Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together! It’s a really beautiful and important passage from Ezra’s book. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse is about restoration and praise. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD” : This describes a group of people – likely Jewish priests and officials – who were feeling grateful to God. They were singing and praising (expressing joy and worship) and offering thanks (showing appreciation). It’s like a chorus of praise! “Because [he is] good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel” : This is the heart of the verse. “Good” means God is kind and loving. "Mercy endureth for ever" means His goodness is eternal – it never stops or fades. It’s saying that God's compassion and forgiveness are always present and lasting. This point emphasizes how deeply God cares about Israel. “And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD” : This shows the intensity of their joy! They were so thankful, they let out a loud, resounding shout of praise. It was a powerful expression of gratitude and adoration. “Because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid” : This is the real big part. "Foundation" means a starting point or base. The verse says that after all this praising and thanking, God finally started to rebuild His temple (the House of the Lord). It’s like saying that finally , after long periods of hardship, God began to restore His people and His presence in their lives. In short: This verse tells us that after a period of trouble and sadness, God's love and mercy were finally expressed through a joyful outpouring of praise and gratitude. It’s a story of restoration and the promise of a future filled with God’s faithfulness. What does this tell us about God? This passage shows that God is: Good: He consistently chooses to be kind and compassionate. Merciful: He never stops offering forgiveness and love. Reliable: He works through difficult times and brings hope for a better future. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or would you like me to relate this verse to a particular theme or story?