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Bible Notes - Tabernacle Commentaries
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Ezra 10:1
Comments
Here is a weeping revival. Only the Spirit of God could bring it about. ‘The people wept very sore. 2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God.’ Shechaniah was the effective high priest. He wasn't one of the guilty ones, but now he repents on behalf of everybody: ‘and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.’ There is hope. What is the hope? If we make ‘a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them.’ They were ready to put the clock back, and the acting chief priests says to Ezra, ‘Arise for this matter belongeth unto thee.’ You've got the power; you’re the governor in the land. ‘We also [the priesthood, or the pious ones] will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.’ It seems a strange sentiment, but it is very necessary. If Ezra as the governor makes this a decree, a law, well, there could be terrible reaction, but Ezra has the courage before God, and the priesthood will stand with him.
Application
Sin must be very firmly put away. This chapter is a memorial of sinners. Even though they repented, they are made an example of. It is almost as if Ezra says, you have to repent and can be accepted, but you have to say I am prepared to be named as one who was weak, and who needs prayer and help. Ezra was moved to be so firm, that he even named individuals if they were to be reinstated. Sin matters that much; it really hurts the witness.
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