But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:
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Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
But many of the priests and Levites, and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men,.... Seventy or eighty years of age:
that had seen the first house; the temple built by Solomon, as they very well…
Barnes' Notes
Wept ... shouted ... for joy - Compare the marginal reference and Zec 4:10. It is implied that the dimensions of the second temple were smaller than those of the first. Hence, the feeling of sorrow…
Adam Clarke
Wept with a loud voice - They saw that the glory had departed from Israel; in their circumstances it was impossible to build such a house as the first temple was; and had this been even possible,…
There was no dispute among the returned Jews whether they should build the temple or no; that was immediately resolved on, and that it should be done with all speed; what comfort could they take in…
Cambridge Bible
But many&c. and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that R.V. But many &c. and heads of fathers" houses, the old men who, i.e. the heads of the people who would be most conspicuous, priests,…
Cross References
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