Ezra 9:13

KJV

And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities [deserve], and hast given us [such] deliverance as this;

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H310} all that is come {H935} upon us for our evil {H7451} deeds {H4639}, and for our great {H1419} trespass {H819}, seeing that thou our God {H430} hast punished {H2820} us less {H4295} than our iniquities {H5771} deserve, and hast given {H5414} us such deliverance {H6413} as this;

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, after all that has come upon us because of our evil deeds and our deep guilt - and even so, you, our God, have punished us less than our sins deserve and have given us a surviving remnant -

Berean Standard Bible

After all that has come upon us because of our evil deeds and our great guilt (though You, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have given us such a remnant as this),

American Standard Version

And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great guilt, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such a remnant,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 9:13 encapsulates a profound moment of national confession and a powerful testament to God's unparalleled mercy amidst Israel's persistent sin. In this verse, Ezra acknowledges that the suffering and judgment experienced by the repatriated exiles, though severe, were far less than what their "evil deeds" and "great trespass" truly merited. It highlights a deep theological truth: God's justice is perfect, yet His compassion often withholds the full measure of deserved punishment, instead offering undeserved "deliverance" and a renewed opportunity for faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 9:13 is a pivotal moment within Ezra's deeply emotional and theological prayer of confession, recorded in its entirety in [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra Chapter 9 - Ezra's Prayer of Confession"). This prayer is prompted by Ezra's profound distress upon discovering that the returned exiles, including priests and Levites, had intermarried with the surrounding pagan peoples, violating God's explicit commands and the covenantal purity essential for their identity as a holy nation. The preceding verses detail Ezra's physical and emotional reaction to this sin—tearing his garments, pulling out his hair, and falling prostrate before God. His prayer, beginning in [Ezra 9:6](/ezra/9-6 "Ezra 9:6 - Ezra's Confession of Shame"), moves from a sweeping historical review of Israel's rebellion and God's righteous judgments (culminating in the Babylonian exile) to an astonished recognition of God's persistent grace, even in their current state of unfaithfulness. Verse 13 specifically serves as a bridge, acknowledging past judgment while marveling at present mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 9 occur approximately 80 years after the initial return of exiles under Zerubbabel, during the reign of Artaxerxes I (circa 458 BC). Ezra, a priest and skilled scribe, had recently arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon with a commission to teach God's law and restore order. The "deliverance" mentioned refers to the Persian king's decree allowing the Jews to return to their land, rebuild Jerusalem, and restore the Temple worship, a monumental act of divine intervention after seventy years of exile. The "great trespass" of intermarriage was not merely a social faux pas; it was a direct violation of Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")), designed to preserve Israel's distinct identity and prevent assimilation into idolatrous practices. Such unions threatened the very spiritual and cultural fabric of the nascent community, potentially leading them back into the idolatry that had caused the exile in the first place.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Ezra and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and justice of God**, affirming that divine judgment is a direct consequence of human sin ("evil deeds" and "great trespass"). Secondly, and perhaps more profoundly, it highlights the **unfathomable mercy and grace of God**, demonstrating that even in judgment, God's compassion prevails, withholding the full measure of deserved punishment. The phrase "punished us less than our iniquities [deserve]" is a profound theological statement on God's character. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **gratitude for undeserved deliverance**. The return from exile and the opportunity to rebuild were not earned but were a pure gift of God's grace, fostering a spirit of humble thankfulness. This theme resonates throughout the post-exilic books, as seen in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - The Levites' Prayer of Confession") where the Levites recount God's faithfulness despite Israel's repeated rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _ʼashmâh'_):** This term (H819) denotes guiltiness, a fault, or sin, often implying a breach of trust or duty, particularly against God or sacred things. In Ezra 9:13, it underscores the profound culpability of Israel's intermarriage, which was not merely a social misstep but a deep act of disloyalty to their covenant with Yahweh and a defilement of the "holy seed." It signifies the state of guilt resulting from such a grave offense.
* **Punished (Hebrew, _châsak'_):** The Hebrew verb (H2820) literally means "to restrain," "to withhold," or "to spare." When Ezra says God "hast punished us less," the underlying Hebrew implies that God actively *withheld* the full extent of the punishment that their sins justly deserved. This highlights God's compassionate choice to limit the consequences of their rebellion, emphasizing divine restraint and mercy rather than merely a lesser degree of suffering.
* **Deliverance (Hebrew, _pᵉlêyṭâh'_):** This word (H6413) refers to an escape, a remnant, or a survival. It speaks of being rescued from destruction or annihilation. In this context, it specifically points to the miraculous return from Babylonian exile and the preservation of a remnant of the people. It is a powerful acknowledgment that their very existence and opportunity to rebuild were not a natural outcome but an undeserved act of divine rescue and preservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass,"**: This opening clause establishes the premise of divine justice. Ezra directly attributes the suffering and hardship endured by the nation (referring to the Babylonian exile and subsequent struggles) to their own "evil deeds" (wicked actions) and "great trespass" (profound covenant unfaithfulness). There is no attempt to deflect blame; instead, it is a humble and direct acknowledgment of national culpability, recognizing that their plight is a righteous consequence of their sin.
* **"seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities [deserve],"**: This is the theological heart of the verse, expressing a profound truth about God's character. Despite their severe and repeated rebellion, Ezra confesses that God's discipline, though painful, was mercifully tempered. The punishment administered was significantly less than the full measure of what their sins justly warranted. This highlights God's immense compassion and patience, demonstrating that His justice is always infused with grace.
* **"and hast given us [such] deliverance as this;"**: This concluding clause expresses gratitude for God's unmerited favor. The "deliverance" refers specifically to their return from exile, the opportunity to rebuild Jerusalem, and the re-establishment of their community and worship. Ezra recognizes that this restoration, even in its partial and fragile state, is an undeserved gift from God, a testament to His faithfulness and a demonstration of His desire to preserve His people despite their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 9:13 employs several powerful literary devices within Ezra's prayer. The entire prayer, of which this verse is a part, is a profound **Confession**, characterized by a humble and direct acknowledgment of sin without excuse. There is a striking **Juxtaposition** between Israel's profound unfaithfulness and God's astounding faithfulness and mercy. The phrase "punished us less than our iniquities [deserve]" functions as a form of **Understatement** or **Litotes**, where the full extent of God's mercy is conveyed by stating the opposite of what is implied (i.e., God's mercy is so vast that He *did not* give them what they deserved). This rhetorical choice magnifies God's grace by contrasting it sharply with human culpability. The structure of the verse, moving from acknowledgment of sin to recognition of tempered judgment and then to gratitude for deliverance, creates a powerful **Rhetorical Progression** that underscores the theological message of divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 9:13 is a powerful theological statement on the nature of divine justice and mercy. It affirms God's righteousness in judging sin while simultaneously exalting His boundless compassion that consistently withholds the full measure of deserved wrath. This delicate balance between justice and mercy is a recurring theme throughout biblical theology, demonstrating that God's character is not solely defined by punitive justice but also by an enduring, redemptive love that seeks to preserve and restore. The verse serves as a reminder that any blessing or deliverance experienced by humanity is ultimately an unmerited gift of God's grace, not a reward for human merit.
* [Psalm 103:10](/psalm/103-10 "Psalm 103:10 - God's Mercy Not According to Our Sins")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Cease")
* [Nehemiah 9:31](/nehemiah/9-31 "Nehemiah 9:31 - God's Great Mercies and Preservation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra's prayer in Ezra 9:13 offers a timeless and profound model for genuine confession and repentance, both individually and corporately. It calls us to confront our own "evil deeds" and "great trespasses" with brutal honesty, acknowledging our full responsibility for our actions without excuse or blame-shifting. This honest self-assessment is not meant to lead to despair, but to a deeper appreciation of God's character. Even in the midst of consequences for our sin, we are called to recognize God's hand of mercy, understanding that His discipline is always tempered by His love and is ultimately for our good, aiming for restoration rather than annihilation. This perspective cultivates profound gratitude for every instance of God's grace and deliverance in our lives, no matter how small, fostering a renewed commitment to walk in His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge your "evil deeds" or "great trespass" before God, without making excuses?**
* **How does recognizing that God has "punished us less than our iniquities [deserve]" deepen your understanding of His mercy and grace?**
* **What "deliverance" or blessings in your life, large or small, have you perhaps taken for granted, and how can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for them?**
* **How can Ezra's posture of humble confession and gratitude inform your own prayer life and approach to repentance?**

