Bible Commentary

Arise; for [this] matter [belongeth] unto thee: we also [will be] with thee: be of good courage, and do [it]. 4. The appeal to Ezra. Arise ] Not a reference to Ezra’s prostration but a summons to energetic action, Jos 1:2; Jdg 4:14; 1Sa 16:12 and often. for this matter belongeth unto thee:] R.V. for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 10:4”

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. 3. let us make a … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 10:3”

And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, [one] of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. 2. And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 10:2”

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore. Chap. Ezr 10:1-5 . The People’s Confession and Oath 1. Now when … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 10:1”

O LORD God of Israel, thou [art] righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as [it is] this day: behold, we [are] before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this. 15. The prayer ends in expression of complete surrender. There is no excuse to plead. The nation stands in its … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 9:15”

Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed [us], so that [there should be] no remnant nor escaping? 14. should we again, &c.] R.V. shall we again. break thy commandments ] The work rendered ‘break’ is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 9:14”

And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities [deserve], and hast given us [such] deliverance as this; 13. great trespass ] R.V. great guilt. Cf. on Ezr 9:7. Not an isolated offence, but the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 9:13”

Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth forever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave [it] for an inheritance to your children forever. 12. Now therefore give not, &c.] This sentence reproduces … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 9:12”

Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness. 11. The Divine commands which Israel had violated … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 9:11”

And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments, 10. A sudden apostrophe. God’s mercy has been great; but now, in spite of all, Israel has broken this command: what does she deserve? And now after this ] It has been very generally supposed that ‘after this’ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 9:10”