Chapter Summary

Altar set up and temple foundations relaid. Worship established.

Discussion Questions for Ezra, Chapter 3

1. Why is it important that the sacrifices and burnt offerings were restored at this time? Do you think they were able to make these sacrifices while in exile? Why or why not? How does this relate to people around the world today who may not be able to worship God as we do because of the persecution they face?
2. What is the significance of the priests and Levites also helping to build the temple? What does this say about the shared sacrifice that spiritual leaders should demonstrate? How have you seen spiritual leaders give of themselves to participate in the work of God, and what kind of impact did it have on you? What impact would it have had on the Israelites to see the priests also "getting their hands dirty"?
3. What spiritual metaphor can you glean from the laying of "the foundation of the Lord's temple" (HCSB) in verse 10? In what ways does this foreshadow Jesus Christ as the foundation of our faith and the "new temple"? Why do you think God chose to use the temple as such a powerful and regular spiritual metaphor in the Bible?
4. Why do you think the older generations "wept loudly" at the construction of the new temple? How might older people relate today to the changing of church buildings, worship styles, or simply reminders of days gone by? Why is nostalgia such a powerful emotion? What role should nostalgia play in how we conduct our worship today?
5. What was the response of the people after the temple foundation was laid? Why is music and singing such a powerful element of our worship? What role does and should music and singing play in our worship today? How does music help us draw near to God?
6. Why do you think that rebuilding the altar was the first priority of the people? What does this say about what they valued? How does this show us that they valued the law that God had given them throughout the generations? How do you determine your own spiritual priorities?
7. The "Festival of Booths" (HCSB) was a harvest celebration of God's provision for the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness. How does this connect to their most recent exile experience? In what ways does this foreshadow a New Testament reality of God providing for us in the wilderness of our sinful life?
8. What can you see regarding financial generosity of the people to rebuild the temple? Why is generosity such an important component in worship? How has God demonstrated generosity to you?
9. In what ways does the rebuilding of the temple metaphorically symbolize the rebuilding of our spiritual lives in Christ? Why is it important to prioritize the presence of God? How do you personally prioritize meeting with God, and what does that look like?
10. Can you discover the communal or unified aspect of this rebuilding of the temple? Why is unity such a powerful theme in this chapter? What makes unity so important in the Christian life and in the Christian community? How do you pursue unity with other believers?

Key Words/Phrase

Established, v 11.

Characters

God, Zerubbabel, Jeshua.

Strong Verse(s)

11, 13.