ESV Reformation Study Bible – Ezra 3:12
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Ezra 3:12

3:12 But many . . . wept. The tears of the older members of the community were not tears of joy, but tears of disappointment because of the contrast between this small beginning (cf. Zech. 4:10) and the splendor of Solomon’s temple. Similar disappointment would later call for rebuke (Hag. 2:1–5), but for the moment the joy of the Lord was the strength of many.