Translations
Original
Notes
The seven-day Festival of Shelters, as described in the Law (Leviticus 23:33–36; Numbers 29:12–38; Deuteronomy 16:13–16), reminded people of God's guidance and care during the forty years the nation lived in tents while traveling from Egypt to the promised land. This festival was especially meaningful to those who had recently made a similar journey from a foreign land, living in tents as they traveled to the promised land.
After resettling in various towns in Judah, the community focused on restoring the worship of God in Jerusalem. They quickly rebuilt the altar and began regular sacrifices in time to celebrate the Jewish festivals (Ezra 3:4). Then, they started the more challenging task of rebuilding the temple itself (Ezra 3:8). Soon, they faced opposition from local foreigners (Ezra 4:1–5).
Glossary
Assumption of Moses Book of Ezra First Book of Esdras Jehozadak Postexilic Period Temple
Topics
Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Daily offering: Sacrificial Feast of Tabernacles: Observance of, After the Captivity Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Restore the Altar, and offer Sacrifices Temple: The Second: Restored by Zerubbabel the Second Temple: Divine Worship Commenced Before the Foundation Was Laid Zerubbabel: Appoints the Levites to Inaugarate the Rebuilding of the Temple Zerubbabel: Directs the Rebuilding of the Altar and Temple After his Return from Captivity in Babylon