Ezra 3:10

KJV

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the builders {H1129} laid the foundation {H3245} of the temple {H1964} of the LORD {H3068}, they set {H5975} the priests {H3548} in their apparel {H3847} with trumpets {H2689}, and the Levites {H3881} the sons {H1121} of Asaph {H623} with cymbals {H4700}, to praise {H1984} the LORD {H3068}, after the ordinance {H3027} of David {H1732} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of ADONAI, the cohanim in their robes, with trumpets, and the L'vi'im the sons of Asaf, with cymbals, took their places to praise ADONAI, as David king of Isra'el had instructed.

Berean Standard Bible

When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed.

American Standard Version

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of Jehovah, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise Jehovah, after the order of David king of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 3:10 describes the momentous occasion of laying the foundation for the Second Temple in Jerusalem, marking a pivotal step in the post-exilic restoration of the Jewish community. This verse vividly portrays the spiritual significance of the event, characterized by the organized and joyful praise of the Lord by priests and Levites, meticulously following the ancient, divinely established patterns of worship instituted by King David. It encapsulates a profound act of faith, national restoration, and a renewed commitment to God's presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 3:10 is situated within the broader narrative of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile and the initial efforts to re-establish their religious and national life in Jerusalem. Chapter 3 begins with the unified returnees gathering to rebuild the altar and resume daily sacrifices, demonstrating their immediate priority on worship ([Ezra 3:1](/ezra/3-1 "Ezra 3:1 - Rebuilding the Altar")). Following this, the verse highlights the commencement of the actual Temple structure, a logical progression from the altar. The subsequent verses describe the mixed reactions of joy and sorrow among the people as they witness this foundational work, foreshadowing the challenges and triumphs that would follow in the Temple's construction ([Ezra 3:11](/ezra/3-11 "Ezra 3:11 - Mixed Reactions to the Foundation")). This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial bridge between the re-establishment of sacrificial worship and the physical manifestation of God's dwelling place.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After seventy years of Babylonian captivity, the Jewish people were permitted to return to their homeland by the decree of King Cyrus of Persia in 538 BC ([Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree")). Under the leadership of Zerubbabel (governor) and Jeshua (high priest), the first wave of returnees faced the daunting task of rebuilding a desolate city and a shattered national identity. The destruction of Solomon's magnificent Temple by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC had left a deep spiritual and emotional void. The laying of the Second Temple's foundation was not merely a construction project; it was a profound act of faith, a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, and a symbol of national and spiritual revival. Culturally, the meticulous organization of priests and Levites for worship underscored the enduring importance of the Mosaic law and the Davidic traditions for the identity and spiritual well-being of the community.

