Ezra 3:4

They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;

Ezra 3:4 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezra records the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile. In Ezra 3, the people had just rebuilt the altar of burnt offerings and were beginning to restore the temple. This verse shows that they immediately resumed the Feast of Tabernacles and the daily burnt offerings, even before the temple’s foundation was laid (Ezra 3:6). Their priority was to reinstate worship according to God’s commands.

Meaning

The Feast of Tabernacles, also called the Feast of Booths or Sukkot, was one of the appointed feasts in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 23:33-43). It lasted eight days, beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. The people lived in temporary shelters to remember God’s provision and protection during their wilderness journey. Keeping the feast “as it is written” meant they followed the exact instructions given in the Law.

The daily burnt offerings were offered “by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required.” Each day had a specific number of sacrifices prescribed. These offerings, made morning and evening, symbolized surrender, dedication, and dependence on God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Biblical connections

The Feast of Tabernacles pointed to God’s dwelling with His people. Its observance here signified a renewal of that relationship after exile. The daily offerings emphasized the continual need for atonement and dedication. This act of obedience was not mere ritualism but a heartfelt response to God’s mercy in restoring them to their land.

Application

The returned exiles prioritized spiritual duties despite the challenges of rebuilding. They did not wait for the temple to be complete before worshiping. This teaches believers to obey God’s Word precisely and to maintain regular worship, even in difficult circumstances. True restoration involves both physical rebuilding and spiritual renewal through obedient worship.

Reflection

God is worthy of faithful devotion. The people’s careful observance of His commands shows that worship should be done with reverence and precision. Believers today can honor God by following His instructions and by making worship a daily priority, trusting that He provides and dwells among His people.