Ezra 3:10
New International Version
When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the LORD, as prescribed by David king of Israel.

New Living Translation
When the builders completed the foundation of the LORD’s Temple, the priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets. And the Levites, descendants of Asaph, clashed their cymbals to praise the LORD, just as King David had prescribed.

English Standard Version
And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the directions of David king of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the ordinance of David king of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD according to the directions of King David of Israel.

NASB 1995
Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD according to the directions of King David of Israel.

NASB 1977
Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD according to the directions of King David of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the builders laid the foundation of the temple of Yahweh. Then the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise Yahweh according to the directions of King David of Israel.

Amplified Bible
Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with their cymbals, to praise the LORD in accordance with the directions of David king of Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
When the builders had laid the foundation of the LORD’s temple, the priests, dressed in their robes and holding trumpets, and the Levites descended from Asaph, holding cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as King David of Israel had instructed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the builders had laid the foundation of the LORD’s temple, the priests, dressed in their robes and holding trumpets, and the Levites descended from Asaph, holding cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as King David of Israel had instructed.

American Standard Version
And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of Jehovah, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise Jehovah, after the order of David king of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
When the builders had finished laying the foundation of the temple, the priests put on their robes and blew trumpets in honor of the LORD, while the Levites from the family of Asaph praised God with cymbals. All of them followed the instructions given years before by King David.

English Revised 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 order of David king of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The builders laid the foundation of the LORD's temple. Then the priests who were dressed in their robes took their places with trumpets, and the Levites who were Asaph's descendants took their places with cymbals to praise the LORD according to the instructions of King David of Israel.

Good News Translation
When the builders started to lay the foundation of the Temple, the priests in their robes took their places with trumpets in their hands, and the Levites of the clan of Asaph stood there with cymbals. They praised the LORD according to the instructions handed down from the time of King David.

International Standard Version
After the builders laid the foundation for the LORD's Temple, the priests stood in their ministerial robes with trumpets and the descendants of Levi (who were also descendants of Asaph) with cymbals to praise the LORD, according to instructions prepared by David, king of Israel.

Majority Standard Bible
When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed.

NET Bible
When the builders established the LORD's temple, the priests, ceremonially attired and with their clarions, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with their cymbals, stood to praise the LORD according to the instructions left by King David of Israel.

New Heart English Bible
When the builders laid the foundation of the LORD's temple, they set the priests in their clothing with trumpets, with the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the directions of David king of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
When the builders laid the foundation of Yahweh’s temple, they set the priests in their vestments with trumpets, with the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise Yahweh, according to the directions of David king of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And those building have founded the temple of YHWH, and they appoint the priests, clothed, with trumpets, and the Levites, sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise YHWH, by means of [the instruments of] David king of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation
And those building have founded the temple of Jehovah, and they appoint the priests, clothed, with trumpets, and the Levites, sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise Jehovah, by means of the instruments of David king of Israel.

Smith's Literal Translation
And those building will lay the foundation of the temple of Jehovah, and they will cause the priests to stand, being clothed, with trumpets, and the Levites sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise Jehovah according to the hands of David king of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the masons laid the foundations of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their ornaments with trumpets: and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise God by the hands of David king of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the builders had founded the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their adornment with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, stood with cymbals, so that they might praise God by the hand of David, the king of Israel.

New American Bible
While the builders were laying the foundation of the LORD’s temple, the priests in their vestments were stationed with trumpets and the Levites, sons of Asaph, with cymbals to praise the LORD in the manner laid down by David, king of Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments were stationed to praise the LORD with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, according to the directions of King David of Israel;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the builders laid the foundation of the building of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood up in their vestments with trumpets of rams blowing with them, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with large trumpets, to praise the LORD according to the ordinance of David, king of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they laid the foundation of the building of the temple of LORD JEHOVAH, and the Priests stood clothed and held rams’ horns, and were sounding on them, and the Levites the children of Asaph on the shofar, to glorify LORD JEHOVAH by the agency of David King of Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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, according to the direction of David king of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they laid a foundation for building the house of the Lord: and the priests in their robes stood with trumpets and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, according to the order of David king of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Temple Restoration Begins
9So Jeshua and his sons and brothers, Kadmiel and his sons (descendants of Yehudah), and the sons of Henadad and their sons and brothers—all Levites—joined together to supervise those working on the house of God. 10When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed. 11And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 6:31-32
These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them.

