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.
Original Language Analysis
וְיִסְּד֥וּ
laid the foundation
H3245
וְיִסְּד֥וּ
laid the foundation
Strong's:
H3245
Word #:
1 of 21
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
הַבֹּנִ֖ים
And when the builders
H1129
הַבֹּנִ֖ים
And when the builders
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
2 of 21
to build (literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֵיכַ֣ל
of the temple
H1964
הֵיכַ֣ל
of the temple
Strong's:
H1964
Word #:
4 of 21
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיַּֽעֲמִידוּ֩
they set
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמִידוּ֩
they set
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
6 of 21
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֨ים
the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֨ים
the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
7 of 21
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
מְלֻבָּשִׁ֜ים
in their apparel
H3847
מְלֻבָּשִׁ֜ים
in their apparel
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֗וֹת
with trumpets
H2689
בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֗וֹת
with trumpets
Strong's:
H2689
Word #:
9 of 21
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
בְּנֵֽי
the sons
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָסָף֙
of Asaph
H623
אָסָף֙
of Asaph
Strong's:
H623
Word #:
12 of 21
asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first
בַּֽמְצִלְתַּ֔יִם
with cymbals
H4700
בַּֽמְצִלְתַּ֔יִם
with cymbals
Strong's:
H4700
Word #:
13 of 21
(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals
לְהַלֵּל֙
to praise
H1984
לְהַלֵּל֙
to praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
14 of 21
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
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְדֵ֖י
after the ordinance
H3027
יְדֵ֖י
after the ordinance
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
18 of 21
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
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What does praising God 'after the ordinance of David' teach about balancing historical worship forms with contemporary expression?
- How does formal liturgy serve to focus attention on God rather than performers or congregational feelings?
Analysis & 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.