Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
10. And when the builders &c.] By ‘the builders’ is clearly meant the workmen, not, as some commentators, Zerubbabel and Jeshua.
they set the priests &c.] So also R.V. text. (1) According to this reading, ( a) the subject of the verb must be the leaders of the people (as described in Ezr 3:2); ( b) the word ‘set’ in the Hebrew is the same as ‘appointed’ in Ezr 3:8 (see note); ( c) and a parallelism may be noted between Ezr 3:8-11. Ezr 3:8; Ezr 3:10 describe the appointment (8) of the Levites, (10) of the priests; Ezr 3:9; Ezr 3:11 the work (9) of the Levites, (11) of the priests.
But the parallelism in other respects breaks down. In Ezr 3:8, the subject of the first clause (‘Zerubbabel &c. began’) is also the subject of the second (‘and they appointed’). In Ezr 3:10 the subject of the first clause cannot (except by the very unlikely interpretation which identifies ‘the builders’ with Zerubbabel and Jeshua) be taken as the subject of the second. Again in Ezr 3:8, after the word ‘appointed’ we find the sign of the accusative before ‘the Levites’ (so also in 1Ch 15:17-18). In Ezr 3:10 its absence is very noteworthy, when taken in conjunction with the evidence for the other reading.
(2) According to some MSS. and ancient versions the priests stood, R.V. margin. This reading is supported by thirteen Hebrew MSS. (according to Kennicott and de Rossi), by the LXX. ( ), by the Vulgate (steterunt), and by the parallel version in 1Es 5:59 (‘and the priests stood’ &c.). It is more likely to have been the original reading, and to have been altered by the insertion of a single small letter (ydh) so as to correspond with the form which appears in Ezr 3:8, ‘appointed’. Supposing the received text to be the original, we have to account for ( ) the omission of this letter in the authorities quoted above, ( ) the absence of the sign of the accusative, ( ) the statement that Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the priests appointed the priests.
Adopting the intransitive ‘stood’, ( ) we are able to account for the common text by the supposition that it is a reproduction of the form used a few lines above; ( ) the construction is perfectly simple, cf. 2Ch 29:26 ; 2Ch 35:10; ( ) though the parallelism of verses is lost, the order of the sentences is less artificial; with the introduction of the foundation of the Temple a fresh subject is started; ( ) in the ceremonies of the Temple the priests would be independent, ‘they stood’: the expression ‘they caused to stand or set’, though suitable as applied to ‘the Levites’, the subordinate order (Ezr 3:8), is less suitable as applied to ‘the priests’.
in their apparel ] literally ‘arrayed’ or ‘vestured’, i.e. in their priestly garments, cf. Ezr 2:69. In the similar description given in 1Ch 5:12 the same word receives closer definition ‘arrayed in white linen’ or ‘byssus’.
with trumpets ] as in 1Ch 15:24; 1Ch 16:6; 2Ch 5:12. The priests were specially commissioned to blow the sacred trumpets. Num 10:8.
with cymbals ] David assigned the instrumental music to the Levites, the cymbals especially to the sons of Asaph. Compare 1Ch 25:1 with 1Ch 16:4-5; 1Ch 25:6.
after the ordinance of David king of Israel ] R.V. after the order of &c. The same phrase occurs in 1Ch 25:2, ‘after the order of the king’, (R.V. marg. Heb. ‘ by the hands of the king ’).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
They set the priests – Or, according to another reading, The priests stood.
The Levites the sons of Asaph – i. e., such of the Levites as were descendants of Asaph. It would seem as if no descendants of Heman or Jeduthun had returned.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 10. After the ordinance of David] With psalms which he composed, acting in the manner which he directed.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
After the ordinance of David, Heb. by or according to the hands of David, i.e. in such manner and with such psalms, or songs, and instruments as God hath appointed by the hands or ministry of David.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord,…. The masons, whose work it was, Ezr 3:7
they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets; these were set in a proper place by the prince and the high priest, in their priestly garments, with trumpets in their hands to blow with, as the foundation was laying:
and the Levites the sons of Asaph, with cymbals to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel; these were instruments of brass, and made a tinkling sound, and were by the order of David; and the persons that made use of them; and the songs of praise they were played upon unto; all by his appointment, as well as harps and psalteries, which might now be used, though not expressed; see 1Ch 15:16. So the Messenians, when the walls of their city were raised by Epaminondas, and their houses and temples erected, attended it with sacrifices and prayer, and with piping and singing b.
