The text highlights that while many rejoiced with shouts, others wept, revealing a poignant tension: the joy of a new beginning was overshadowed for some by the memory of Solomon's magnificent temple. This reveals that even in moments of apparent triumph and restoration, we can hold contrasting emotions, with gratitude for the present coexisting with sorrow for what has been lost.
And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The people have just finished laying the foundation for the new temple in Jerusalem after returning from exile. This moment sparks a profound response: some shout for joy, remembering the hardship of life without God's dwelling place, while others, who had seen Solomon's magnificent temple, weep loudly at the humble beginnings of this new structure. Nevertheless, the overwhelming sentiment is praise as they recall God's faithfulness.
Imagine standing on ground where something glorious once stood, now in ruins. What emotions surface when a new beginning dawns?
This moment wasn't just pure celebration. For some, especially the elders who remembered Solomon's magnificent temple, seeing the foundation of this new temple brought tears. It was a stark reminder of what was lost – the Ark, the Shekinah glory, the Urim and Thummim. Their sorrow wasn't just about diminished grandeur, but a perceived loss of God's intense, visible presence. Yet, for others, especially those who had only known exile and the absence of a temple, this foundation was 'life from the dead,' a cause for immense shouting and praise. Both responses were present, highlighting how our past experiences shape our present perspective.
What song truly unites a diverse crowd, bridging past sorrows with present hopes?
The core of their praise, the refrain echoing through the celebration, was 'For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.' This wasn't just a hopeful wish; it was a theological declaration rooted in God's unchanging character and covenant promises. Even amidst the ruins and the memory of loss, this truth remained the solid ground of their worship. It served as a liturgical anchor, a reminder that while circumstances change, God's faithfulness doesn't. This recurring phrase, found throughout Israel's history, became the foundation of their hope just as the physical foundation was being laid.
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Why would people 'shout with a great shout' when laying just the foundation of a building?
The people's shouts weren't merely expressions of secular happiness or relief. The text specifies they shouted 'when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.' This shout was an act of worship, a vocal affirmation of faith. It declared their belief that God, who had brought them back from exile, was now enabling this crucial first step. In a time when rebuilding was uncertain and resources were scarce, this shout was a bold proclamation of trust in God's promises, anticipating the completion of His house and the restoration of His presence. It demonstrated a powerful, collective act of faith in the face of daunting challenges.
Understand the original words
halal · Hebrew Verb
An act of acknowledging God's worth, character, and works. It involves vocalizing adoration, honor, and exaltation, often in a communal setting.
yadah · Hebrew Verb
The expression of gratitude or acknowledgment of God’s benefits and grace toward His people. It is a central element of Hebrew worship.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Old Testament, representing His personal, self-existent, and faithful relationship with His people.
hesed · Hebrew Noun
A rich, theological term describing God’s faithful, loyal, and covenant-keeping love. It implies active, mercy-filled commitment that persists despite the recipient’s unworthiness.
The immense joy of laying the Second Temple's foundation, expressed in shouting and praise, is powerfully contrasted with the sorrow of elders who remembered Solomon's magnificent First Temple, highlighting the bittersweet reality of restoration after devastating loss.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Solomon's Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, initiating the Babylonian exile for many Judeans.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus, overthrows the Babylonian Empire, setting the stage for the return of exiled peoples.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem.
536 BC— this verse
Return of Exiles and Temple Foundation
The first wave of exiles returns to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, commencing the work of rebuilding the Temple and laying its foundation.
c. 520 BC
Haggai and Zechariah Prophesy
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people to resume and complete the Temple construction, which had stalled due to opposition and discouragement.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Second Temple is completed and dedicated, though it notably lacks the glory of the First Temple, leading to mixed emotions among the people.
This passage describes the Levites appointed to offer thanksgiving and praise to the Lord with musical instruments, echoing the singing and giving thanks in Ezra.
Psalm 136:1This verse is the very refrain sung by the people in Ezra, highlighting the enduring goodness and steadfast love of God, which was the focus of their praise.
Jeremiah 33:11This prophecy foretells a time when the sounds of joy and gladness, along with the voices of thanksgiving and praise, will be heard in Jerusalem, directly fulfilled by the scene in Ezra.
Nehemiah 12:43This passage describes a similar scene of great joy and celebration with music and singing when the walls of Jerusalem were dedicated, showing a recurring pattern of worshipful thanksgiving for God's restoration.
bensonEzra 3:11: "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."
Ezra 3:11-12 . And they sang together by course — That is, answered one another alternately. And all the people shouted with a great shout — The people were very differently affected upon this occasion. Those…
pulpitEzra 3:11: "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."
Verse 11. - They sang together by course. Literally, "They replied (to each other)," or sang antiphonically; the burthen of their song being, that God was good, and his mercy towards Israel everlasting (comp.…
The text highlights that while many rejoiced with shouts, others wept, revealing a poignant tension: the joy of a new beginning was overshadowed for some by the memory of Solomon's magnificent temple. This reveals that even in moments of apparent triumph and restoration, we can hold contrasting emotions, with gratitude for the present coexisting with sorrow for what has been lost.
The people have just finished laying the foundation for the new temple in Jerusalem after returning from exile. This moment sparks a profound response: some shout for joy, remembering the hardship of life without God's dwelling place, while others, who had seen Solomon's magnificent temple, weep loudly at the humble beginnings of this new structure. Nevertheless, the overwhelming sentiment is praise as they recall God's faithfulness.
The people have just finished laying the foundation for the new temple in Jerusalem after returning from exile. This moment sparks a profound response: some shout for joy, remembering the hardship of life without God's dwelling place, while others, who had seen Solomon's magnificent temple, weep loudly at the humble beginnings of this new structure. Nevertheless, the overwhelming sentiment is praise as they recall God's faithfulness.
"And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD,
“For he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.”
And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LO…" — The text highlights that while many rejoiced with shouts, others wept, revealing a poignant tension: the joy of a new beginning was overshadowed for some by the memory of Solomon's magnificent temple…
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Last reviewed October 2026