Ezra 3:11
And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. 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.
Ezra 3:11 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezra highlights a significant moment in the history of Israel. The people of Israel had gathered together to praise and give thanks to the Lord as the foundation of the house of the Lord was being laid. Singing together in turns, they praised the Lord for his goodness and everlasting mercy towards them. The people's unity in worship is emphasized by their collective shout of praise, demonstrating their boundless joy and gratitude for this momentous occasion. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to worship and give thanks to the Lord for his blessings and faithfulness. It also underscores the significance of building a dedicated space for worship, symbolizing the people's commitment to honoring and glorifying God in their lives. As readers reflect on this verse, they are encouraged to likewise come together in worship, praise, and thanksgiving, recognizing and celebrating God's enduring love and mercy in their own lives.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the people of Israel come together to sing in a specific order, praising and giving thanks to the LORD for His goodness and enduring mercy towards them. The phrase "by course" indicates that the singing was done in an organized and methodical way, showing a sense of unity and harmony among the people. The repetition of the phrase "because he is good, for his mercy endureth forever toward Israel" emphasizes the central theme of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's unfailing love and faithfulness towards His chosen people. The act of shouting with a great shout when praising the LORD symbolizes the exuberant and joyful response of the people to the laying of the foundation of the house of the LORD, signifying a new beginning and a fresh start for the worship of God. This verse highlights the importance of communal worship, gratitude, and celebration in acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives.
Ezra 3:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they sang one to another in praising and giving thanks unto Jehovah, [saying], For he is good, for his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Jehovah, because the foundation of the house of Jehovah was laid.
World English Bible
They sang to one another in praising and giving thanks to Yahweh, “For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever toward Israel.” All the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Yahweh, because the foundation of Yahweh’s house had been laid.
Douay-Rheims
And they sung together hymns, and praise to the Lord: because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever towards Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, praising the Lord, because the foundations of the temple of the Lord were laid.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus they sang when they gaue prayse, and when they gaue thankes vnto the Lord, For he is good, for his mercie endureth for euer toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shoute, when they praysed the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was layed.