Ezra 3:11 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →They sing antiphonal praise -- God is good, His mercy endures forever -- and the people shout for joy over the foundation.
What Does Ezra 3:11 Mean?
The singers answer one another back and forth, lifting the ancient refrain: 'he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel.' This is the song sung at Solomon's temple and across the Psalms, and now it rises again over a fresh foundation. The whole assembly breaks into a great shout.
At the heart of their praise is God's steadfast covenant love -- the faithfulness that had not let them go even through exile. The foundation before their eyes is living proof that His mercy truly does endure forever. Joy like this is the natural overflow of a people who have tasted both judgment and homecoming and found God faithful through it all.
Ezra 3:11 in the Original Language
hesed (חֶסֶד), 'mercy' -- steadfast covenant love that holds fast to its people across every generation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 3:11
What does Ezra 3:11 mean?
They sing antiphonal praise -- God is good, His mercy endures forever -- and the people shout for joy over the foundation.