When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD: All the activities in the rest of the chapter are described in Hebrew as happening at the same time. The Hebrew can mean that the dedication ceremony took place when they started laying the foundation (Good News Translation) or after the foundation was laid (New English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible). The preferred interpretation is that it took place as they started to lay the foundation, so it is similar to a cornerstone-laying ceremony.

Builders is a general word for any kind of construction worker. They laid the foundation of the Temple, which is literally “established” or “repaired the Temple” (see verse 6). The foundation stones were probably already in place and could not be moved. The phrase may mean that they were beginning to rebuild the Temple.

The priests were in their vestments, which is literally “clothed,” implying here the special garments of priests. These are described in Exo 28. They included a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a checkered tunic, a turban, and a sash. Translators must make explicit that the priests were wearing the clothing that was associated with their work as priests, and not simply state that they were dressed in clothes. Good News Translation uses the general term “robe” to refer to these special garments.

Came forward: Good News Translation says “took their places” (also New English Bible, New International Version). New Revised Standard Version has “were stationed.” New Jerusalem Bible says they “stood forward.” Translators should select words that will portray the structure and orderliness of the ceremony. Some languages may use a special word for “standing in order” or “standing in position.”

With trumpets … with cymbals, to praise the LORD: The dedication ceremony was primarily one of giving praise to God. Praise is expressed in Hebrew with a word that has the root meaning of “make shine.” Praise is an activity that gives honor and glory to God. This was done with musical accompaniment by trumpets and cymbals. The trumpets were not those that were made of a ram’s horn. These were short, straight musical instruments made of silver with a high, bright tone and a range of 4 or 5 notes (see Num 10.1-10). They were played exclusively by priests (2 Chr 29.26). The cymbals were bronze disks four to six inches in diameter that were played by bringing them together to make a clanging sound. The Hebrew word translated here by cymbals is a dual form, indicating that the instruments were played by using two together. The Levites, the sons of Asaph, were the ones who played them. For sons of Asaph, see the comments at Ezra 2.41.

Translators may use the names of equivalent musical instruments if they exist. Many cultures have percussion instruments like gongs. Otherwise, the instruments may be described as “a metal horn” and “plate-like metal shapes for clanging together.”

The ceremony was performed according to the directions of David king of Israel, which is literally “at the hands of David the king of Israel.” King David had given the Levites responsibilities in the worship liturgy (see 1 Chr 16.4-7). The activities of the Levites at the laying of the foundation of the new Temple maintained continuity with the earlier Temple.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Ezra. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .