CONTENTS This chapter opens with an account of the zeal of the fathers and the people to begin the temple. They set up the altar; renew their offerings; and the foundation of the temple is laid. Ezra 3:1 This seventh month was probably at the time of gathering in their summer fruits. What the cou... [ Continue Reading ]
I must beg the Reader very particularly to mark this verse. Here we find that before they begun, or even had power to begin, the foundation for the temple, the altar was set up. Was not this typical of Jesus? Is he not, and was he not ever, the Altar, the Sacrifice, and Priest? What a precious allus... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe the morning and evening sacrifice. Here again remember, Reader, as this was according to the law of Moses, the lamb of the morning and evening sacrifice was offered. And what could more fully shadow forth the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world? Observe what is said of the fe... [ Continue Reading ]
The assistance they obtained from Tyre and Zidon in building the temple, suggests to us once more how the Lord had a continued reference to the poor Gentiles of the earth. They shall have somewhat to do with Jesus even before they know the Lord Jesus, or are conscious of their want of him. For the L... [ Continue Reading ]
If the Reader will peruse with this account what Haggai hath recorded concerning the building of the temple, the one scripture will, as it is designed, throw great light upon the other. And this will be comparing spiritual things with spiritual, 1 Corinthians 2:13.... [ Continue Reading ]
There is an uncommon degree of sweetness in this account. The mercy of God endureth forever. Surely this mercy is Jesus. And did not the Israelites consider it so when they sung the hymn? Jesus is the firstborn in the womb of mercy. He is emphatically called mercy; even the mercy promised. Luke 1:72... [ Continue Reading ]
This account affords an interesting moment of history, and furnisheth out as beautiful a representation of the love and zeal of both characters. It must have been a striking sight to have beheld those who were clamorous with holy joy, as well as those who were grieved with holy sorrow. The prophet H... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS SEE, my soul, in those perilous, poor times of the church, yet amidst all their poverty, the altar was set up, and the foundation of the temple laid. But thine Altar is forever established, and thy foundation from everlasting laid; even Jesus, who is the sum and substance of every altar,... [ Continue Reading ]