Ezra 3:5 · Bible study
Ezra 3:5 Commentary: The Restoration of God's Appointed Offerings
Hebrew · 7 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
After the Feast of Tabernacles, the returned exiles resumed the daily burnt offering, new moon sacrifices, and all set feasts.
Research Summary
- Meaning: After the Feast of Tabernacles, the returned exiles resumed the entire sacrificial system: daily burnt offering, new moon offerings, festival offerings, and freewill offerings.
- Key words: Tamid (continual), mo'ed (appointed feasts), mitnadev (one who volunteers a freewill offering).
- Main debate: Did the daily offering begin at the Feast (Cambridge) or had it already started at the altar dedication (Gill)?
- Theological theme: Worship precedes and enables structure; God desires obedience and generosity before a completed building.
- Best use: Teaching on the priority of worship, the restoration of spiritual disciplines, and the thoroughness of God's commands.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings and those for New Moons and for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD, as well as all the freewill offerings brought to the LORD.
WEB World English Bible 2000
and afterward the continual burnt offering, the offerings of the new moons, of all the set feasts of Yahweh that were consecrated, and of everyone who willingly offered a free will offering to Yahweh.
KJV King James Version 1769
And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
and afterward the continual burnt-offering, and the offerings of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of Jehovah that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill-offering unto Jehovah.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and after this a continual burnt-offering, and for new moons, and for all appointed seasons of Jehovah that are sanctified; and for every one who is willingly offering a willing-offering to Jehovah.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
and afterwards the continual burnt-offering, and those of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of Jehovah that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a voluntary offering to Jehovah.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And afterwards the continual holocaust, both on the new moons, and on all the solemnities of the Lord, that were consecrated, and on all in which a freewill offering was made to the Lord.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y á más de esto, el holocausto continuo, y las nuevas lunas, y todas las fiestas santificadas de Jehová, y todo sacrificio espontáneo, toda ofrenda voluntaria á Jehová.
E depois disto, fizeram a oferta de queima contínua, e as das luas novas, e todas as festas santificadas ao SENHOR, como também de qualquer um que dava oferta voluntária ao SENHOR.
Après cela, ils offrirent l’ holocauste perpétuel, les holocaustes des nouvelles lunes et de toutes les solennités consacrées à l’ Éternel, et ceux de quiconque faisait des offrandes volontaires à l’ Éternel.
darnach auch die täglichen Brandopfer und der Neumonde und aller Festtage des HERRN, die geheiligt sind, und allerlei freiwillige Opfer, die sie dem HERRN freiwillig taten.
Daarna ook het gedurig brandoffer, en van de nieuwe maanden, en van alle gezette hoogtijden des HEEREN, die geheiligd waren; ook van een ieder, die een vrijwillige offerande den HEERE vrijwilliglijk offerde.
poi offersero l’olocausto perpetuo, gli olocausti dei noviluni e di tutte le solennità sacre all’Eterno, e quelli di chiunque faceva qualche offerta volontaria all’Eterno.
Potem całopalenie ustawiczne, i na nowiu miesiąca, i na każde uroczyste święto Panu poświęcone, i od każdego dobrowolnie ofiarującego dobrowolną ofiarę Panu.
И после того совершали всесожжение постоянное, и в новомесячия, и во все праздники, посвященные Господу, и добровольное приношение Господу от всякого усердствующего.
其後 獻常獻的 燔祭，並在月朔 與耶和華 的一切 聖 節獻祭，又向耶和華 獻 各人的 甘心祭。
And after that, the regular burned offering and the offerings for the new moons and all the fixed feasts of the Lord which had been made holy, and the offering of everyone who freely gave his offering to the Lord.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Ezra 3:5
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Ezra 3:5 records the restoration of the full sacrificial system after the Feast of Tabernacles. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that the verb is supplied from the previous verse, meaning the Jews "resumed for the first time since the destruction of Jerusalem the regular sacrificial system." Four categories appear: the continual burnt offering (the daily morning and evening sacrifice from Exodus 29:38-42), offerings at the new moons (Numbers 28:11-15), offerings on all the set feasts (the pilgrimage festivals listed in Leviticus 23), and freewill offerings given by individuals. Matthew Henry sees this as proof that worship took priority over construction, the temple foundation came later (v.8). Gill adds that the daily offering was never set aside; it began first each day, and then the other sacrifices followed. The verse shows that the returned exiles, despite poverty and fear, obeyed God's law thoroughly, offering all that the covenant required.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- After Feast view: Cambridge Bible: the verb supplied from v4 indicates the daily offering began after the Feast of Tabernacles, resuming for the first time since the destruction.
