V.1 The Lord Himself had chosen Jerusalem (Deut. 12:55But unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: (Deuteronomy 12:5)). And in response to His call, they were all gathered together there. Notice, “as one man.” They all had one purpose — to be where the Lord wanted them to be. That always produces oneness.
V.2-3 They were surrounded by enemies, and feared them. The first thing they did was to set up the altar and offer burnt offerings. They immediately gave the Lord His rightful place, and counted on Him to take care of them.
V.4 Sacrificing and keeping the feasts of Tabernacles, with joy! Praise to God (v. 3), joy in their hearts (v. 4).
V.8-13 Important lesson. When the foundation of this new house of the Lord was laid, there was great joy and gladness. But there were some very old Jews who could remember the glory of Solomon’s temple; they wept when they saw this new foundation, so poor and small, not like the “old days.” Turn to Haggai 2:3-5,3Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts: 5According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. (Haggai 2:3‑5) and see that God heard their weeping and sent a wonderful message.