Ezra 3:13
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 noise was heard afar off.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
הָעָ֗ם
So that the people
H5971
הָעָ֗ם
So that the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מַכִּירִים֙
could not discern
H5234
מַכִּירִים֙
could not discern
Strong's:
H5234
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
תְּרוּעָ֣ה
of the shout
H8643
תְּרוּעָ֣ה
of the shout
Strong's:
H8643
Word #:
5 of 18
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
הָעָ֗ם
So that the people
H5971
הָעָ֗ם
So that the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָעָ֗ם
So that the people
H5971
הָעָ֗ם
So that the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
11 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מְרִיעִים֙
shouted
H7321
מְרִיעִים֙
shouted
Strong's:
H7321
Word #:
12 of 18
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
תְּרוּעָ֣ה
of the shout
H8643
תְּרוּעָ֣ה
of the shout
Strong's:
H8643
Word #:
13 of 18
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
with a loud
H1419
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
with a loud
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
14 of 18
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
נִשְׁמַ֖ע
was heard
H8085
נִשְׁמַ֖ע
was heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
16 of 18
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Historical Context
The emotional divide between generations reflected different experiences: elderly remembered Solomon's glory, youth knew only exile. Haggai 2:3 later addresses this, acknowledging diminished physical glory while prophesying greater spiritual glory in Christ. The mixed response wasn't divisive but demonstrated diverse legitimate perspectives united in common worship. The noise 'heard afar off' testified to watching nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How should churches integrate different generational perspectives on worship, honoring both tradition and contemporary expression?
- What does Scripture's inclusion of both joy and grief teach about authentic spirituality versus manufactured emotional uniformity?
Analysis & Commentary
The people's inability to 'discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping' creates powerful imagery of mixed emotions—hope and grief, joy and sorrow coexisting. This emotional complexity reflects reality: genuine faith encompasses both delight in God's present mercies and sorrow over lost glory. The 'noise was heard afar off' suggests overwhelming volume—corporate worship expressing authentic feelings loudly and publicly.