Ezra 3:12

10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, ^athe priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord, according to the ^bordinance of David king of Israel.

11 ^aAnd they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord:
^b“For He is good,
^cFor His mercy endures forever toward Israel.” Then 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 ^aheads of the fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy,

13 so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.

Commentaries:

Forerunner Commentary
What is the Forerunner Commentary?

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What Does Ezra 3:12 Mean?

Ezra 3:12-13

The ancient Israelites expressed joy by singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, and shouting at victory celebrations, festivals, sacrifices, and coronations. Gladness and joy are blessings from God. Gladness is the experience of pleasure, joy, or delight, resulting from happiness and joy. Joy is a quality, not simply an emotion, grounded upon God Himself and derived from Him. It should characterize our lives as Christians. Joy springs from the prospect of possessing our desires and can be temporary or long-lasting.

Martin G. Collins
Joy

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