Ezra 10:12

Then all the congregation, &c. The deliberations are not recorded. The substance of their decision is here paraphrased. The method of its expression was probably by unanimous acclamation. We can hardly suppose that there was free discussion. The princes debated and harangued the multitude: the multitude listened and expressed disapproval or approbation by cries and shouting.

with a loud voice Cf. Ezra 3:12; 2 Samuel 15:23.

As thou hast said, so must we do R.V. As thou hast said concerning us, so must we do. R.V. marg. - As thou hast said, so it behoveth us to do". Literally the clause runs -According to thy word (or words) upon us to do". It is a disputed point whether -upon us" is to be taken with what precedes or with what follows, i.e. -according to thy word respecting us, it is necessary to do" or -according to thy word, it falls upon us to do". (a) The rendering of the R.V. text is that of the Vulgate -juxta verbum tuum ad nos, sic fiat", and is supported by the traditional Jewish interpretation supplied by the Hebrew accents. The sentence is then clearly greatly condensed, and although the construction of the verb -to do" is very harsh, the meaning is clear. (b) As however the rest of the people's reply shows no symptom of such compression, the alternative explanation of the rendering in the margin seems preferable. The use of the preposition -upon", with a sense of -duty" or -obligation" occurred in Ezra 10:4. Cf. Nehemiah 13:13; 2 Samuel 18:11. The people then accept the responsibility in which their assent involves them.