Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezra 3:13

"so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off." — Ezra 3:13 (ASV)

The noise was heard from far away.—The people also joined in the weeping, which was accompanied by shrill cries. The rejoicing and the sorrow were blended, and the combined sound was heard from far away. All here has the stamp of truth.