Ezra 3:11

KJV

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they sang together by course {H6030} in praising {H1984} and giving thanks {H3034} unto the LORD {H3068}; because he is good {H2896}, for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769} toward Israel {H3478}. And all the people {H5971} shouted {H7321} with a great {H1419} shout {H8643}, when they praised {H1984} the LORD {H3068}, because the foundation {H3245} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} was laid {H3245}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They sang antiphonally, praising and giving "thanks to ADONAI, for he is good, for his grace continues forever" toward Isra'el. All the people raised a great shout of praise to ADONAI, because the foundation of the house of ADONAI had been laid.

Berean Standard Bible

And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid.

American Standard Version

And they sang one to another in praising and giving thanks unto Jehovah, saying, For he is good, for his lovingkindness endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Jehovah, because the foundation of the house of Jehovah was laid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 3:11 powerfully captures the overwhelming joy and corporate worship of the returning Jewish exiles in Jerusalem as they witnessed the pivotal moment of laying the foundation for the Second Temple. Their praise, expressed through antiphonal singing, centered on a profound theological confession of God's inherent goodness and His eternal, covenantal mercy toward Israel, culminating in a resounding shout of thanksgiving that marked a tangible step in their spiritual and national restoration after generations of exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 3 details the initial steps of the returning exiles under Zerubbabel and Jeshua to re-establish worship in Jerusalem. Following their arrival in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Return from Exile"), chapter 3 opens with the rebuilding of the altar and the re-institution of daily sacrifices during the Feast of Booths, demonstrating their immediate commitment to covenant faithfulness even before the Temple structure was begun. Verses 8-10 describe the meticulous organization of the Levites and priests for the work, culminating in the laying of the Temple's foundation. Verse 11, therefore, serves as the emotional and spiritual climax of this foundational work, capturing the collective response of the people, which is then contrasted in [Ezra 3:12](/ezra/3-12 "Ezra 3:12 - Weeping and Shouting") with the tears of the older generation who remembered the glory of the First Temple. This verse is the crescendo of joy before the mixed emotions of the following verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, around 536 BC, shortly after Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC allowed the Jews to return and rebuild their Temple (as recorded in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree")). The First Temple, Solomon's magnificent edifice, had been utterly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, leading to seventy years of Babylonian captivity ([2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Destruction of Jerusalem and Exile")). For generations, the Temple, the physical dwelling place of God's presence among His people, had been absent. Its rebuilding was not merely a construction project but a profound theological and national restoration, signifying God's renewed favor and the re-establishment of their identity as a covenant people in their land. The "singing by course" reflects ancient antiphonal worship practices, common in Israelite liturgy, where groups (e.g., priests and Levites) would respond to each other in praise, a tradition deeply embedded in their cultural and religious heritage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**, as God fulfills His promise to bring His people back to the land and enable the rebuilding of His house, echoing prophecies like those in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Restoration and Hope"). The **Centrality of Worship** is evident in the immediate priority given to rebuilding the altar and then the Temple, emphasizing that the physical structure was for the very purpose of worship and communion with God, reflecting the commands of the Pentateuch. Furthermore, the **Corporate Nature of Faith** is underscored by the communal singing and shouting, illustrating that the spiritual journey and acts of praise are often shared experiences within the community of faith, reflecting the unity and shared purpose of God's people as seen in passages like [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - Unity of Brethren").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praising (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root means "to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate." In this context, it refers to a fervent, often boisterous, expression of commendation and honor directed towards God. It signifies a public and enthusiastic acknowledgment of His greatness and worth, a deep and outward manifestation of adoration.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective describes God's inherent nature and character, signifying His benevolence, kindness, and moral perfection. In the context of the exiles' return and the Temple's foundation, it affirms God's active, positive, and benevolent disposition towards His people, even after a period of judgment. Their praise acknowledges God's intrinsic perfection and His active goodness toward them, which is the foundation of their hope.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This rich theological term denotes God's steadfast love, covenant loyalty, unfailing kindness, and enduring faithfulness. It is a love that is active, committed, and persistent, especially in the face of human unfaithfulness. The declaration "his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: _ki le'olam ḥasdō_) is a recurring liturgical refrain throughout the Old Testament, particularly prominent in the Psalms ([Psalm 136](/psalm/136 "Psalm 136 - God's Enduring Mercy")) and Chronicles, affirming God's everlasting covenant loyalty to Israel despite their past failures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the corporate and liturgical nature of the event. The "singing by course" (antiphonal, from H6030 _'ânâh_) implies a well-organized and deeply communal act of worship, demonstrating unity and shared purpose in their gratitude towards Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This was a deliberate, structured act of adoration.
* **"because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel":** This is the profound theological content of their song, a confession of God's unchanging character. Their praise is rooted not in their circumstances, but in God's inherent goodness (_ṭôwb_) and His eternal, covenantal steadfast love (_ḥesed_) specifically directed towards His chosen people, Israel, despite their past failures and the recent exile. This refrain echoes ancient liturgical declarations of God's enduring faithfulness, particularly as seen in the Psalms.
* **"And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid":** This describes the overwhelming, visceral response of the entire assembly. The "great shout" (from H7321 _rûwaʻ_ and H8643 _tᵉrûwʻâh_) signifies immense joy, relief, and elation, a spontaneous outburst of communal celebration. The cause of this outburst is explicitly stated: the laying of the Temple's foundation. This tangible milestone represented the visible beginning of God's dwelling place among them once more, a sign of His faithfulness and the renewal of their spiritual and national identity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 3:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of emotion and theological significance of the moment. **Antiphony** is implied in the phrase "sang together by course," creating a dynamic, participatory worship scene that highlights the unity and collective voice of the community. The repetition of the phrase "because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever" functions as a **refrain**, a common liturgical element in Israelite worship, emphasizing a core theological truth and linking this moment to a long tradition of praise (e.g., [1 Chronicles 16:34](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good")). The "great shout" serves as both **hyperbole** and vivid **auditory imagery**, conveying the overwhelming emotional intensity and collective exuberance of the people. Finally, the Temple foundation itself acts as a potent **symbol** of God's faithfulness, the restoration of the covenant, and the renewed hope for Israel's future, a physical manifestation of divine promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The celebration in Ezra 3:11 is a profound theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness despite human failure. It underscores that God's covenant promises are ultimately fulfilled, even after periods of judgment and desolation. The people's praise is not based on their merit or the completion of the project, but on God's inherent goodness and eternal mercy, a foundational truth for all believers. This event highlights the importance of corporate worship as a communal expression of gratitude and recognition of God's redemptive work, and the joy that accompanies the visible manifestation of His presence and purposes among His people. It reminds us that even small, foundational steps in God's plan are worthy of immense celebration, for they are signs of His ongoing commitment to His people.

