The Building of the Altar for Burnt Offerings.
Ezra 3:1. the seventh month: presumably of the year of the return, 537 The seventh month is called Tisri in the Jewish calendar and is approximately equivalent to October. The first day of Tisri, which was probably that on which this ceremony took place, was known as the feast of Trumpets (lit. Horns) (see p. 104, Numbers 29:1), or Yô m Teru- ah, Day of Shô far-blowing, and Zikrô n Teru- ah, Memory of Shô far-blowing (see Leviticus 23:24 *; cf. Psalms 81:3).
Ezra 3:2. builded the altar: this would, of course, precede the Temple building because it was necessary that the public burnt offerings for the people as a community should be offered first; the private sacrifices could wait. as it is written: see Numbers 29:1-6. the man of God: cf. 1 Chronicles 23:14 1 Chronicles 35:12, 26.
Ezra 3:3. upon its base: better, in its place (mg.), i.e. where it had formerly stood (cf. Ezra 2:68). for fear. countries: read, for the peoples of the land were at enmity with them; see the Greek Ezra 5:50; the Heb. text is corrupt. When once the altar had been set up the returned exiles could feel greater confidence in Yahweh's protection. morning and evening: see Exodus 29:38; Numbers 28:3-8.