King James Version

What Does Ezra 3:10 Mean?

Ezra 3:10 in the King James Version says “And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets... — study this verse from Ezra chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezra 3:10 · KJV


Context

8

Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.

9

Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites. Judah: or, Hodaviah,Chap.2.40 together: Heb. as one

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.

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.

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The foundation ceremony's formal character—'when the builders laid the foundation'—marks a covenant moment. The priests' liturgical vestments, trumpets, and cymbals restored Davidic worship patterns (1 Chronicles 15-16). Praising God 'after the ordinance of David king of Israel' demonstrates submitting current practice to biblical precedent. This is the regulative principle—worship must follow divine prescription, not human innovation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David organized Levitical worship (1 Chronicles 23-26), establishing patterns that governed temple service. The trumpets and cymbals weren't arbitrary but divinely ordained for sacred assembly. Maintaining these forms through seventy years without temple required oral tradition and committed teaching. The ceremony's formality dignified the foundation-laying as sacred, not merely functional construction.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does praising God 'after the ordinance of David' teach about balancing historical worship forms with contemporary expression?
  2. How does formal liturgy serve to focus attention on God rather than performers or congregational feelings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְיִסְּד֥וּ1 of 21

laid the foundation

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

הַבֹּנִ֖ים2 of 21

And when the builders

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת3 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הֵיכַ֣ל4 of 21

of the temple

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיַּֽעֲמִידוּ֩6 of 21

they set

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֨ים7 of 21

the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

מְלֻבָּשִׁ֜ים8 of 21

in their apparel

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֗וֹת9 of 21

with trumpets

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

וְהַלְוִיִּ֤ם10 of 21

and the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

בְּנֵֽי11 of 21

the sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָסָף֙12 of 21

of Asaph

H623

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

בַּֽמְצִלְתַּ֔יִם13 of 21

with cymbals

H4700

(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals

לְהַלֵּל֙14 of 21

to praise

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

אֶת15 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֔ה16 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל17 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְדֵ֖י18 of 21

after the ordinance

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

דָּוִ֥יד19 of 21

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֶֽלֶךְ20 of 21

king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃21 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 3:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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