Ezra 10:6

KJV

¶ Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and [when] he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Ezra {H5830} rose up {H6965} from before {H6440} the house {H1004} of God {H430}, and went {H3212} into the chamber {H3957} of Johanan {H3076} the son {H1121} of Eliashib {H475}: and when he came {H3212} thither, he did eat {H398} no bread {H3899}, nor drink {H8354} water {H4325}: for he mourned {H56} because of the transgression {H4604} of them that had been carried away {H1473}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Ezra then left his place in front of the house of God and went to the room of Y'hochanan the son of Elyashiv. After going there, he neither ate food nor drank water; because he was mourning over the treachery of the exiles.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and walked to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. And while he stayed there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.

American Standard Version

Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water; for he mourned because of the trespass of them of the captivity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 10:6 depicts the profound personal anguish of Ezra, the scribe and priest, following the public confession of Israel's widespread sin of intermarriage with foreign women. Having led the people in a corporate lament before the Temple, Ezra withdraws to a private chamber, where he embarks on an extreme fast, abstaining from both food and water. This intense act of self-denial underscores the depth of his spiritual grief and his identification with the people's "transgression," demonstrating a leader who not only calls for repentance but embodies it with fervent devotion and sorrow over the breach of God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 10:6 immediately follows the powerful scene of corporate repentance initiated by Ezra's public prayer and lament in [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer of Confession"). Overwhelmed by the news of widespread intermarriage, Ezra had torn his garments and pulled out his hair, leading to a profound public display of grief that moved the entire assembly. The previous verses ([Ezra 10:1-5](/ezra/10-1-5 "Ezra 10:1-5 - The People's Repentance and Covenant")) describe how a great congregation gathered around Ezra, weeping bitterly, and how Shechaniah, representing the people, proposed a covenant to put away the foreign wives and children, urging Ezra to take action. Verse 6 marks a transition from Ezra's public lament and the initial corporate response to his personal, sustained act of mourning, emphasizing the depth of his commitment and the gravity of the situation. It sets the stage for the subsequent actions taken to address the sin of intermarriage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 10:6 take place during the post-exilic period, specifically after the first wave of returnees had settled back in Judah under Zerubbabel and Joshua, and Ezra himself had arrived in Jerusalem with a second wave of exiles around 458 BC. The prohibition against intermarriage with foreign nations was a crucial aspect of Israel's covenant identity, established in laws like [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage") and [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land"). This was not merely a social or racial concern but a theological one, intended to prevent the people from being led into idolatry and compromising their unique relationship with Yahweh. Fasting, as practiced by Ezra, was a well-established spiritual discipline in ancient Israel, used to express deep sorrow, repentance, supplication, or intense mourning, often in times of national crisis or personal distress, as seen in [1 Samuel 7:6](/1-samuel/7-6 "1 Samuel 7:6 - Israel's Fast at Mizpah") or [Joel 2:12](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12 - Call to Repentance and Fasting"). Ezra's extreme fast (no bread, no water) signifies a level of distress comparable to that of Moses on Mount Sinai or Elijah in the wilderness, indicating the profound spiritual crisis he perceived.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Foremost is the theme of **holiness and separation**, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen people, uncorrupted by pagan influences. Ezra's profound grief underscores the **seriousness of sin**, particularly covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating that disobedience is not a light matter but a deep offense against God that demands genuine contrition. The verse also exemplifies **righteous leadership**, as Ezra embodies the very repentance he calls for, leading by personal example of spiritual anguish and devotion. His actions reflect a deep commitment to **covenant fidelity** and the restoration of God's people to their rightful relationship with Him, emphasizing the ongoing need for purification and adherence to the Law even after their return from exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mourned (Hebrew, _'āḇal'_):** This verb denotes a deep, emotional sorrow, often accompanied by outward expressions of grief such as weeping, fasting, or wearing sackcloth. It implies a lamentation for a significant loss or tragedy, going beyond mere sadness to a profound state of anguish and distress. In Ezra's case, it signifies his personal identification with the corporate sin and its devastating implications for the covenant relationship with God.
