Before the foundations of the temple could be laid, the altar must first be placed on its bases — that would be its historic position — no other location, no other place would do. Today, with the outward testimony of Christendom in ruins, every man chooses his own bases for setting up his altar. This is contrary to the Word of God.
The morning and evening sacrifice — the continual burnt-offering (Ex. 29:38-46) — was established first. It was not the sin offering, but the burnt offering. In type, this offering speaks of the perfectness of Christ in giving Himself up in death for the glory of God; it is the basis of worship. They could not worship in Egypt (Ex. 5:1-3), neither could they worship in Babylon. Each speaks of the world: its pleasures and lusts in the first instance, and in the second, the religious world. It is instructive to note that Israel was in bondage in each place — a tyrant presided over both realms. Satan is both the prince of this world and its god. There was only one place an Israelite could worship, and that was at Jerusalem, the one location where Jehovah had placed His name. It is good to note that all was according to the Word of God (Ezra 3:2); we have here the scriptural restoration of worship in truth.
It is on the same ground, namely, offered and accepted sacrifice, that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ worship today, and, if we are to worship in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23), it must also be according to the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
A reason given for the setting up of the altar and the reestablishing of the morning and evening sacrifice, was the remnant’s fear of the people of that country (Ezra 3:3). In Exodus we read that it was in virtue of these particular sacrifices that God was able to dwell in the midst of His people (Ex. 29:38-46). The efficacy of the sacrifice remained. They were far safer with the Lord in their midst than they would have been had the city walls surrounded them: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:1).