* [Psalm 100:5](/psalm/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's mercies never come to an end")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 3:11 offers a powerful model for contemporary believers, reminding us to cultivate hearts of profound gratitude and to actively participate in corporate worship. Just as the exiles celebrated the foundational step of Temple rebuilding, we are called to recognize and rejoice in God's faithfulness in our own lives and communities, even in the initial, seemingly small stages of His work. This verse encourages us to anchor our praise in God's unchanging character—His goodness and enduring mercy—especially when emerging from periods of difficulty or brokenness, or when facing daunting tasks. It challenges us to embrace communal expressions of faith, understanding that our collective worship not only honors God but also strengthens the bonds within the body of Christ, providing a powerful witness to His restorative power and unfailing love in a world that desperately needs to see it. Our joy, like theirs, should be rooted in God's character, not merely in the completion of a task.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "foundations" or small beginnings in your life or community is God laying that warrant profound celebration and thanksgiving?**
* **How does remembering God's enduring goodness and mercy (His _ḥesed_) sustain your hope during times of waiting or difficulty?**
* **In what ways can you more fully engage in and contribute to the corporate worship of your faith community, reflecting the unity and joy seen in Ezra 3:11?**

### FAQ
**Why was the laying of the foundation such a significant event?**

Answer: The laying of the Temple's foundation was profoundly significant because it marked the tangible beginning of God's dwelling place being re-established in Jerusalem after decades of desolation following the Babylonian exile. The Temple was the center of Israelite worship, national identity, and the place where God's presence was uniquely manifested. Its destruction had symbolized God's judgment and the brokenness of the covenant. Therefore, its rebuilding, even just the foundation, was a visible sign of God's faithfulness, the renewal of His covenant with His people, and the fulfillment of prophecies concerning their return and restoration ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - God's Plans for Restoration")). It signified hope, a new beginning, and the return of divine favor to Israel, sparking immense joy and praise as recorded in [Ezra 3:11](/ezra/3-11 "Ezra 3:11 - Laying the Temple Foundation").

**What does "sang together by course" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "sang together by course" (Hebrew: _'al yād_, referring to the practice indicated by H6030 _'ânâh_) indicates an antiphonal or responsive style of singing. This was a common practice in ancient Israelite worship, where different groups, often choirs of Levites or sections of the congregation, would sing in alternation or in response to one another. This method created a dynamic and powerful communal expression of praise, allowing for widespread participation and a unified, resounding sound. It emphasized the corporate nature of their worship and their shared dedication to the [LORD](/ezra/3-11 "Ezra 3:11 - Praise to the Lord"). This style of worship is also seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as in the Psalms and during the dedication of Solomon's Temple.

**Why did some people weep while others shouted for joy (Ezra 3:12)?**

Answer: [Ezra 3:12](/ezra/3-12 "Ezra 3:12 - Weeping and Shouting") explains that while the younger generation and many others shouted for joy, the older priests, Levites, and heads of families who had seen the glory of the First Temple (Solomon's Temple) wept loudly. Their tears were likely a complex mix of joy and sorrow. Joy, because they were witnessing the beginning of the Temple's restoration, a long-awaited event and a sign of God's faithfulness. Sorrow, because the new foundation, though a blessing, likely appeared humble and less glorious in comparison to the magnificent and grand original Temple they remembered. This contrast highlights the bittersweet nature of restoration, where present blessings are received with gratitude but also with a poignant awareness of past glories or losses, reflecting the profound emotional weight of their history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The joyous celebration of the Temple's foundation in Ezra 3:11, rooted in God's enduring goodness and mercy, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the physical Temple was a vital symbol of God's presence among His people, it was always a foreshadowing of a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared that He was the true Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")," referring to His own body and His resurrection. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ not only laid the foundation for a new covenant but became the very dwelling place of God, reconciling humanity to the Father. The "mercy [endureth] for ever" sung by the exiles is fully realized in the boundless grace extended through Christ, whose steadfast love endures eternally for all who believe ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")). Furthermore, in the New Testament, believers are now collectively the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and are being built together into a "holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Built into a Holy Temple")), with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Cornerstone")). Thus, the shout of joy in Ezra 3:11 anticipates the even greater, eternal joy of salvation and spiritual communion made possible through Christ, the ultimate foundation and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, establishing a spiritual house far surpassing any physical edifice ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")).

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 16:34

O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 106:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 107:1

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 103:17

But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

Psalms 135:3

Praise the LORD; for the LORD [is] good: sing praises unto his name; for [it is] pleasant.

Psalms 118:1

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: because his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Jeremiah 33:11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.