Keraia
Ezra 3

Ezra 3:8

Temple Restoration Begins · Ezra 3:8–13
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Translations

Modern
In the second month of the second year after they had arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their associates including the priests, the Levites, and all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years of age or older to supervise the construction of the house of the LORD.
Traditional
Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord.
Literal
In the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, and in the second month, began Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brothers the priests and the Levites, and all those coming out of the captivity to Jerusalem. And they appointed the Levites, from a son of twenty years and above, to oversee upon the work of the house of YHWH.
Latin
Anno autem secundo adventus eorum ad templum Dei in Jerusalem, mense secundo, cœperunt Zorobabel filius Salathiel, et Josue filius Josedec, et reliqui de fratribus eorum sacerdotes, et Levitæ, et omnes qui venerant de captivitate in Jerusalem, et constituerunt Levitas a viginti annis et supra, ut urgerent opus Domini.

Original

Hebrew
English
In the second month of the second year after they had arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their associates including the priests, the Levites, and all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years of age or older to supervise the construction of the house of the LORD.

Notes

Ezra 3:8

  • In mid-spring, the dry season began, so workers did not have to deal with mud.

  • The second year after they arrived was likely 536 BC. The delay in rebuilding was due to the time needed to transport wood from Lebanon to Jerusalem.

  • the rest of their associates...began the work: This showed the unity among the returned exiles. Putting the Levites in charge ensured the work followed God's instructions.

Ezra 3:1–4:5

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Zerubbabel

People

Jehozadak: Father of Joshua the high priest during the exile Joshua: High priest during the rebuilding of the temple Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites Shealtiel: Grandfather of Zerubbabel, descendant of David Zerubbabel: Leader of the first Jewish exiles from Babylon

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Book of Ezra Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) First Book of Esdras Jehozadak Jeshua (Person) Music Postexilic Period Priests and Levites Sheshbazzar Temple

Topics

Jehozadak: A Priest of the Exile Jeshua: Also Called Joshua: Rebuilt the Temple Levites were Overseers in Building and the Repairs of the Temple Levites: Age of when Inducted Into office Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Month: Zif (May): Rebuilding of the Temple Begun In Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Return from the Captivity Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Supervise the Building of the New Temple Shealtiel: Father of Zerubbabel and an Ancestor of Jesus Temple: The Second: Restored by Zerubbabel the Second Temple: Foundation of, Laid the Second Month of Second Year After The 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