[:en]SCRIPTURE READING: EZRA 3
“When the buiders laid the foundations of the temple of the lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David, king of Israel. With praise and thanksgiving, they sang to the Lord, *He is good, his love endures forever*. And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lorrd was laid” (Ezra 3:10-11)
REBUILDING THE ALTAR (vs. 1-6)
Joshua and Zerubbabel led the people to build the altar of God and sacrificed burnt offerings in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses. They celebrated the Feasts of Tabernacles and presented the regular burnt offerings as prescribed for each day. They also presented the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifice for all the appointed sacred feasts of the Lord, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the Lord. It was the 7th month, the month of the Feast of Trumpets and the Feast of Tabernacles.
REBUILDING THE TEMPLE (vs. 7-13)
Aside from what the king supplied them, the people gave offerings and provided materials to rebuild the temple. They started the work in the year 535 in the second month (April-May). The Levites joined together in supervising those working in the house of the Lord. The people were very grateful when the foundation of the temple was laid. With trumpets and cymbals, they praised the Lord and gave thanks with songs and shouts saying: He is good; His love to Israel endures forever” (v. 11). Older people who remembered the former temple in its glory wept while many others shouted for joy. Shouts of joy and sounds of weeping were mixed together which were heard far away.[:]