* **Key Themes:** Ezra 3:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezra and the post-exilic period. First, it emphasizes **Restoration and Hope**, as the physical rebuilding of the Temple signifies the renewal of God's covenant with His people and the promise of a future for Israel, even amidst their diminished state. Second, the verse highlights the critical importance of **Ordered Worship and Reverence**. The presence of "priests in their apparel with trumpets" and "Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals" underscores that worship, even at this foundational stage, was to be conducted with dignity, intentionality, and according to established divine patterns, reflecting God's holiness and worthiness of praise. Third, it showcases the theme of **Praise and Thanksgiving** as the immediate and collective response to God's faithfulness, setting a tone of gratitude for the entire rebuilding effort despite the monumental challenges ahead. Finally, the phrase "after the ordinance of David king of Israel" underscores **Continuity with Tradition and Divine Authority**, linking the nascent community's worship practices directly to the divinely inspired organization of worship from Israel's golden age, particularly David's arrangements for Temple musicians and Levites ([1 Chronicles 23:5](/1_chronicles/23-5 "1 Chronicles 23:5 - David's Organization of Levites") and [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David's Organization of Temple Musicians")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ordinance (Hebrew, _mishpat_):** This significant Hebrew term, מִשְׁפָּט, carries a rich semantic range encompassing "judgment," "justice," "custom," "manner," "due," or "established pattern." In this context, it refers to the authoritative and meticulously organized system of worship, particularly concerning the roles of priests and Levites in musical praise, that King David had established for the first Temple. It implies a divinely guided structure, not merely a casual arrangement, emphasizing that the post-exilic community was deliberately aligning their worship with a sacred, historical precedent. This adherence to David's "ordinance" provided legitimacy, continuity, and a sense of divine approval to their rebuilding efforts.
* **Sons of Asaph (Hebrew, _bene Asaph_):** Asaph, אָסָף, was a prominent Levitical musician and seer during the time of King David, one of the three chief musicians appointed for Temple service ([1 Chronicles 6:39](/1_chronicles/6-39 "1 Chronicles 6:39 - Asaph, Chief Musician")). His descendants, the "sons of Asaph," formed a guild of Temple singers and musicians, renowned for their skill in praise and prophecy through music. Their presence with cymbals at the foundation laying signifies the re-establishment of this specific, highly skilled, and divinely appointed musical ministry, ensuring that the praise offered was not only heartfelt but also professionally executed according to the highest standards of the Davidic tradition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD":** This clause marks the physical commencement of the Temple's reconstruction. "Builders" refers to the skilled laborers and the returning exiles who, under Zerubbabel's leadership, were actively involved in the construction. The "foundation" is the crucial first step, symbolizing a new beginning and the re-establishment of God's dwelling place among His people after its prolonged absence. The phrase "of the temple of the LORD" immediately elevates the project from a mere building to a sacred undertaking, dedicated to Yahweh.
* **"they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets":** As soon as the foundation was laid, the focus shifted to worship. The "priests" were the descendants of Aaron, responsible for mediating between God and Israel. Their "apparel" refers to their sacred vestments, signifying their consecrated status and the holiness of the occasion. "Trumpets" were used in Israel for various purposes, including signaling, warfare, and, significantly, for summoning assemblies and accompanying sacrifices and festivals, particularly in solemn and joyous acts of worship ([Numbers 10:10](/numbers/10-10 "Numbers 10:10 - Use of Trumpets")). Their presence indicates a formal, solemn, and celebratory act of consecration and praise.
* **"and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD":** Complementing the priests, the "Levites" were the tribe set apart for Temple service, and specifically, the "sons of Asaph" were renowned musicians. "Cymbals" were percussive instruments used to provide rhythmic accompaniment and emphasize the joyous nature of the praise. The explicit purpose, "to praise the LORD," highlights that the entire ceremony was an act of adoration and thanksgiving, recognizing God's faithfulness in allowing them to begin this sacred work.
* **"after the ordinance of David king of Israel":** This crucial phrase connects the present act of worship directly to the established, divinely inspired practices of Israel's past. "Ordinance" (mishpat) signifies a prescribed, authoritative pattern. By consciously following David's arrangements for Temple worship, the returning exiles affirmed their continuity with their rich spiritual heritage and sought to ensure that their worship was pleasing to God, based on a precedent that God Himself had blessed ([1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1_chronicles/28-11-19 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David's Temple Plans from God")).

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 3:10 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the "foundation of the temple" is not merely a physical structure but a powerful symbol of national restoration, renewed covenant, and the re-establishment of God's presence among His people. The musical instruments – trumpets and cymbals – are also symbolic, representing solemnity, celebration, and the joyous outpouring of praise. There is a clear **Allusion** to the Davidic era, specifically "the ordinance of David king of Israel," which serves to legitimize and elevate the current worship by connecting it to a golden age of Israel's spiritual history and a divinely sanctioned pattern. This allusion also creates a sense of **Continuity**, bridging the gap between the glorious First Temple and the nascent Second Temple, assuring the community that God's favor and established worship practices remained unchanged despite the intervening exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 3:10 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God's faithfulness endures, even through periods of judgment and exile. The act of laying the Temple foundation, accompanied by organized and joyous worship, signifies the renewal of God's covenant with His people and His commitment to dwell among them. It underscores that true restoration begins not just with physical rebuilding, but with a spiritual reorientation towards God through worship. The meticulous adherence to David's "ordinance" highlights the importance of ordered, intentional, and biblically-rooted worship as a core expression of faith and obedience. This event served as a powerful reminder to the returning exiles, and to us, that God's presence is the ultimate source of hope and stability, and that praise is the appropriate response to His redemptive work.