* **Transgression (Hebrew, _ma'al'_):** This noun specifically refers to an act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, or a trespass against God or sacred things. It is a stronger term than simply "sin" (חֵטְא, _ḥēṭʾ_), implying treachery, a violation of covenant obligations, or a betrayal of what is holy. The use of _ma'al_ here emphasizes that the intermarriage was not a minor oversight but a serious defilement and an act of disloyalty against Yahweh and His covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God":** This phrase marks a transition from the public scene described in [Ezra 9:5](/ezra/9-5 "Ezra 9:5 - Ezra's Prayer") and [Ezra 10:1](/ezra/10-1 "Ezra 10:1 - The People Gather") where Ezra had been prostrate in prayer and lament before the Temple. His rising signifies a shift in his posture and location, though not in his spiritual state. It implies he is moving to continue his intense spiritual discipline in a more private setting.
* **"and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib":** This specifies Ezra's destination for his continued mourning. Johanan, likely a high priest or a prominent figure, provided a private space, perhaps within the Temple complex or nearby, allowing Ezra to withdraw from the public gaze and engage in a more personal and intense period of spiritual discipline without interruption. This highlights the deep respect and support Ezra received from the religious establishment.
* **"and [when] he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water":** This describes Ezra's extreme act of fasting. Abstaining from both food and water (a complete fast) was the most severe form of fasting, typically reserved for moments of profound crisis, desperate supplication, or overwhelming grief. It demonstrates the depth of Ezra's personal anguish and his absolute commitment to identifying with the people's sin and seeking God's intervention.
* **"for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away":** This clause provides the explicit reason for Ezra's severe fasting and mourning. His grief was not for a personal loss, but for the "transgression" (_ma'al_) of the exiles who had returned to the land. This indicates a deep pastoral heart, one that felt the weight of the community's sin as if it were his own, recognizing the spiritual danger and covenant breach that this widespread intermarriage represented.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 10:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Ezra's spiritual anguish and the gravity of the situation. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** in the description of Ezra's fasting ("did eat no bread, nor drink water"), which, while literally true for a period, emphasizes the extreme nature of his self-denial and the overwhelming sorrow that drove it. This extreme action also functions as **Symbolism**, where Ezra's physical deprivation symbolizes the spiritual emptiness and brokenness caused by the people's sin; his personal suffering mirrors the corporate spiritual decay. The verse also uses **Contrast**, moving from the public spectacle of lament "before the house of God" to the private, intense mourning "in the chamber of Johanan," highlighting the personal, internal dimension of Ezra's grief that continued beyond the public display. Finally, the explicit statement of the reason for his mourning ("for he mourned because of the transgression") serves as **Exposition**, directly informing the reader of Ezra's motivation and reinforcing the central theme of sin's seriousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra's profound grief and extreme fasting in response to the people's sin of intermarriage underscore a vital theological principle: genuine repentance begins with a deep, personal sorrow over sin, not merely its consequences. This verse portrays a leader who embodies intercessory lament, bearing the spiritual burden of his community's unfaithfulness as his own. It highlights the serious nature of covenant disobedience, particularly when it threatens the purity and distinct identity of God's people, and demonstrates that true spiritual revival is often preceded by such heartfelt contrition and self-abasement before God. Ezra's actions serve as a powerful model for all believers, reminding us that spiritual health is inextricably linked to our posture toward God's commands and our willingness to grieve over sin, both personal and corporate.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Nehemiah 1:4](/nehemiah/1-4 "Nehemiah 1:4 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Fasting")
* [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12-13 "Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 10:6 offers a compelling portrait of spiritual leadership and personal devotion that transcends time. Ezra's willingness to enter into such profound and physically demanding mourning for the sins of others challenges us to examine the depth of our own sorrow over sin, both individually and corporately. Do we truly grieve over the ways we, or the communities we belong to, fall short of God's holy standards? This passage calls us to cultivate a heart that is not only aware of sin but deeply burdened by its offense against a holy God. It reminds us that spiritual disciplines like fasting are not mere rituals but powerful expressions of earnestness, humility, and desperate reliance on God in times of spiritual crisis. Ezra's example encourages us to embrace a posture of intercession, to bear the burdens of others, and to lead by embodying the very repentance and devotion we desire to see in those around us, recognizing that genuine transformation often flows from such costly and heartfelt engagement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How deeply do I grieve over my own sins and the sins within my community or church?**
* **What spiritual disciplines, like fasting, might God be calling me to engage in to express earnestness or seek His will in a deeper way?**
* **In what ways can I, like Ezra, embody the spiritual principles I advocate for, leading by example in my personal devotion and response to sin?**
* **How does Ezra's extreme reaction challenge my perception of the seriousness of disobedience to God's commands?**