b Pausan. Messenica, sive, l. 4. p. 368.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(10) After the ordinance of David, king of Israel.All goes back to earlier times. As the first offerings on the altar were according to what was written in the law of Moses, the man of God, so the musical ceremonial of this foundation is according to the precedent of David (see 1 Chronicles 6, 1Ch. 16:25). The trumpets belonged to the priests, the cymbals to the Levites, in the ancient ordinances of worship.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. To praise the Lord Not only in evidence of their joy and gratitude, but also to thrill the builders and all the people with inspiration and enthusiasm.
After the ordinance of David Literally, at the hands of David; that is, according to his direction or example in providing for appropriate temple services. See 1Ch 6:31 ; 1Ch 16:4; 1Ch 25:1.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
There is an uncommon degree of sweetness in this account. The mercy of God endureth forever. Surely this mercy is Jesus. And did not the Israelites consider it so when they sung the hymn? Jesus is the firstborn in the womb of mercy. He is emphatically called mercy; even the mercy promised. Luk 1:72 . And as all mercies are folded up in him, and can only be opened from him, and by him; this makes the song sweet indeed, and may well be sung everlastingly, for this mercy of Jehovah in Jesus endureth forever. It endured even while in Babylon; for the efficacy of redemption by him was as great in that season as in any other. Reader! shall not you and I join the song, and shout aloud in praises from the same cause, Jesus, the mercy of Jehovah, endureth forever.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Ezr 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.
Ver. 10. With trumpets ] These were used on all occasions of rejoicing.
With cymbals
After the ordinance of David
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Ezr 3:10-13
10Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD according to the directions of King David of Israel. 11And they sang praising and giving thanks to the LORD, saying, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever. 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. 12Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, while many shouted aloud for joy; 13so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far away.
Ezr 3:10 the builders had laid the foundation See note at Ezr 5:16.
trumpets These were silver trumpets (BDB 348) like those of Num 10:2, which were used at festival occasions by the priests (cf. Num 10:8; Num 31:6; Jos 6:4; 1Ch 15:24; 1Ch 16:6; 2Ch 5:12). See Special Topic: Horns Used By Israel .
cymbals This musical instrument (BDB 853) is mentioned several times in the OT (cf. 1Ch 15:16; 1Ch 15:19; 1Ch 16:5; 1Ch 25:1-6; 2Ch 7:6).
according to the directions of King David of Israel This phrase is theologically parallel to as is written in the law of Moses, the man of God, Ezr 3:2 and as it is written, Ezr 3:4. They both reflect the mentality of the returning Jews in wanting to act in conformity to God’s word like His covenant people of old and their appointed leaders (i.e., Moses and David). These returnees see themselves as the legitimate covenant people (cf. Ezr 3:11)!
The specific reference is to David’s organization of the Levites (cf. 1 Chronicles 24-25; 2Ch 29:25-30).
Ezr 3:11 For He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever This phrase was first used by David in 1Ch 16:34; 1Ch 16:41. Later it was incorporated into the Psa 106:1; Psa 107:1; Psa 118:1; Psa 118:29; and Psa 136:1. It was used by Solomon in his dedication of the temple in 2Ch 5:13; 2Ch 7:3. Part of it occurs in a Levitical praise text spoken before King Jehoshaphat in 2Ch 20:21.
For a good discussion of the Hebrew word hesed see NIDOTTE, vol. 2, pp. 211-218.
SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER (‘OLAM)
the LORD. . .His lovingkindness These are the two special terms for the covenant God. The term the LORD = YHWH (BDB 217, KB 394), which is a form of the VERB to be (cf. Exo 3:14). It is the covenant name for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. See Special Topic: NAMES FOR DEITY .
The theological use of the word lovingkindness (BDB 338, KB 336 II, NKJV, mercy; NRSV, steadfast love; NJB, faithful love) speaks of God’s covenant love and fidelity. It denotes an aspect of His characterloving faithfulness and trustworthiness. See Special Topic: Lovingkindness (Hesed) .