* [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David's Organization of Temple Musicians")
* [Psalm 100:4](/psalm/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving")
* [Haggai 2:9](/haggai/2-9 "Haggai 2:9 - The Glory of the Latter Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Ezra 3:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that when embarking on any significant endeavor, whether personal, communal, or spiritual, the foundational act should always be one of worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Just as the exiles prioritized praise at the very outset of their rebuilding project, we too are called to begin with God, inviting His presence and blessing into our plans and efforts. This verse also underscores the value of ordered and intentional service; God delights in worship that is not only heartfelt but also thoughtful, structured, and reverent. Furthermore, the exiles' adherence to the "ordinance of David" teaches us the importance of connecting with our rich spiritual heritage, drawing wisdom and inspiration from established biblical patterns of faith and worship. In moments of new beginnings or daunting challenges, like the exiles faced, remembering God's past faithfulness and responding with praise can transform our perspective and strengthen our resolve, anchoring our hope in His unchanging character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does prioritizing worship at the beginning of a new endeavor, whether personal or communal, change its trajectory?**
* **In what ways can we ensure our worship, both corporate and individual, is not only heartfelt but also ordered and intentional, reflecting God's holiness?**
* **What "foundations" are you currently laying in your life, and how can you intentionally incorporate praise and acknowledgment of God into those beginnings?**
* **How does understanding and valuing the historical and biblical "ordinances" of faith inform and enrich your contemporary spiritual practices?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of following the "ordinance of David"?**

Answer: Following the "ordinance of David" was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provided **legitimacy and divine approval** to the worship practices of the returning exiles. David's organization of the Temple service, particularly the musical ministries, was understood to be divinely inspired ([1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1_chronicles/28-11-19 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David's Temple Plans from God")). Secondly, it ensured **continuity** with the glorious worship of the First Temple era, bridging the gap created by the exile and reinforcing their identity as God's covenant people. Thirdly, it established a **pattern of order and excellence** for worship, emphasizing that God deserves the best and that His service should be conducted with precision and reverence.

**Who were the "sons of Asaph," and why were they specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The "sons of Asaph" were a prominent family of Levites descended from Asaph, one of the three chief musicians appointed by King David for the Tabernacle and later Temple service ([1 Chronicles 6:39](/1_chronicles/6-39 "1 Chronicles 6:39 - Asaph, Chief Musician")). They were a renowned guild of Temple singers and musicians, known for their skill in leading praise and even for prophetic utterances through music. Their specific mention in Ezra 3:10 highlights the meticulous re-establishment of the full, divinely ordained Temple personnel and ministries. It underscores the importance of skilled, dedicated, and lineage-specific roles in the sacred worship of God, ensuring that the praise was not only spontaneous but also expertly executed according to tradition.

**Was this Second Temple as grand as Solomon's Temple?**

Answer: No, the Second Temple, particularly at its foundation, was not as grand or magnificent as Solomon's original Temple. Ezra 3:12 notes that many of the older priests and Levites who had seen the first Temple wept loudly when they saw the foundation of this new one, indicating its comparatively modest scale. However, despite its physical limitations, the Second Temple was profoundly significant. It represented God's enduring presence among His people and the fulfillment of prophetic promises regarding their return. Later, the prophet Haggai would declare that the glory of this latter house would be greater than the former, not necessarily in material splendor, but through the eventual presence of the Messiah within its courts ([Haggai 2:9](/haggai/2-9 "Haggai 2:9 - The Glory of the Latter Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 3:10, with its focus on the laying of the Temple's foundation and the re-establishment of worship, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, a dwelling place for God among His people, was always a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction and Resurrection")). Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). The foundation laid in Ezra 3:10 foreshadows Christ as the chief cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of God's new covenant people is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Just as priests and Levites offered praise at the Temple's foundation, believers in Christ are now a "spiritual house" and a "holy priesthood," offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship through Him ([1 Peter 1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")). The "ordinance of David" for physical worship is superseded by the new covenant reality where worship is offered "in spirit and truth" through Christ's perfect sacrifice, which has opened a new and living way into God's presence ([John 4:23](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - Worship in Spirit and Truth") and [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - New and Living Way")). Thus, the hope and restoration embodied in Ezra 3:10 are fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the Temple and the object of our eternal praise.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 15:24

And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.

1 Chronicles 16:42

And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun [were] porters.

1 Samuel 22:18

And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.

1 Chronicles 16:4

And he appointed [certain] of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

1 Chronicles 16:7

¶ Then on that day David delivered first [this psalm] to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

Zechariah 4:10

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel [with] those seven; they [are] the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

Nehemiah 12:24

And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.