2 Chronicles 5:12-13
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud

2 Chronicles 7:6
The priests stood at their posts, as did the Levites with the musical instruments of the LORD, which King David had made for giving thanks to the LORD and with which David had offered praise, saying, “For His loving devotion endures forever.” Across from the Levites, the priests sounded trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.

1 Chronicles 16:4-6
David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. / Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.

1 Chronicles 25:1
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:

Nehemiah 12:24
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.

Nehemiah 12:27
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Psalm 136:1-3
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever. / Give thanks to the God of gods. His loving devotion endures forever. / Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His loving devotion endures forever.

Psalm 150:3-5
Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. / Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. / Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals.

Exodus 15:20-21
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. / And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”

1 Chronicles 15:16
David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals.

2 Samuel 6:5
David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.

2 Chronicles 29:25-28
Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ...

Isaiah 12:5
Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth.

Psalm 33:2-3
Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. / Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

when the builders

Zechariah 4:10
For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

they set

Exodus 28:40-42
And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty…

1 Samuel 22:18
And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.

1 Chronicles 15:27
And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.

etc.

Numbers 10:1-10
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, …

1 Chronicles 15:24
And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.

1 Chronicles 16:5,6,42
Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; …

the sons of Asaph

1 Chronicles 6:39
And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,

1 Chronicles 16:37
So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required:

1 Chronicles 25:1-7
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was: …

after the ordinance

1 Chronicles 6:31
And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.

etc.

1 Chronicles 16:4-7
And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: …

1 Chronicles 23:5
Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.

2 Chronicles 29:25,26
And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the LORD by his prophets…

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Apparel Asaph Builders Clothing Cymbals David Direction Foundation Israel Laid Order Ordinance Praise Priests Stood Temple Trumpets
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Apparel Asaph Builders Clothing Cymbals David Direction Foundation Israel Laid Order Ordinance Praise Priests Stood Temple Trumpets
Ezra 3
1. The altar is set up
4. Offerings renewed
7. Workmen employed in preparing materials
8. The foundations of the temple are laid in great joy and mourning














When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD
This phrase marks a significant moment in the history of Israel, as it signifies the beginning of the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The Hebrew word for "builders" (בּוֹנִים, bonim) indicates those who are actively engaged in construction, emphasizing the physical and spiritual labor involved. The "foundation" (יְסוֹד, yesod) is not just a physical base but symbolizes a new beginning and a return to covenant faithfulness. The "temple of the LORD" (בֵּית יְהוָה, Beit Yahweh) is central to Jewish worship and identity, representing God's dwelling place among His people.

the priests in their vestments and with trumpets
The "priests" (כֹּהֲנִים, kohanim) are the descendants of Aaron, set apart for sacred duties. Their "vestments" (מַלְבּוּשִׁים, malbushim) are garments of holiness, signifying purity and dedication to God. The "trumpets" (חֲצֹצְרוֹת, chatzotzerot) are instruments used in worship and battle, symbolizing both celebration and the call to attention. This imagery connects the present moment to the traditions of Israel's past, where music and priestly garments played a crucial role in worship.

and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals
The "Levites" (לְוִיִּם, Levi'im) are members of the tribe of Levi, assigned to assist the priests and care for the temple. The "sons of Asaph" (בְּנֵי אָסָף, Bnei Asaph) were a guild of temple musicians, indicating a continuity of worship practices. "Cymbals" (מְצִלְתַּיִם, metziltayim) are percussion instruments used to create a joyful noise, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. This highlights the importance of music in worship and the role of the Levites in leading the congregation in praise.

