Ezra 3:12

But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, [who were] ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

But many {H7227} of the priests {H3548} and Levites {H3881} and chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1}, who were ancient men {H2205}, that had seen {H7200} the first {H7223} house {H1004}, when the foundation {H3245} of this house {H1004} was laid {H3245} before their eyes {H5869}, wept {H1058} with a loud {H1419} voice {H6963}; and many {H7227} shouted {H8643} aloud {H7311} for joy {H8057}:

But many of the cohanim, L'vi'im and heads of fathers' clans, the old men who had seen the first house standing on its foundation, wept out loud when they saw this house; while others shouted out loud for joy -

But many of the older priests, Levites, and family heads who had seen the first temple wept loudly when they saw the foundation of this temple. Still, many others shouted joyfully.

But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, the old men that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

Commentary

Ezra 3:12 captures a powerful and poignant moment in the history of the returning Jewish exiles, illustrating the complex emotions that accompany restoration and new beginnings. This verse describes the laying of the foundation for the Second Temple in Jerusalem, an event met with both profound sorrow and exuberant joy.

Historical and Cultural Context

After the seventy years of Babylonian captivity, a remnant of the Jewish people, led by Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua, returned to Jerusalem under the decree of King Cyrus. Their primary objective was to rebuild the Temple, which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Ezra 3 details the re-establishment of altar worship and the commencement of the Temple's reconstruction. The laying of the foundation for this Second Temple was a monumental step, signifying the restoration of their worship life and national identity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Mixed Emotions at Restoration: The verse vividly portrays a scene of contrasting emotions. The "ancient men" — priests, Levites, and elders — who had lived through the exile and remembered the magnificent First Temple built by Solomon, wept with a loud voice. Their tears were likely a mixture of sorrow for the lost glory, the humiliation of exile, and perhaps a poignant recognition that this new structure, while a blessing, would not compare to the grandeur of the former. In stark contrast, "many shouted aloud for joy," likely the younger generation and others who had no memory of the First Temple, seeing the foundation as a pure symbol of renewed hope, God's faithfulness, and the joyous start of a new era.
  • Generational Perspective: This passage highlights the differing perspectives between generations. The elders carried the burden of what was lost, while the younger generation embraced the promise of what was being rebuilt. Both responses were valid and deeply human, reflecting their unique experiences.
  • God's Faithfulness Amidst Varied Responses: Despite the mixed reactions, the event itself was a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. He had allowed them to return and begin restoring their place of worship, fulfilling His promises. This echoes the promise of God's plans for hope and a future.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "wept with a loud voice" (Hebrew: b'qol gadol) and "shouted aloud for joy" (Hebrew: b'qol gadol) both emphasize the intensity and public nature of these emotions. It wasn't quiet weeping or subdued joy, but a powerful, audible expression of deep feelings, signifying the profound impact of the moment on the entire community. The repeated phrase underscores that both sorrow and joy were expressed with equal fervor.

Practical Application

This passage offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Embracing New Beginnings: We are often called to move forward with new endeavors, even when they may not perfectly match the glory or comfort of past experiences. The focus should be on God's present work and future promises.
  • Acknowledging Mixed Emotions: It is natural and human to experience both sorrow over past losses and joy for present blessings or future hopes, especially during times of transition, rebuilding, or renewal. God understands and validates these complex feelings.
  • Valuing Different Perspectives: Communities, families, and churches often comprise people with diverse experiences and perspectives. Understanding and respecting these differences, whether generational or otherwise, is crucial for unity, empathy, and collective progress.
  • Trusting in God's Restoration: Just as God faithfully restored His people and their worship in Ezra's time, He remains faithful to restore and rebuild in our lives and in the church, even after periods of desolation or loss. This can be seen in the promise of God doing a new thing.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Haggai 2:3 (7 votes)

    Who [is] left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? [is it] not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?

  • Matthew 13:31 (2 votes)

    Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

  • Matthew 13:32 (2 votes)

    Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

  • Job 8:7 (2 votes)

    Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

  • Psalms 126:6 (2 votes)

    He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 60:22 (2 votes)

    A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.