Ezra 3

One of the first things which the people did when they arrived in Jerusalem was to rebuild the altar of burnt offerings on the very spot where the original once stood. This was to demonstrate the importance of the Lord as the central and primary focus of life. In addition, the people needed to be in right relationship with the Lord. The sacrifices performed on the altar would enable them to do so. The people also had some fear of their neighbors and knew that only Yahweh was the real source of their protection. Many must have learned their lesson in captivity that in order to ensure the Lord would watch over them, they needed to live lives in submission to His law. 

The people also began reconstruction of the Temple. When they had completed the foundation, they took time off to celebrate in worship for the blessings the Lord had given them thus far. There was a group of older folks who engaged not in a display of joyful worship, but in mourning and sorrow. This may not have been appropriate for they were mourning the glory and riches they had lost rather than praising God for current blessings. The whole display of worship reminds us that praise in the form of music and singing is not entertainment nor is it a program that people watch. All God’s people regardless of talent or ability are called to participate.