Ezra 3:10

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Ezra 3:10 KJV describes a pivotal moment in the post-exilic history of Israel: the laying of the foundation for the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the deep spiritual significance of the rebuilding effort, marked by organized worship and joyous praise to the Lord.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following seventy years of Babylonian exile, the Jewish people were permitted to return to their homeland by the decree of King Cyrus of Persia (Ezra 1:1-4). Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, the first priority upon their return was to re-establish the altar and resume sacrificial worship. Ezra 3:10 marks the next crucial step: the commencement of the actual temple structure. This wasn't merely a construction project; it was a profound act of faith and national restoration, rebuilding the spiritual center of their identity after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Restoration and Hope: The laying of the foundation symbolized the renewal of God's covenant with His people and the promise of a future. It was a tangible sign that God was bringing them back from desolation.
  • Ordered Worship and Reverence: The presence of "priests in their apparel with trumpets" and "Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals" underscores the importance of proper, dignified, and joyful worship. Even at the foundational stage, reverence for God's house was paramount.
  • Praise and Thanksgiving: Despite the monumental task ahead and the challenges they faced, the immediate response was to "praise the LORD." This act of collective praise set the tone for the entire rebuilding effort, emphasizing God's faithfulness over their struggles.
  • Continuity with Tradition: The phrase "after the ordinance of David king of Israel" is significant. It shows a deliberate effort to reconnect with the established, divinely-inspired worship practices from Israel's golden age, particularly David's organization of the temple musicians and Levites (1 Chronicles 25:1, 1 Chronicles 23:5). This provided a sense of legitimacy and continuity for the nascent community.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ordinance of David" (Hebrew: mispat David) refers to the established pattern, regulation, or custom that King David had meticulously organized for temple worship. This was not a casual arrangement but a divinely guided structure for the Levites and priests concerning their duties, particularly in music and praise. It highlights the importance of following established, godly precedents in worship and service.

Practical Application

Ezra 3:10 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Begin with Worship: When embarking on new endeavors, whether personal, communal, or spiritual, prioritizing praise and acknowledging God's sovereignty sets a strong foundation.
  • Value Ordered Service: God appreciates worship that is not only heartfelt but also orderly and intentional. This applies to church services, personal devotions, and all areas of life where we seek to honor Him.
  • Remember God's Faithfulness: Just as the exiles remembered God's past mercies, we too should recall His faithfulness in our lives, especially when facing daunting tasks or uncertainties. This builds our confidence and prompts us to enter His gates with thanksgiving.
  • Connect with Spiritual Heritage: Understanding and valuing the rich history and traditions of faith, particularly those rooted in Scripture, can provide guidance and inspiration for contemporary worship and living.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 15:24 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Zechariah 4:10 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.