- Already offered view: Gill: the daily offering had continued from the altar's dedication (v3); v5 adds the other sacrifices after the morning tamid.
- First day view: Keil/Delitzsch: offerings began on the first day of the seventh month (v6), before the Feast of Tabernacles, implying the daily was already established.
What is clear: All views affirm that the returned exiles reinstated the full sacrificial calendar as commanded in the Law, demonstrating priority of worship over the temple building.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Timing of the daily burnt offering | The community restored all required offerings after the exile. | Cambridge Bible argues the daily offering began after the Feast of Tabernacles; Gill contends it had already started at the altar dedication (v3) and v5 means the other offerings were added after the morning tamid. |
| Meaning of 'afterward' | It refers to after the Feast of Tabernacles. | Whether it indicates the tamid was first offered then, or that the full calendar was then in place. |
| Role of freewill offerings | Freewill offerings were voluntary and given in addition to mandated sacrifices. | None significant among the consulted commentators. |
| Significance of the seventh month | It is the month of the Feast of Tabernacles and marks the start of the liturgical year. | Some emphasize the Feast of Tabernacles as the first major festival observed; Keil notes that the daily offerings began on the first day of the month (v6), before the feast. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The events of Ezra 3 take place in the seventh month (Tishri) of 538 BC, roughly six months after the first exiles returned under Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel. Tishri is the most sacred month of the Hebrew calendar: it begins with the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), includes the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and ends with the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). The people had first built the altar (v.2) and begun offering morning and evening sacrifices (v.3), even though the temple lay in ruins and hostile neighbors surrounded them. They then kept the Feast of Tabernacles according to the law (v.4).
Verse 5 says "afterward", that is, after the feast, they resumed the continual burnt offering and the rest of the appointed sacrifices. The word tamid (continual) refers to the daily lamb offerings prescribed in Exodus 29 and Numbers 28. The new moon offerings (Numbers 28:11-15) marked each month's beginning. The "set feasts" (mo'adim, Leviticus 23) included Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles, among others. Freewill offerings (nedavah) were voluntary gifts presented at any time (Leviticus 1-3).
All this happened without a temple. Verse 6 states plainly: "the foundation of Yahweh's temple was not yet laid." The people put worship before the building. This ordering was deliberate: the altar was the point of contact with God, and they would not let the lack of a permanent structure delay their obedience. The community's fear of neighboring peoples (v.3) only made their resolve more striking. They chose sacrifice over safety, and God's appointed times over their own convenience.
Textual Notes
The consulted commentaries note no significant textual variants for Ezra 3:5. The verb "offered" in KJV is supplied from the preceding verse, as the Hebrew text reads "and afterward the continual burnt offering…" without an explicit verb. The meaning is clear from context.
Reception History
Jewish tradition has seen Ezra 3:5 as the moment the temple service was revived, with the daily tamid restored as a sign of God's renewed favor. Christian commentators of the Reformation era, such as Matthew Henry, emphasized that the people's zeal for worship preceded any physical structure, pointing to the principle that spiritual obedience must come before outward building. Wesley highlighted that the law required much, but they offered more, seeing in this a holy heat kindled by affliction. In modern study, the verse is often used to illustrate how a restored community can re-establish liturgical rhythms even in provisional circumstances.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Worship Before Construction, The returnees restored the full sacrificial calendar before laying the temple foundation. They understood that the presence of God mattered more than the perfection of the building.
- Thorough Obedience, They didn't pick and choose which feasts to keep. The verse lists daily offerings, monthly new moons, annual festivals, and freewill gifts. Their obedience covered every category God had commanded.
- Generosity in Scarcity, Freewill offerings were given by people who had little. Wesley notes: "The law required much; but they offered more; for though they had little wealth, they had much zeal."
Five-point outline
- The Continual Offering, The daily burnt offering symbolized constant devotion. God's people did not wait for ideal conditions to worship.
- The New Moons, Monthly markers reminded Israel that time itself belongs to the Lord.
- The Set Feasts, The annual pilgrimage festivals anchored the community's identity in God's saving acts.
- The Freewill Offerings, Voluntary gifts expressed personal gratitude beyond the bare requirement.
