Ezra 3

Ezra 3:1

seventh moneth] Ver. 6. In this moneth, the first day, they first offered sacrifice on the new built after their returne from the Babylonish captivity. And in the same moneth of the year was the solemn Dedication of Solomons Temple, 1 Kings VIII. 2.

Ezra 3:8

In the second year of their coming] They prepare for the building of the Temple; or rather having formerly prepared, they now begin the building.

Ezra 3:12

wept with a loud voice] Many ancient men that had seene the former Temple, which was burnt but fifty two years before, wept at the laying of the foundation of this Temple; either at the remembrance of the wondrous glory of the former Temple so burnt and consumed; and considering the small Preparations, and Meanes, for the building, and furnishing of this, Ezra I. 4, 6, 68, 69. and chap. VI. 8, 9. and chap. VII. 15,—22. and chap. VIII. 25, 26, 27. 33, 34. Neh. VII. 70, 71, 72. in comparison of those for the former Temple; Hag.

II. 3. In which case God comforts them, Hag. II. 7, 9. Zech. IV. 6,—10. and VIII. 6, 9. Mal.

III. 1. Or else, seeing these foundation-stones not so goodly and precious, as those were known to be that were in Solomons Temple, 1 Kings VII. 9, 10. For as for the largenesse and compasse of the foundation, it was not inferiour to that of Solomons, 1 Kings VI. 2. Yea far superiour, if that Decree of Cyrus, and the record of it found by Darius, Ezra VI. 1, 2, 3. mistake not; and the Cubits be the same.