After returning to the Promised Land the people went to their different towns, then on the seventh month they came together to build the altar and celebrate the Feast of Booths (v1-6). At this stage the temple had not been started and preparation work begins (v7).

In the second year the work begins (v8-9) with the laying of the foundation stone which created a great celebration (v10-11). The priests and priests led the people with joyful music and singing which focused on God’s goodness and love. The people’s hearts were stirred with a great sense thankfulness. Is there true thankfulness in your heart to God that bursts out in praise?

One thing that is emphasised in this chapter is that all was done according to God’s word (v2, 4, 10). Our worship must not be according to our desires and imagination but according to God’s will.

The people were divided between thankfulness and sadness (v12-13). In our praise we should not be blind to how things are not as they should be.