### FAQ
**What was the "great trespass" that Ezra refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "great trespass" primarily refers to the widespread practice of intermarriage between the returned Jewish exiles and the pagan peoples of the land, including the Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and others. This was a direct violation of God's clear commands in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Do Not Make a Covenant with the Inhabitants of the Land") and [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")). This sin was considered a "trespass" (Hebrew: _ʼashmâh_) because it represented an act of unfaithfulness and betrayal against God's covenant, threatening to dilute the spiritual purity of the "holy seed" and lead the people back into idolatry, which had been the root cause of their exile.

**How does Ezra 9:13 demonstrate God's justice and mercy simultaneously?**

Answer: Ezra 9:13 masterfully balances God's justice and mercy. God's justice is affirmed by Ezra's acknowledgment that the suffering and judgment ("all that is come upon us") were direct consequences of their "evil deeds" and "great trespass." This confirms that God is righteous in His dealings with sin. Simultaneously, God's mercy is highlighted by the confession that God "hast punished us less than our iniquities [deserve]." This phrase reveals that despite their profound sin, God, in His compassion, withheld the full measure of the punishment they justly earned. He did not completely consume them, but preserved a remnant and offered "deliverance." Thus, the verse shows a God who is both perfectly just in His judgment and infinitely merciful in His restraint and redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 9:13, with its profound declaration of God's tempered justice and abundant mercy, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "evil deeds" and "great trespass" of Israel, which justly deserved full punishment, foreshadow the universal human condition of sin against a holy God. Humanity's "iniquities" are so vast that they merit eternal separation and wrath. Yet, in Christ, God "punished us less than our iniquities [deserve]" not by merely lessening the blow, but by redirecting the full, deserved wrath onto His own Son. Jesus became the ultimate "deliverance," bearing the entire penalty for our sins on the cross, as [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions") prophesied, so that we might receive not less punishment, but complete forgiveness and reconciliation. The "deliverance" from Babylonian exile pales in comparison to the spiritual deliverance Christ offers from the bondage of sin and death, granting us new life and an eternal inheritance (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). In Christ, God's justice is fully satisfied, and His mercy is perfectly displayed, demonstrating that His grace is not merely a reduction of punishment, but a complete substitution, offering a salvation far greater than any "deliverance" the exiles could have imagined.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 103:10

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Lamentations 3:22

[It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Lamentations 3:39

Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?

Lamentations 3:40

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

Job 11:6

And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that [they are] double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee [less] than thine iniquity [deserveth].

Ezekiel 24:13

In thy filthiness [is] lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

Ezekiel 24:14

I the LORD have spoken [it]: it shall come to pass, and I will do [it]; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.