Ezra 9:4

KJV

Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then were assembled {H622} unto me every one that trembled {H2730} at the words {H1697} of the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, because of the transgression {H4604} of those that had been carried away {H1473}; and I sat {H3427} astonied {H8074} until the evening {H6153} sacrifice {H4503}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All who trembled at the words of the God of Isra'el assembled around me when confronted with the treachery of these exiles; and I sat there in shock until the evening offering.

Berean Standard Bible

Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat there in horror until the evening offering.

American Standard Version

Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of them of the captivity; and I sat confounded until the evening oblation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 9:4 vividly portrays the profound spiritual and emotional anguish of the scribe Ezra upon discovering the pervasive intermarriage among the returned exiles, a direct and grievous violation of God's covenant commands. It captures a pivotal moment where Ezra, deeply "astonied" by the people's unfaithfulness, is joined by a faithful remnant who likewise "trembled" at the solemn words of the God of Israel, setting the stage for a period of corporate lament and a desperate plea for divine mercy and renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 9:4 immediately follows Ezra's shocking discovery of the widespread intermarriage between the returned exiles and the pagan peoples of the land, a transgression detailed in [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1-2 "Ezra 9:1-2 - The Unholy Alliances"). The preceding verses reveal the deep spiritual compromise permeating the community, including priests, Levites, and even leaders, who had disregarded God's explicit commands against such unions (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")). Ezra's visceral reaction in [Ezra 9:3](/ezra/9-3 "Ezra 9:3 - Ezra's Initial Reaction to the Transgression")—tearing his garment, pulling out his hair and beard—demonstrates his profound distress and identification with the sin of his people. Verse 4 then describes the gathering of those who shared his spiritual anguish, forming a sympathetic community around him as he remained in a state of shock until the evening sacrifice, thereby preparing the narrative for his subsequent fervent prayer of confession in [Ezra 9:5-15](/ezra/9-5-15 "Ezra 9:5-15 - Ezra's Prayer of Confession and Lament").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 9 unfold approximately 80 years after the first wave of exiles returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel, and roughly a decade after the temple's reconstruction. Ezra, a priest and skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, had recently arrived from Babylon with a commission from King Artaxerxes to re-establish the Mosaic Law and temple worship among the repatriated community ([Ezra 7:6-10](/ezra/7-6-10 "Ezra 7:6-10 - Ezra's Arrival and Mission")). The issue of intermarriage was a critical threat to the distinct identity and spiritual purity of Israel, a lesson they were meant to have learned from the Babylonian exile, which was largely a consequence of their idolatry and disobedience. The "evening sacrifice" (Hebrew: _minchat 'erev_) was a daily ritual, typically offered around 3 PM, signifying a time of prayer and atonement, making it a natural moment for Ezra's deep reflection and subsequent supplication, as seen in other biblical accounts like [Daniel 9:21](/daniel/9-21 "Daniel 9:21 - Daniel's Prayer at the Time of the Evening Sacrifice").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **reverence for God's Word**, as seen in those who "trembled at the words of the God of Israel," indicating a deep conviction regarding divine commands and their violation. This theme is central to Ezra's mission and the restoration of covenant faithfulness. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **corporate responsibility and sin**, demonstrating that the transgressions of individuals have a collective impact on the community, necessitating a communal response of sorrow and repentance. Ezra's personal anguish reflects a profound **godly sorrow over sin**, not just intellectual disapproval but a visceral grief over the spiritual state of his people, mirroring the sentiment expressed in [Psalm 119:136](/psalm/119-136 "Psalm 119:136 - Rivers of Tears Over Transgression"). Finally, the verse sets the stage for **spiritual renewal and reform**, as Ezra's profound reaction and the gathering of the faithful remnant initiate the process of confronting and addressing the sin, paving the way for the covenant renewal described in [Ezra 10](/ezra/10 "Ezra 10 - The Resolution of Intermarriage").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trembled (Hebrew, _chârêd'_ H2730):** This word signifies a profound emotional and physical reaction, implying fear, awe, and deep concern. It denotes a spiritual sensitivity and reverence for divine commands, indicating those whose consciences were acutely pricked by the discovery of the national sin. This "trembling" is a mark of true piety and a humble submission to God's authority, distinguishing those who genuinely fear the Lord from those who are indifferent to His will.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_ H1697):** In this context, "words" refers to the divine commands, statutes, and principles revealed by God, particularly through the Mosaic Law. It encompasses not just spoken utterances but also the entire body of God's revealed truth, which carries absolute authority and demands faithful obedience. The trembling is a response to the gravity and binding nature of these divine pronouncements.
