| Ezra 3:12
| But many of the priests and the Levites, and the chief of the fathers and the ancients, that had seen the former temple; when they had the foundation of this temple before their eyes, wept with a loud voice: and many shouting for joy, lifted up their voice.
| Temple. This second temple, though very large (2 Machabees 14:13.) and magnificent, (Aggeus 2:10,) never equalled the glory of the first, in its outward appearance, being also destitute of the ark, and perhaps of the Urim, etc. But the presence of the Messias gave it a more exalted dignity. (Calmet) --- Joy. These different emotions of grief and joy filled their breasts, (Du Hamel) thinking how they had brought on the judgments of God by their transgressions, and that he was now appeased, and would enable them to have some sort of a temple. (Tirinus) --- As it was less beautiful than that of Solomon, Aggeus must be understood to speak of the Church of Christ. (St. Augustine, de C.[City of God?] 18:45.) (Worthington)
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