Ezra 9:1-15

9:1-2 | One major problem in the history of the Israelite people was the breaking down of their holy seed through intermarriage with people from pagan nations (Ex. 34:10-16; Neh. 13:23-24; 2 Cor. 6:14). God’s people had committed the same sin again – this time led by their leaders and rulers. What a contrast to their response to the pagans in 4:1-3!

9:3-6 | Ezra’s reaction to the people’s sin illustrates one way that ancient people showed great sorrow (Job 1:20). His expression of grief and consternation ignited the people to turn back to God.

9:6-15 | Although Ezra had not sinned by intermarrying, he was so troubled by the people’s sin that he included himself and spoke in the first person plural (we, our) throughout his prayer – a common response among godly leaders in the OT. Danieal also identified with his people’s sin (Dan. 9:1-20), and Nehemiah did so later (Neh. 1:4-11).