Ezr 3:12 It seems that the climax of this chapter is reached in Ezr 3:11, but Ezr 3:12-13 show the anticlimax for those who personally saw Solomon’s Temple. This may have been part of the problem of apathy which plagued these returnees. This same thing recurs at the dedication of the temple in 520 B.C. (cf. Hag 2:3 ff; Zec 4:10).
Ezr 3:11-12 is the strongest argument for identifying Sheshbazzar of chapter 1 with Zerubbabel of Ezra 2. There would be many more older people alive in the 530s than in 516 B.C.
The question has always been about when the second temple was begun and by whom. I still believe that Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel are two distinct persons. Sheshbazzar laid the foundation of the temple, but did not finish it, while Zerubbabel completed it along with Jeshua, the High Priest, with the encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah (520-519 B.C.). Hag 1:4 states that the temple was still in ruins in 520 B.C.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. How is the genealogy of Ezra 2 related to that of Ezra 7?
2. List the different types of temple workers and explain their duties.
3. Does Ezr 3:6 contradict Ezr 5:16? Why or why not?
4. How many times did Jews return to Judah and under whose leadership?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
they set the priests: or, the priests took their stand.
cymbals. Hebrew mziltayim. Dual form, meaning two metal discs struck together, making a clashing sound. Not zilzilim, which = timbrels, but is translated cymbals in 2Sa 6:5 and Psa 150:5, from the rustling sound. See note on 1Ch 13:8.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
when the builders: Zec 4:10
they set: Exo 28:40-42, 1Sa 22:18, 1Ch 15:27, Neh 12:24-26
trumpets: Num 10:1-10, 1Ch 15:24, 1Ch 16:5, 1Ch 16:6, 1Ch 16:42
the sons of Asaph: 1Ch 6:39, 1Ch 16:37, 1Ch 25:1-7, 2Ch 35:15
after the ordinance: 1Ch 6:31-48, 1Ch 16:4-7, 1Ch 23:5, 2Ch 29:25, 2Ch 29:26
Reciprocal: Num 10:10 – in the day 2Sa 6:15 – with shouting 1Ch 6:32 – and then 1Ch 15:16 – lifting up 1Ch 15:28 – with shouting 1Ch 23:30 – stand 2Ch 5:12 – the Levites 2Ch 20:21 – appointed Ezr 5:16 – laid Neh 12:27 – thanksgivings Psa 149:3 – with the timbrel Jer 30:19 – out Hag 2:15 – from before Luk 19:37 – the whole
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Ezr 3:10. To praise the Lord The priests, with the trumpets appointed by Moses, and the Levites, with cymbals appointed by David, made up a concert of praise at the laying of the foundation of the temple, to assist the singing of that everlasting hymn which will never be out of date, and for which our tongues should never be out of tune, the burden of Psalms 136. Whatever our condition is, let it be owned that God is good; and whatever fails, that his mercy fails not.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The completion of the temple foundation 3:10-13
The people celebrated God’s faithfulness when they had completed phase one of the temple reconstruction: its foundation.
"Principles of praise to be gleaned from these verses include the following: (1) Praise is the act of publicly exalting God’s person and work. (2) Praise can be enhanced through the use of music and songs. (3) Praise is a participating activity, not a spectator sport; it is worship people join in, not a program people watch. Praise involves God’s people in singing and playing, boasting and testifying to the greatness and goodness of the Lord!" [Note: Laney, pp. 32-33.]
Compared with the "first temple" (Ezr 3:12), this second temple was much less impressive. The term "second temple," as biblical scholars commonly use it today, refers to both this restoration temple and the Herodian temple that followed it. The second temple underwent changes occasionally, the major changes taking place as a result of Herod’s renovations. These improvements were still in progress in our Lord’s day (Joh 2:20). This second temple stood from 515 B.C. (Ezr 6:15) until the Romans destroyed it in A.D. 70. [Note: See Lester L. Grabbe, "The Jewish Theocracy from Cyrus to Titus: A Programmatic Essay," Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 37 (February 1987):117-24, for an introduction to the study of the second temple. Anthony J. Tomasino, Judaism Before Jesus, is a good, longer history (345 pages) of the second temple period.]