took their positions to praise the LORD
The phrase "took their positions" (וַיַּעַמְדוּ, vayya'amdu) suggests a sense of order and readiness, as each person fulfills their God-given role. "To praise" (לְהַלֵּל, lehallel) is to glorify and honor God, acknowledging His greatness and faithfulness. The "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, reminding the people of His eternal presence and promises. This act of praise is both a response to God's past faithfulness and an expression of hope for the future.

as prescribed by David king of Israel
The phrase "as prescribed" (כְּמוֹ שֶׁצִּוָּה, kemo shetzivah) indicates adherence to established traditions and commands. "David king of Israel" (דָּוִד מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל, David Melech Yisrael) is a reference to the revered king who organized temple worship and music. This connection to David underscores the continuity of worship practices and the importance of following divine instructions. It serves as a reminder of the rich heritage of faith and the responsibility to maintain it for future generations.

(10) After the ordinance of David, king of Israel.--All goes back to earlier times. As the first offerings on the altar were according to what was "written in the law of Moses, the man of God," so the musical ceremonial of this foundation is according to the precedent of David (see 1 Chronicles 6, 1Chronicles 16:25). The trumpets belonged to the priests, the cymbals to the Levites, in the ancient ordinances of worship.

Verse 10. - When the builders (Zerubbabel and Jeshua) laid the foundation of the temple, they set the priests in their apparel - the rich apparel, designed "for glory and for beauty," which the law required (Exodus 28:40; Exodus 40:27-29), and which the people had recently provided (Ezra 2:69). With trumpets. To blow with trumpets was always the duty of the priests (Numbers 10:8; Numbers 31:6; Joshua 6:4; 1 Chronicles 15:24; 1 Chronicles 16:6; 2 Chronicles 5:12), to praise God with cymbals the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 15:16, 19; 1 Chronicles 16:5; 2 Chronicles 5:12, 13; 2 Chronicles 29:25, etc.), perhaps because the trumpet was regarded as the instrument of greater dignity. After the ordinance of David. David's ordinance on the subject is first expressed briefly in 1 Chronicles 15:16; afterwards, more fully, in vers. 17-21 of the same chapter. The musical service of Zerubbabel fell short of the "ordinance of David," since it comprised neither psalteries nor harps, which were an essential part of David's system. Apparently, the musical skill of the Levites had declined under the depressing circumstances of the captivity (see Psalm 137:2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When the builders
הַבֹּנִ֖ים (hab·bō·nîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1129: To build

had laid the foundation
וְיִסְּד֥וּ (wə·yis·sə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3245: To set, to found, to sit down together, settle, consult

of the temple
הֵיכַ֣ל (hê·ḵal)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1964: A large public building, palace, temple

of the LORD,
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

the priests
הַכֹּהֲנִ֨ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

in their apparel
מְלֻבָּשִׁ֜ים (mə·lub·bā·šîm)
Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3847: Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe

with trumpets,
בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֗וֹת (ba·ḥă·ṣō·ṣə·rō·wṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2689: (an ancient) trumpet

and the Levites
וְהַלְוִיִּ֤ם (wə·hal·wî·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

(the sons
בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Asaph)
אָסָף֙ (’ā·sāp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 623: Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelites

with cymbals,
בַּֽמְצִלְתַּ֔יִם (bam·ṣil·ta·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - cd
Strong's 4700: Double tinklers, cymbals

took their positions
וַיַּעֲמִידוּ֩ (way·ya·‘ă·mî·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

to praise
לְהַלֵּל֙ (lə·hal·lêl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1984: To shine

the LORD,
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

as
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

King
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

David
דָּוִ֥יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

had prescribed.
יְדֵ֖י (yə·ḏê)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 3027: A hand


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OT History: Ezra 3:10 When the builders laid the foundation (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 3:9
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