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    Ezra 3 (KJV)

    Read Ezra chapter 3 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Ezra 3

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Ezra 3:11

    "And they sang together by course in praising and giving than…"

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    Commentary

    Ezra 3:11 Commentary

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    A quiz on the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem

    Devotional

    Psalm 92:1-2 — Meaning & Devotional

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    Ezra 3 Summary

    The returned exiles rebuild the altar of burnt offering and resume daily sacrifices, even before the Temple foundation is laid. They then celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. When the Temple foundation is finally laid, the people shout with joy while older priests who remembered Solomon's Temple weep.

    The mixed emotions—joy and grief—capture the complexity of restoration. The new beginning is cause for celebration, but the awareness of what was lost brings tears. Both responses are valid and God-honoring.

    Key Themes

    Altar before TempleMixed emotionsWorship restoredFoundation laidJoy and grief

    Key Verses in Ezra 3

    "They set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries."

    — Ezra 3:3

    Even surrounded by threats, worship took priority—the altar was the first thing rebuilt.

    "Many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men...wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy."

    — Ezra 3:12

    The tension between past glory and present hope creates one of the Bible's most emotionally rich moments.

    Life Application

    It's okay to hold joy and grief simultaneously. New beginnings don't erase the pain of what was lost, and grief doesn't diminish the hope of what God is building.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did some people weep when the Temple foundation was laid?

    Elderly people who remembered Solomon's magnificent Temple wept because the new foundation seemed modest by comparison. Their tears mixed with the younger generation's shouts of joy.

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