Ezra 3:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיִסְּד֥וּ
H3245
laid the foundation
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
#2
הַבֹּנִ֖ים
H1129
And when the builders
to build (literally and figuratively)
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הֵיכַ֣ל
H1964
of the temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#5
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
וַיַּֽעֲמִידוּ֩
H5975
they set
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#7
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֨ים
H3548
the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#8
מְלֻבָּשִׁ֜ים
H3847
in their apparel
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#9
בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֗וֹת
H2689
with trumpets
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
#10
וְהַלְוִיִּ֤ם
H3881
and the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#11
בְּנֵֽי
H1121
the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
אָסָף֙
H623
of Asaph
asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first
#13
בַּֽמְצִלְתַּ֔יִם
H4700
with cymbals
(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals
#14
לְהַלֵּל֙
H1984
to praise
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
#15
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
יְדֵ֖י
H3027
after the ordinance
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
#19
דָּוִ֥יד
H1732
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#20
מֶֽלֶךְ
H4428
king
a king
#21
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezra.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection