John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. And when the seventh month was come , etc.] The month Tisri, which answers to part of September and October; or when it “was approaching” f33 , for before it was actually come some following things were done, the people met, and an altar was built; for on the first day of it sacrifices were offered, ( Ezra 3:6), and the children of Israel were in the cities ; their respective cities, settling their domestic affairs: the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem ; the thing was universal, and done with as much dispatch as if only one man was concerned; and it seems to denote as if they were under a divine impulse, and came together without any consultation, or knowledge of each other’s designs, and without summons.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - From the proceedings of the Jews on their arrival, let us learn to begin with God, and to do what we can in the worship of God, when we cannot do what we would. They could not at once have a temple, but the would not be without an altar. Fear of danger should stir us to ou duty. Have we many enemies? Then it is good to have God our Friend, an to keep up communion with him. Our fears should drive us to our knees The sacrifices for all these solemnities were a heavy expense for s poor a company; yet besides those expressly appointed, many brough free-will offerings to the Lord. And they made preparation for the building of the temple without delay: whatever God calls us to do, we may depend upon his providence to furnish us with the needful means.
Original Hebrew ויגע5060 החדשׁ2320 השׁביעי7637 ובני1121 ישׂראל3478 בערים5892 ויאספו622 העם5971 כאישׁ376 אחד259 אל413 ירושׁלם׃3389
