Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Ezra Ch.3 / 10 Ch.s
EZR:3
* 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.