* **Astonied (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_ H8074):** This powerful word conveys a state of desolation, utter shock, or appalled silence. It describes a profound emotional and spiritual paralysis, far beyond mere surprise. Ezra's "astonied" state suggests a deep sense of ruin, devastation, and grief over the spiritual compromise of his people, as if the very foundation of their covenant relationship with God had been shattered. It indicates a righteous indignation and a heavy burden for the purity and honor of God's name among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel":** This clause describes the immediate effect of Ezra's public lament and distress. It highlights a faithful remnant within the community—those whose hearts were sensitive to God's revealed will. Their "trembling" signifies a profound reverence for Scripture and a recognition of the severe implications of disobedience. This assembly around Ezra underscores the presence of a core group who shared his spiritual burden and concern for the nation's purity, indicating a nascent movement towards repentance and reform.
* **"because of the transgression of those that had been carried away":** This specifies the precise reason for the collective anguish: the "transgression" (Hebrew: _maʻal_, H4604, implying an act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or sacrilege against God) committed by the returned exiles (Hebrew: _gôwlâh_, H1473, "exiles" or "those carried away"). The phrase "those that had been carried away" emphasizes that even after the chastisement of exile, the people had fallen back into the very sins that led to their dispersion. This highlights the deep-seated spiritual problem and the recurring cycle of disobedience in Israel's history, threatening the very purpose of their return to the land.
* **"and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice":** This final clause vividly portrays Ezra's prolonged state of profound shock and grief. His "astonied" posture, a picture of utter desolation, signifies the depth of his spiritual pain and the weight of the corporate sin he bore. The duration "until the evening sacrifice" indicates a significant period of silent, agonizing contemplation and mourning, a time often associated with prayer and communion with God. This extended period of lamentation precedes his fervent prayer of confession, demonstrating the depth of his brokenness before the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 9:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity of the situation and Ezra's profound reaction. The phrase "every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel" uses **Synecdoche**, where a part (their trembling) stands for the whole person, emphasizing their defining characteristic of reverence for God's law. This also borders on **Personification**, as the "words of God" are depicted as having a tangible effect, causing a physical and emotional reaction in those who hear them. Ezra's state of being "astonied" is a form of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis, vividly portraying the extreme depth of his shock and sorrow, suggesting a state of utter paralysis and desolation. The mention of "the evening sacrifice" functions as **Symbolism**, pointing to a specific time of day associated with prayer, atonement, and drawing near to God, thus framing Ezra's silent anguish within a liturgical and spiritual context, foreshadowing his subsequent intercessory prayer. The entire scene serves as a dramatic **Contrast** to the casual disobedience of the people, highlighting the profound spiritual sensitivity of Ezra and the faithful remnant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 9:4 serves as a poignant theological statement on the nature of sin, corporate responsibility, and the necessity of godly sorrow. It underscores that true reverence for God's word ("trembling at the words") is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, visceral response to its authority and the gravity of disobedience. The collective "transgression" highlights the interconnectedness of God's people, where the sin of some impacts the spiritual well-being of the whole community, necessitating a corporate response. Ezra's "astonied" state exemplifies a righteous grief over sin, a brokenness that precedes genuine repentance and spiritual renewal, demonstrating that true spiritual leadership often begins with profound lament. This verse sets the stage for the crucial process of confession and purification, reminding us that restoration begins with acknowledging the depth of our failings before a holy God and responding with a contrite spirit.

