Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezra 3:12. It’s a really interesting and somewhat emotional passage about a moment of remembrance. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a group of people – priests, Levites (a special group of Jewish leaders), and influential figures from the past – who were deeply moved by a memory. They remembered the very beginning of the Temple in Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But many…” : This tells us that there was a significant number of people involved. “…of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers…” : This lists specific groups within Jewish society – the priestly class (the priests) and the leaders of the older, established traditions (the Levites). It’s emphasizing this wasn't just a casual moment; it was something serious. “[who were] ancient men…” : This is key! The verse specifically calls these people "ancient men." They are old enough that they remembered the very first time the Temple was built. "...that had seen the first house..." : This refers to the original, foundational structure of the Temple in Jerusalem – the place where God’s presence resided. Think of it as the very beginning of a sacred space. "...when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes..." : This is a crucial detail. The verse says that they remembered the moment when the foundation (the base) of the Temple was first laid down. It was a foundational moment, a starting point. "...that had seen..." : This emphasizes that these men were witnesses . They were there to see it happen. "wept with a loud voice..." : This is the emotional core of the verse. They were overcome with emotion – weeping! It suggests a sense of profound remembrance and perhaps even sadness or longing. "...and many shouted aloud for joy:" : This completes the picture. They weren't just quietly remembering; they were expressing their joy at being able to relive that historic moment. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a powerful illustration of the importance of history and remembrance in Judaism. It speaks to: The Value of Heritage: Remembering the past, especially the beginnings of important traditions, is seen as vital for maintaining identity and connection to God. Gratitude: The weeping suggests gratitude for having been able to witness that first foundation being laid. A Moment of Reflection: It's a moment of quiet contemplation, acknowledging the significance of history and the importance of remembering those who came before us. In short, this verse is about the emotional weight of remembering the foundational moments in Jewish history. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in biblical history?