins and asking for God's forgiveness, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-17. This shows that even when we are scared or unsure, we can still trust in God's power and protection, just like He promised in Deuteronomy 31:6. By following the Israelites' example, we can learn to prioritize our relationship with God and trust in His goodness, even in difficult times.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites set up the altar even though they feared the people of the land?

The Israelites set up the altar and began to sacrifice burnt offerings because they were obedient to God's commands, as written in the Law of Moses, and they trusted in His protection, just as He promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:9.

What is the significance of the morning and evening burnt offerings?

The morning and evening burnt offerings were a way for the Israelites to worship and honor God, as prescribed in Exodus 29:38-42, and to seek His forgiveness and cleansing, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-17.

How does this verse relate to the concept of fear and faith?

This verse shows that the Israelites' fear of the people of the land did not stop them from obeying God and trusting in His power, which is a great example of faith, as seen in Hebrews 11:1 and 1 John 4:18.

What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse?

We can learn the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and being obedient to His commands, even when faced with challenges or fears, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am letting fear hold me back from obeying God, and how can I trust in His power to overcome them?
How can I prioritize my relationship with God and make sure I am taking time to worship and honor Him every day, just like the Israelites did with the morning and evening burnt offerings?
What are some ways I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties, and how can I encourage others to do the same?
How can I apply the principle of obedience and trust seen in this verse to my own life, and what would be the benefits of doing so?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 3:3

And they set the altar upon his bases,.... Which might remain of the old altar; or the meaning is, that it was fixed and settled on the same spot where it stood before: for fear was upon them,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 3:3

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 3:3

Ezra 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.Ver. 3. And they set the altar upon his bases] Upon the old foundation in the priests’ court, being glad of any place where to worship God jointly and publicly; for temple, as yet, there was none. Our worship-scorners are rightly styled by one, The last brood of Beelzebub. For fear was upon them] Though that was a lewd speech of the poet Statius, Primus in orbe Deos fecit Timor, It was timorousness that first made men religious; yet there’ s no question but fear of danger driveth men to God, as it did these here. Their malignant neighbours, bandying and bending their forces against them, make them hasten up an altar, that they might get God on their side, and run to him reconciled, whatever evil should befall them. Be not thou a terror to me, Lord, saith holy Jeremiah, Jeremiah 17:17, and then I fear no creature. Let us sing the forty-sixth Psalm (said Luther once in a great strait), and then let the devil do his worst. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee," Psalms 56:3. Some read the text thus, Though fear was upon them, yet that hindered not their setting up God’ s altar; but they brake through all discouragements, and did their duty. It is well observed that the very light of nature taught heathens, that the services they performed to their gods with peril and hazard to themselves were best accepted. Caius Fabius ventured through the enemies’ camp to offer a solemn anniversary sacrifice, and returned in safety satis sperans (saith the historian) propitios fore Deos, quorum culture ne mortis quidem metu prohibitus intermisis set, trusting that in such a case his gods would secure him. When Numa, the second king of the Romans, heard, as he was sacrificing, that the enemies were coming, he made this answer, At ego rem divinam facio, Eγωδεθυω (Plut.); "if God be for us, who shall be against us?" And they offered burnt offerings thereon] That their sins might be expiated, and their persons protected. The ceremonial law was Christ in figure, it was their gospel.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 3:3

(3) Upon his bases.—Upon its old site, or its place, discovered among the ruins. Thus was it signified that all the new was to be only a restoration of the old. For fear was upon them.—Until their offerings went up they did not feel sure of the Divine protection. This was their first act of defiance in the presence of the nations around: near the altar they were strong.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 3:3

Verse 3. 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, "though fear was upon them," because of the unfriendly disposition of their surrounding neighbours.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 3:3

3. upon his bases] R.V. upon its base. Marg. ‘in its place’. (a) There is a difference of reading. The C’thib gives the singular, the K’ri the plural. The word occurs frequently in the plur. (e.g. 2 Kings 16:17; 2 Kings 25:13; Jeremiah 27:19; Jeremiah 52:17; Jeremiah 52:20), it is probable that the singular has been altered into the more familiar plural usage. (b) The meaning of the word is much controverted. On the one hand it is supposed that having cleared away the rubbish and débris the leaders of the people came upon the old foundations or ‘base’ of the former altar and erected the new altar upon the spot. But the translation ‘upon its base’ scarcely admits of such latitude of interpretation; although the sentiment is most suitable. On the other hand, if to ‘set upon its base’ merely means to erect, the term is unnecessarily ponderous. The translation of the R.V. margin ‘in its place’ seems to be the best. It is very probable that the word in the verse is identical with that in Ezra 2:68. The altar was set up in the place which it was permanently to occupy. for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries] R.V. the countries. The condensed language of this clause in the original has occasioned much perplexity. Literally it runs ‘for in fear upon them because of &c.’. (i) Another rendering has been proposed ‘for they (set up the altar) in fear, which came upon them because of the people of the countries’, but this leaves the word ‘for’ unexplained and supposes a very awkward construction. (ii) The translation of the A.V. and R.V. cuts the grammatical knot contained in the words ‘in fear’ by translating them as the subject. Accepting this translation ‘for fear was upon them &c.’, a further question is raised by the motive of their action. The following answers have been given: (a) they set up the altar hoping to obtain thereby assistance from God, for they were in a state of fear: (b) they set up the altar in haste, for they feared the neighbouring peoples lest their interference at the court of Cyrus should check the work at its outset. (iii) Quite a different turn to the verse is given by another rendering (? that of Ewald). ‘They set up the altar (and they were able to do so), for there was a fear felt toward them (the Jews) on the part of the people of the country’. This would be a fear such as we read of in Genesis 35:5; Exodus 15:16; Joshua 2:11. It is to be noticed that in the last two passages the same rather unusual word for terror is used as we find in this verse.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 3:3

Upon his bases - They restored the old altar of burnt-offerings, which stood directly in front of the temple-porch, upon the old foundation.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 3:3

3. Upon his bases — Rather, upon its foundation. îëåðúis here to be understood, as in Ezra 2:68, where it is rendered place, of foundations lain upon its ancient site.

Sermons on Ezra 3:3

	Sermon	Description
	Our Daily Homily - Ezra by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine stirring of Cyrus as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the importance of prayer and obedience in responding to God's call. He reflects on the
	And They Set the Alter Upon Its Bases. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of establishing an altar in our lives as a foundation for spiritual renewal and success in our endeavors. The altar symbolizes forgiveness and a
	Letter: 52e 112 Brother, -, September 24th, 1846 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby emphasizes the importance of recognizing the current state of the church, which he describes as a general ruin of the dispensation. He expresses confidence in God
	End-Time Conditions by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Book of Nehemiah as a representation of end-time conditions, linking it to the coming of the Lord and the need for God's people
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.5 & 6 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually violent in pursuing God's purposes. He references Matthew 11:12, where Jesus says that the kingdom of he
	Bible Survey - Ezra by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, who led the second expedition from Babylon to reinforce and inspire the struggling Judeans in rebu
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.7 - ch.10 by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen explores the transition of Ezra and the people from Babylon to Jerusalem, emphasizing the significance of Ezra's leadership and his commitment to God's Word. He highligh