Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Ezra
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 3
Overview:
The
Altar and
Festivals.
(1-7) The foundations of the
Temple
laid.
(8-13)
1-7 From the proceedings of the Jews
On their arrival, let us
learn to begin with
God, and to do what we can in the
Worship of
God, when we cannot do what we would. They could not at once
have a
Temple, but they would not be without an
Altar. Fear of
danger should stir us to our duty. Have we many enemies? Then it
is good to have
God our Friend, and to keep up
Communion with
him. Our fears should drive us to our knees. The sacrifices for
all these solemnities were a heavy expense for
So Poor a
company; yet besides those expressly appointed, many brought
free-will offerings to the
Lord. And they made preparation for
the
Building of the
Temple without delay: whatever
God calls us
to do, we may depend upon his
Providence to furnish us with the
needful means.
8-13 There was a remarkable mixture of affections upon laying
the foundation of the
Temple. Those that only knew the misery of
having
No Temple at all, praised the
Lord with shouts of joy. To
them, even this foundation seemed great. We ought to be thankful
for the beginnings of
Mercy, though it be not yet perfect. But
those who remembered the
Glory of the first
Temple, and
considered how far inferior this was likely to be, wept with a
loud voice. There was reason for it, and if they bewailed the
Sin that was the cause of this melancholy change, they did
Well.
Yet it was wrong to cast a damp upon the common joys. They
despised the
Day of small things, and were unthankful for the
good they enjoyed. Let not the remembrance of former
Afflictions
Drown the sense of present mercies.