The workmen engaged in the preparation of the building material, found among the ruins some of the immense stones brought to the temple site in the days of Solomon. These were made ready for use, and much new material was provided; and soon the work was advanced to the point where the foundation stone must be laid. This was done in the presence of many thousands who had assembled to witness the progress of the work and to give expression to their joy in having a part in it. While the cornerstone was being set in position, the people, accompanied by the trumpets of the priests and the cymbals of the sons of Asaph, "sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth forever toward Israel." Verse 11.

De håndværkere, som var beskæftiget med at fremstille byggematerialer, fandt mellem ruinerne nogle af de store sten, som var blevet transporteret til byggepladsen på Salomos tid. Disse blev istandsat og benyttet sammen med de nye materialer. Værket var snart så vidt fremskredet, at man kunne nedlægge grundstenen. Denne begivenhed blev overværet af mange tusinder, som var kommet til stede for at se, hvorledes arbejdet skred fremad, og for at give udtryk for deres glæde over, at de havde en andel deri. Da grundstenen blev lagt, stemte folket i "med lov og pris for Herren med ordene "thi han er god, og hans miskundhed mod Israel varer evindelig!" Samtidig spillede præsterne på deres trompeter og Asafs efterkommere på deres cymbler. 11. vers.