### FAQ

**Why did Ezra fast so severely, abstaining from both food and water?**
Answer: Ezra's extreme fast was a profound expression of his overwhelming spiritual grief and identification with the people's "transgression" of intermarriage. In ancient Israel, abstaining from both food and water was the most severe form of fasting, typically reserved for moments of dire national crisis, desperate supplication, or intense personal sorrow. It signified a complete devotion to seeking God's face and demonstrating utter dependence on Him, reflecting the depth of the spiritual crisis he perceived due to the widespread covenant unfaithfulness. This level of fasting is seen in other biblical accounts during times of extreme distress, such as [Esther 4:16](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Call for a Three-Day Fast") or [Deuteronomy 9:9](/deuteronomy/9-9 "Deuteronomy 9:9 - Moses' Fast on Mount Sinai").

**What was the "transgression" that Ezra mourned so deeply?**
Answer: The "transgression" Ezra mourned was the widespread practice of intermarriage between the returning exiles and the foreign peoples of the land, specifically mentioned in [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1-2 "Ezra 9:1-2 - The Sin of Intermarriage"). This was a direct violation of God's commands given in the Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage") and [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land"). The concern was not merely social or ethnic, but theological: intermarriage threatened to lead God's people into idolatry and compromise their distinct identity and covenant purity, which was crucial for their role as a holy nation. Ezra understood this as a betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh, hence his profound grief.

**How does Ezra's leadership in this verse serve as an example for spiritual leaders today?**
Answer: Ezra's leadership in [Ezra 10:6](/ezra/10-6 "Ezra 10:6 - Ezra's Mourning and Fasting") provides a powerful example for spiritual leaders today in several ways. First, he demonstrates **deep empathy and identification** with the sins of his people, not merely condemning from a distance but bearing their burden as his own. Second, he models **genuine contrition and humility**, showing that true leadership involves personal brokenness before God over corporate sin. Third, his extreme fasting illustrates the importance of **spiritual discipline and earnestness** in seeking God's intervention and aligning with His will. Finally, Ezra leads by **example**, not just by instruction, showing that a leader's personal devotion and response to God's holiness can powerfully influence and inspire a community towards repentance and reform. This resonates with the New Testament call for leaders to be examples to the flock, as seen in [1 Peter 5:3](/1-peter/5-3 "1 Peter 5:3 - Shepherds as Examples").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra's profound mourning and extreme fasting over the "transgression" of God's people, particularly their covenant unfaithfulness through intermarriage, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate intercessor and sin-bearer, Jesus Christ. While Ezra grieved over the people's sin and identified with their brokenness, he could not ultimately atone for it. His sorrow points to the perfect, sinless Son of God who would fully bear the weight of humanity's transgressions, not merely mourning them but actively taking them upon Himself. Just as Ezra's fast was a physical expression of spiritual anguish, Christ's suffering and death on the cross were the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that truly "took away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Ezra's intercession and self-abasement for the people's unfaithfulness find their perfect fulfillment in Jesus, who "made himself nothing" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")) and "became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Ezra's burden for the purity of God's people is ultimately realized in the new covenant, where Christ's blood cleanses and purifies His Church, making us a "holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.