Ezra 3:3

EZRA—NOTE ON Ezra 3:3 in its place. There may have been visible remains of the original altar (perhaps implied by Jeremiah 41:4). In any case, its exact location was evidently known. It is possible the exiles hurried to build the altar because they feared the peoples of the lands—residents of Judah, and perhaps neighboring areas, who were not part of the returned exiles. Some may have had Jewish origins, but they appear to be a distinct group and would soon oppose the work.