Ezra 3:6, commentary and pictures

The returned remnant as speedily as possible erected an altar for daily burnt offerings on the site of the ancient altar in the temple court. Gathered together as one, they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD from the first day of the seventh month, though the foundation of the temple was not yet laid. By this they reestablished the sacred services interrupted at the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, and they kept the Feast of Tabernacles before separating to dwell in the homes they were restoring.

Daily offerings and other worship could therefore be restored at the altar while preparations for rebuilding the temple were still underway. The setting up of the altar greatly cheered the faithful remnant after years deprived of visible tokens of God's presence, giving them assurance of His presence with them. Above regaining personal property and ancient privileges, they longed for an abiding token of divine forgiveness, favor, and approval, and they entered heartily into preparations for rebuilding the temple while looking forward with joyous anticipation to beholding His glory shine forth from within.

The verse belongs to the record in Ezra 3-6 of the Lord's people doing the work He said should be done while those not in harmony with God tried to hinder it. To counterwork the Lord's plans and hinder the good work being accomplished by those laboring by His appointment, such as the work in Nashville, even by those who have light from God, is an offense to God that He will not endorse or countenance. The verse calls God's people to show honor to God at once by rising up and building a house for Him where they can worship in humbleness of mind, kneel down, and serve becomingly and in order, dedicating the building to God without delay as a witness to the truth they believe, with faith of the right quality and in haste rather than waiting longer.