Ezra 3:11
And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
The shouting arose when nearly fifty thousand exiles had returned to Canaan under Zerubbabel and Joshua through the decree of Cyrus king of Medo-Persia providing for restoration, about two years after Medo-Persia took universal rule. Those who returned were comparatively only a few, a mere remnant of all Israel scattered throughout the provinces, because many chose to remain in the land of captivity rather than go with their brethren to assist in restoring the temple services.
When the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, all the people rose to their feet at once and sang together by course in ordered, communal praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. They praised God because He is good and His mercy endures forever toward Israel, expressing confidence in that goodness and mercy and rejoicing that they shared in the work. Their gratitude was fitting because the temple mattered to God, who had repeatedly encouraged its builders, and laying a foundation for a house of worship is a fitting occasion for communal praise.
The goodness and enduring mercy they sang of was His merciful care as Creator, as the mighty Leader who delivered Israel from Egypt and led them through the wilderness, and as the God who remembered His people in their low estate and redeemed them from their enemies. All the people praised with a loud voice and a great triumphant shout, with weeping so mingled with shouting that the voice of weeping could not be told from the voice of shouting. It came under the mighty rushing power of God like a mighty rushing wind, and it was a triumphant time in which all present were strengthened and refreshed.
Yet at the laying of the cornerstone, amid the praising and giving thanks, many gave expression to lack of confidence in the enterprise. That scene was not forgotten, and when Samaritan opposition grew strong and determined its memory helped the builders lose heart. It led many to question whether the time had come to rebuild, and caused discouraged workmen to return to their homes and ordinary pursuits instead of restoring the temple and its services.
The laying of the foundation calls all to rise up at once without delay to honor God by building a house where they can worship Him in all humbleness of mind. They are to kneel to worship and serve becomingly and in order, so the house can be dedicated to His worship as a witness to the truth believed.