Ezr 3:11 | MHM | STEP | v. 11–12 : The people were deeply moved when the foundation was finished. Many shouted for joy because they had never seen a temple before and were excited for this new beginning (Ezra 3:11 ). Others, especially the older priests and Levites who remembered Solomon’s great temple, wept loudly (Ezra 3:12 ). They were sad because the new temple would not be as grand as the old one. There was a good reason for their sadness, especially if they remembered that it was sin that caused the first temple to be destroyed. But it was also a mistake to let their sorrow spoil the celebration. We should not be ungrateful for small beginnings or compare God’s new blessings to the past. In times of public joy, we should try to encourage others and not discourage them, especially if we are leaders.

‏ Ezra 3:11

v. 11–12: The people were deeply moved when the foundation was finished. Many shouted for joy because they had never seen a temple before and were excited for this new beginning (Ezra 3:11 ^a). Others, especially the older priests and Levites who remembered Solomon’s great temple, wept loudly (Ezra 3:12 ^b). They were sad because the new temple would not be as grand as the old one. There was a good reason for their sadness, especially if they remembered that it was sin that caused the first temple to be destroyed. But it was also a mistake to let their sorrow spoil the celebration. We should not be ungrateful for small beginnings or compare God’s new blessings to the past. In times of public joy, we should try to encourage others and not discourage them, especially if we are leaders.