- The Order, First the daily, then the occasional. Priorities matter: the foundation of worship is regular, faithful practice, not special events.
Illustration hooks
- A family moves into a fixer-upper house. Before painting or renovating, they set up the dining table and invite neighbours for a meal. Hospitality comes before aesthetics.
- A musician tunes her instrument and practices scales before attempting the concert piece. The daily discipline enables the performance.
Questions your congregation is asking
- "Why did the returned exiles start offering sacrifices when they didn't even have a temple?"
- "How can we worship God thoroughly when our lives feel incomplete or 'under construction'?"
- "What does a 'freewill offering' look like for someone who is already stretched thin?"
Leading a Discussion
The returned exiles had every reason to delay worship: the temple was destroyed, their resources were limited, and enemies surrounded them. Yet Ezra 3 shows them building the altar first and restoring every commanded offering. Verses 4-5 highlight that they observed the Feast of Tabernacles and then resumed the daily burnt offering, new moon sacrifices, set feasts, and freewill offerings. For a small-group discussion, use these questions to explore how worship can survive, even thrive, in unfinished seasons of life.
Discussion questions
- Read Ezra 3:1-6 together. What strikes you about the sequence of events, altar, feast, then sacrifices?
- Why do you think the people were willing to offer sacrifices when the temple itself was still in ruins?
- The verse mentions four types of offerings: daily, new moon, set feasts, freewill. What does each category teach us about relating to God?
- How does the New Testament reinterpret the concept of sacrifice for Christians today (see Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15-16)?
- The people gave freewill offerings despite being poor. What kinds of "freewill offerings" could you give even when resources are tight?
- What "altars" (non-negotiable practices of worship) does your group need to rebuild before tackling bigger projects?
- In what area of your life is God calling you to prioritize worship over convenience or security?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Exodus 29:38 | “Now this is that which you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day continually. |
| Exodus 29:42 | It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the Tent of Meeting before Yahweh, where I will meet with you, to speak there to you. |
| Leviticus 1:3 | “‘If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without defect. He shall offer it at the door of the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted before Yahweh. |
| Numbers 28:3 | You shall tell them, ‘This is the offering made by fire which you shall offer to Yahweh: male lambs a year old without defect, two day by day, for a continual burnt offering. |
| Numbers 28:11 | “‘In the beginnings of your months, you shall offer a burnt offering to Yahweh: two young bulls, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without defect, |
| Numbers 28:14 | Their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine for a bull, the third part of a hin for the ram, and the fourth part of a hin for a lamb. This is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year. |
| Numbers 28:19 | but you shall offer an offering made by fire, a burnt offering to Yahweh: two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old. They shall be without defect, |
| Numbers 28:27 | but you shall offer a burnt offering for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh: two young bulls, one ram, seven male lambs a year old; |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentary clarifies that the King James Version misleads by implying the daily burnt offering was part of the new moon and feast offerings. The Revised Version correctly lists four separate categories: daily morning and evening sacrifices, new moon offerings, set feasts, and freewill offerings, which the Jews resumed after the Feast of Tabernacles.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note emphasizes that Hezekiah's royal provision covered every category of sacrifice: the daily burnt offering, monthly new moon offerings, all appointed feast days, and any freewill offerings the people brought. Nothing was left to chance; the king ensured the entire system of worship had stable support.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill stresses that the daily burnt offering always came first and was never set aside for other sacrifices. Festival offerings, new moon offerings, and freewill gifts were all presented after it, not instead of it. The daily sacrifice remained the constant foundation of worship.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch emphasize that the returned exiles rebuilt the altar and restored daily sacrifices not out of mere piety, but because fear of the hostile surrounding peoples drove them to seek God's protective help. They also clarify that the daily burnt offerings began on the first day of the seventh month, before the Feast of Tabernacles, not afterward as some interpreters claim.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange emphasizes the remarkable sacred zeal of the returning exiles, who as an entire congregation voluntarily step forward to restore worship, unlike earlier pious kings who acted
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry highlights that the returned exiles gathered at Jerusalem in the seventh month not under official command but by mutual agreement, compelled by their own devotion. They rebuilt the altar and resumed sacrifices before the temple foundation was even laid, placing worship ahead of the building project.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley highlights that the people exceeded the law’s requirement for offerings even while poor, because affliction had kindled uncommon zeal. He calls them blessed who emerge from suffering with such holy fervor, giving more than duty demands out of love rather than abundance.