Ezra 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezra 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The people gathered in Jerusalem as one man in the seventh month (v. 1). Jeshua and Zerubbabel built an altar for burnt offerings, following the law of Moses (v.

Key verse

“They sang to one another in praising and giving thanks to Yahweh, “For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever toward Israel.” All the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Yahweh, because the foundation of Yahweh’s house had been laid.”
Ezra 3:11 (WEB)

Outline

Ezra 3:1 The Gathering in Jerusalem
Ezra 3:2 Building the Altar
Ezra 3:3–4 Offerings Amid Fear
Ezra 3:5–6 Continued Offerings
Ezra 3:7 Support for the Temple
Ezra 3:8–10 Beginning of Construction
Ezra 3:11–13 Rejoicing and Mourning

Discussion questions

In v3, what did the people do in spite of their fear of 'the peoples of the surrounding lands'?
What did Jeshua and Zerubbabel do in v2 to serve God after returning to Jerusalem?
In v12, why did the old men weep when the foundation of the new temple was laid?
Why were the priests 'in their clothing' with trumpets during the laying of the foundation in v10?
When have you experienced mixed emotions, like joy and sorrow, during a significant change?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezra 3: 1 Chronicles 16, Nehemiah 12, Numbers 29.

Before next time: read Ezra 4.