CONTENTS This Chapter gives us the history which followed Ezra's prayer. Shecaniah incourageth Ezra to set about a reform. Ezra with fasting begins it. The people feel suitable sorrow, and the strange wives are put away. Ezra 10:1 There is somewhat truly interesting in this account of Ezra. His gr... [ Continue Reading ]
No doubt in the evil already induced from these improper connections, the Holy Ghost had guarded the stock of David from any evil consequences in this grand matter. But it was high time that Israel should be made sensible of the sin, and be divorced from all such alliances. Here is a sweet spiritual... [ Continue Reading ]
Who but must admire the holy zeal of Ezra? What a wonderful attempt it must have been? What a crucifixion of the flesh with its affections and lusts? Do, Reader, observe how the Lord seemed to answer the droppings of his people's tears by the droppings of the heavens in rain. This heavy rain is spok... [ Continue Reading ]
No doubt the hand of the Lord was upon them, and with them, so that grace triumphed over nature, that all the people, as the heart of one man consented unto the thing. Oh! how delightful is it, when grace enters the heart, and the soul melts before God in consequence of it.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Holy Ghost hath thought proper to be particular in stating the precise time this great reform took to make it effectual and complete. Mark, Reader! how attentive the Lord is to all the circumstances of his people. He telleth the wanderings of his people; he putteth their tears into his bottle; t... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, Reader, how the names of the offenders are recorded. No doubt both in judgment and in mercy. How fully doth it show forth the covenant love of God in Christ, while it fully sets forth also his people's sin and depravity. Oh! what could have atoned for this dreadful rebellion, but the blesse... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS PAUSE, my soul, over this chapter, and before I close this book of divine inspiration, and shut up the view of this great man's history and reform; see, and consider what the Holy Ghost graciously intended to teach the church from it of a spiritual, gospel nature. And here, my soul, sta... [ Continue Reading ]