Having resettled in their homes, the Jews are ready to turn to the task of rebuilding the Temple. In the seventh month they construct the altar, and in the second month following the first wave of aliya, the Levites are appointed to oversee the process of the reconstruction of the Temple. The foundation is laid and a great inaugural celebration is held in which the elderly people cry remembering the first Mikdash.
However, there are several signs that not all is well. The Altar was built without the Temple. Only a small group participated in the building of the Altar. Fear of the local population existed in the background of all of this activity. Only limited sacrifices were offered. The building of the first Mikdash was a grand and independent project. This project was a small one under Persian rule.
The message of the chapter’s narrative is two-fold. Even joyous occasions may be marked with elements of sadness. Human reality is complex and chapter three shines a spotlight on the tensions inherent to the human condition. Second, the fact that a celebratory moment is imperfect is no reason to avoid rejoicing altogether. An imperfect altar dedication is still cause for joy.
