Bible study · Ezra 3:1-13
Ezra 3: The foundation laid
Read Ezra 3:1-13 before you meet.
In a few lines
Ezra 3 puts the altar before the house: the offerings began while "the foundation of the LORD’s temple was not yet laid" (3:6). When it was laid, they sang the song sung at the first house, "For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever toward Israel" (3:11), and weeping and shouting were so mixed that no one could tell them apart (3:13).
The verse to carry
“They sang to one another in praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever toward Israel.” All the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the LORD’s house had been laid.”
Ezra 3:11
To talk about
1. They built the altar "In spite of their fear because of the peoples of the surrounding lands" (3:3). What fear are you carrying right now, and what would it look like to keep worshiping God in the middle of it this week?
2. They praised the LORD when only the foundation was laid, before the house stood (3:11). What in your life is only a foundation so far, and what would it mean to thank God for it now?
3. At the same foundation some wept and many shouted for joy, and no one could tell the sounds apart (3:12-13). How can your group make room for the ones who grieve and the ones who celebrate at the same time?