* [Psalm 119:136](/psalm/119-136 "Psalm 119:136 - Rivers of Tears Over Transgression")
* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leading to Repentance")
* [Isaiah 66:2](/isaiah/66-2 "Isaiah 66:2 - The One God Regards: Humble and Trembling at His Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 9:4 offers a powerful mirror for contemporary believers and the church, challenging us to examine our own posture toward God's word and the reality of sin. Do we possess a similar "trembling" reverence for Scripture, allowing its truth to penetrate our hearts and expose areas of compromise, both individually and corporately? Ezra's profound "astonishment" at the people's transgression calls us to cultivate a godly sorrow over sin, not just intellectual disapproval but a deep, heart-wrenching grief over spiritual apathy, moral compromise, and disobedience within our communities and the wider world. This kind of brokenness is not weakness but a divine prerequisite for genuine repentance and spiritual renewal. The gathering of the faithful remnant around Ezra reminds us of the importance of solidarity among those who uphold God's standards and are willing to stand for purity, even when it exposes uncomfortable truths. It encourages us to engage in periods of deep reflection and intercession when confronted with serious spiritual issues, allowing God's Spirit to cultivate within us a profound sensitivity to His holiness and a passion for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community have I become desensitized to sin, failing to "tremble" at God's word?**
* **How does Ezra's "astonied" reaction challenge my own emotional and spiritual response to sin, both personal and corporate?**
* **Am I willing to stand with others who are burdened by the spiritual state of the church or society, seeking God's face in lament and intercession?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's commands and a more profound sorrow over disobedience?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "tremble at the words of the God of Israel"?**

Answer: To "tremble at the words of the God of Israel" signifies a profound reverence, awe, and deep respect for God's revealed will and commands. It's not merely a fear of punishment, but a holy fear that stems from recognizing God's absolute authority, holiness, and the gravity of His truth. Those who "tremble" are spiritually sensitive individuals whose consciences are pricked by disobedience, demonstrating a humble and submissive heart towards divine instruction. This attitude is highly valued by God, as seen in [Isaiah 66:2](/isaiah/66-2 "Isaiah 66:2 - God Regards the Humble and Contrite").

**Why was Ezra "astonied" until the evening sacrifice?**

Answer: Ezra's state of being "astonied" (Hebrew: _shamem_) indicates a profound shock, desolation, and deep grief. It was an extreme emotional and spiritual response to the discovery of widespread intermarriage among the returned exiles, a direct and severe violation of God's covenant commands. His prolonged state "until the evening sacrifice" (typically around 3 PM) signifies a period of intense, silent lament and contemplation. This was not just intellectual disapproval but a visceral sorrow over the spiritual compromise of his people, reflecting the immense burden he carried for their purity and faithfulness to God. The evening sacrifice was a customary time for prayer and drawing near to God, making it a fitting moment for Ezra's deep anguish to culminate in his subsequent prayer of confession in [Ezra 9:5](/ezra/9-5 "Ezra 9:5 - Ezra's Prayer of Confession").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 9:4, with its depiction of profound sorrow over sin and the desperate need for purity, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Ezra's "astonied" state, a righteous grief over the transgression of his people, foreshadows the perfect sorrow of Christ, who bore the weight of humanity's sin, not merely as an empathetic observer but as the sin-bearer. While Ezra mourned the people's disobedience, Jesus Himself became "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows")) for the transgressions of all humanity. The "trembling at the words of the God of Israel" points to Christ, who perfectly embodied obedience to every word of God, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering Himself as the perfect and final "evening sacrifice" that truly atones for all "transgression," bringing reconciliation between God and humanity ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ not only removes the guilt of sin but also empowers His followers to live lives that "tremble" at God's word and grieve over sin, drawing them into a new covenant of purity and obedience, fulfilling the deepest longings expressed in Ezra's lament and establishing a people zealous for good works ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ Redeems and Purifies a People")).

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

Ezra 10:3

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

Isaiah 66:2

For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Exodus 29:39

The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:

Psalms 119:136

¶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

2 Chronicles 34:27

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD.

Daniel 9:21

Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

Acts 3:1

¶ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].