_Now when Ezra had prayed._ PRAYER AND CONFESSION The former chapter did set down the humiliation of Ezra; this demonstrates the fruit and effect that it produced. When the people saw that he was so affected and afflicted, and that not so much for his own sins as for the sins of the people, they ta... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin._ A GREAT AND TROUBLED ASSEMBLY The text teaches-- I. That it is the tendency of sin to produce sorrow and consternation of soul. There is a scorpion sin in remembered guilt when outward troubles and inward fears meet together (Genesis 42:21). II. That God... [ Continue Reading ]
_But the people are many._ THE REFORMATION EFFECTED I. notwith standing difficulties. 1. The greatness of the undertaking. 2. The inclemency of the weather. Learn: To eradicate sin is a task of the greatest difficulty. II. notwithstanding opposition (Ezra 10:15). In affecting any great reformat... [ Continue Reading ]
_And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua._ THE LIST OF OFFENDERS For what purpose is this catalogue of names inserted here? I. As a warning against sin. This catalogue shows us-- 1. Sin extending to all classes. 2. Sin injur... [ Continue Reading ]