Ezra 9

9:1–10:44 Ezra confronted the problem of intermarriage with idolatrous foreigners. The Jewish leaders had allowed this practice, though the early settlers had committed to keep separate from pagan influences (4:1-5). Ezra interceded on behalf of the nation and helped those convicted of their sins to make things right.9:1-2 The events that follow took place approximately four months after Ezra’s arrival (cp. 7:9; 10:9). • Intermarriage with pagan foreigners was dangerous because Israelites could end up worshiping other gods and accepting the detestable practices of other religions (cp. Ezra 4:1-5; Deut 7:1-4). • the holy race has become polluted: Literally the holy seed has intermingled itself. Because Israel was a holy covenant nation (Exod 19:6), it was not to be involved with pagan practices (Lev 19:2-4; 20:6-8, 22-26). Therefore, the people were to avoid marriages with those who could influence Israelites to embrace such practices. When the religious and political leaders and officials intermarried with foreigners, they were in danger of leading others astray and destroying the unique identity of Israel as a holy people.

9:3 utterly shocked: Cp. Gen 37:34; 2 Kgs 22:11; Job 1:20.

9:4 The time of the evening sacrifice was around 3:00 pm.

9:5 Ezra’s inner humility before God was consistent with his falling on his knees. His outstretched hands demonstrated his pleading with God to intervene.

9:6-15 Ezra’s prayer provides a model for intercessory prayer (cp. Neh 1:5-11; Dan 9:4-19). It includes confessing sin (Ezra 9:6-7), remembering God’s past grace (9:8-9), admitting that the people have ignored God (9:10-12), and recognizing their unworthiness (9:13-15).9:6 I am utterly ashamed . . . our sins are piled higher than our heads: Although he was not one of the offending parties, Ezra personally identified with his people (see “Community Identity” Theme Note).

9:7 Ezra forthrightly summarizes Israel’s past history. The people and their leaders had sinned and were justly punished. • just as we are today: The effects of Israel’s punishment were still evident in Jerusalem at this time.

9:8-9 God’s abundant grace and unfailing love should affect how people respond to him (cp. Deut 30:1-5). After all that God had done for the remnant, it was shameful that they were so ready to betray him. • the kings of Persia to treat us favorably: Babylon and Assyria had tortured and exiled their enemies (2 Kgs 17; 25), but Persia treated exiled people kindly and returned them to their homelands (see Ezra 1:1-3). • protective wall: This phrase refers to God’s presence protecting the nation of Judah, not the physical walls of Jerusalem, which were rebuilt several years later by Nehemiah.

9:11-12 Your servants the prophets warned us: God had clearly revealed what he expected from his people (see Deut 7:3-4; Mal 2:10-12) and had promised great blessings if they followed his covenant stipulations (see Lev 26:1-13; Deut 28:1-14; Jer 32:36–33:18; Ezek 37:15-28; Hos 14:1-8).

9:14 Won’t your anger be enough to destroy us? The sin of intermarriage with non-believers was so serious that they had no hope of survival if they did not repent.

9:15 you are just: God’s anger with sin is based on his justice and holiness.