From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not [yet] laid.
Ver. 6. From the first day of the seventh month] Which was the feast of blowing of trumpets, signifying the just man's joyfulness, and serving to put life and spirit into them.
Began they to offer] And so held on: for this month had as many feasts in it as were celebrated in all the year besides: so, as the Sabbath was the queen of days (Regina dierum), so was this of months. See Trapp on " Ezr 3:1 "
But the foundation of the temple] Heb. of the kingly palace, aula basilica, used here and elsewhere for the place where God's honour dwelleth. God is a great King, Malachi 1:14, and requires to be served like himself.
Was not yet laid] Heb. Was not yet founded. Nevertheless they would be worshipping God as they could at an altar till they had a temple. All the power of Persia could not keep God and Daniel asunder, Daniel 6:10; the trade of godliness never standeth still. Demosthenes (Contra Arist.) could say that a heart beautified with piety, justice, and modesty is the best temple, and to God most acceptable.