Ezra 3:12
3:12 Many of the priests, the Levites, and the leaders
– older people who had seen with their own eyes the former temple while it was still established
– were weeping loudly,
and many others raised their voice in a joyous shout.
Ezra 10:1
The People Confess Their Sins
10:1 While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself to the ground before the temple of God, a very large crowd of Israelites – men, women, and children alike – gathered around him. The people wept loudly.
Ezra 10:13
10:13 However, the people are numerous and it is the rainy season.
We are unable to stand here outside. Furthermore, this business cannot be resolved in a day or two, for we have sinned greatly in this matter.