Ezra then stood up and told the people how that they had sinned and increased the trespass of Israel; now they should make a confession unto the Lord God of their fathers, and do His pleasure, and separate from the people of the land. Whereupon the congregation answered with a loud voice, “As thou hast said, so must we do. But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two, for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.” They suggested that all those of every city, who had transgressed in the matter, should come at appointed times with the elders and judges, until the fierce anger of their God should be turned away from them.
This plea and suggestion was accepted and then we have the names of those who were employed in the matter. Also we are told that “Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter. And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives,” the work being completed in two months.
The rest of the chapter gives the list of names of those who had transgressed but who agreed to put away their strange wives and to offer a trespass offering for their guilt. Those mentioned first are “the sons of Jeshua,” who had been associated in the grace of God in the building of His house years before. The leaders then had been first in this departure from God, but it is precious to see how Scripture records their restoration.
This record reminds us of the word in Hebrews 12:1414Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:14), “Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” And again the closing verse of that chapter, “For our God is a consuming fire.” We are also reminded that a record is being kept on high of all the activities of the Lord’s people. The apostle Paul seemed to ever have this before him, for he could say, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Tim. 1:1212For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12). There is then a day coming when every one shall give account. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ: that every one may receive the things done in his body,... whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men.” 2 Cor. 5:10, 1110For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5:10‑11).
In closing we might remark how that the story of these returned captives, and of Ezra, his exercises and his example, might well edify our hearts in this our day, for surely we are among those to whom these words are addressed. How much there is to instruct, to encourage, to warn and to humble us therein! May the Lord make His Word more precious to our hearts as we journey on midst the ever-increasing dangers that beset the path of faith in this world.
“How precious is the Book divine,
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine
To guide us on to heaven.”
ML 05/24/1959