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Ezra Sparks a Spiritual Revival
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at the words of the God of Israel assembled to me, because of the
transgression of those who had been carried away captive.”
Verses
3, 4
.
At the time of the evening sacrifice Ezra fell on his knees and
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unburdened his heart to Heaven. “O my God, I am too ashamed
and humiliated to lift up my face to You,” he exclaimed. “Since the
days of our fathers to this day we have been very guilty, and for our
iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been delivered into the
hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plunder,
and to humiliation, as it is this day.” “For we were slaves. Yet our
God did not forsake us in our bondage; but He extended mercy to us
in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to repair the house
of our God, to rebuild its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and
Jerusalem.” “Should we again break Your commandments, and join
in marriage with the people committing these abominations?”
Verses
7, 9, 14
.
The Beginning of Reformation
The sorrow of Ezra and his associates brought repentance. Many
who had sinned were deeply affected. “The people wept very bit-
terly.”
Ezra 10:1
. They saw how sacred was the law spoken at Sinai,
and many trembled at the thought of their transgressions.
One of those present, Shechaniah, acknowledged Ezra’s words
as true. “We have trespassed against our God,” he confessed, “and
have taken pagan wives from the peoples of the land.” Shechaniah
proposed that all who had transgressed should forsake their sin and
be judged “according to the law.” “Arise,” he told Ezra, “for this
matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good
courage, and do it.”
Verses 2-4
.
This was the beginning of a wonderful reformation. With tact and
careful consideration for the rights and welfare of every individual
concerned, Ezra and his associates worked to lead Israel into the
right way. Ezra gave personal attention to every case. He tried to
impress the people with the holiness of the law and the blessings
they would gain through obedience.
Wherever Ezra worked, a revival in the study of the Scriptures
sprang up. The law of the Lord was exalted and made honorable.