Ezra 9:4

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Ezra 9:4 occurs during a critical period after the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ezra, a scribe and priest, had recently arrived to help re-establish the law of God among the repatriated community. The preceding verses (Ezra 9:1-3) reveal the shocking discovery that many, including priests and Levites, had committed a severe transgression: intermarrying with the pagan peoples of the land, contrary to God's explicit commands (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3). This verse captures Ezra's profound initial reaction and the gathering of like-minded individuals.

Key Themes

  • Reverence for God's Word: The phrase "every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel" highlights a deep respect and awe for divine instruction. These were individuals whose consciences were pricked by the discovery of national sin, recognizing the gravity of disobeying God's commandments. This spiritual sensitivity is a hallmark of true piety, as emphasized in Isaiah 66:2.
  • Sorrow Over Sin: Ezra's reaction of sitting "astonied" (stunned, appalled, or desolate) until the evening sacrifice underscores the profound grief and shock he felt over the spiritual compromise of his people. This was not merely intellectual disapproval but a deep, heart-wrenching sorrow, reflecting a righteous indignation and concern for God's honor and the purity of His people. This profound sorrow is often a precursor to genuine repentance.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The verse points to the collective nature of sin and repentance. The transgression was committed by "those that had been carried away" (the returned exiles), indicating a widespread issue. The assembly of those who "trembled" shows a remnant who felt the weight of this corporate sin, highlighting the importance of collective spiritual discernment and response.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "astonied" is shamem (שמם), which conveys a sense of being desolate, appalled, or utterly stunned. It's a powerful word indicating not just surprise, but a deep emotional and spiritual shock, often associated with a feeling of ruin or devastation. Ezra's reaction signifies the immense spiritual and moral damage he perceived due to the transgression of intermarriage, which threatened to undo the very purpose of their return from exile.

Practical Application

Ezra 9:4 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Sensitivity to God's Word: Do we "tremble at the words of the God of Israel"? This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep reverence for Scripture, allowing it to expose sin and guide our lives. A casual approach to God's commands can lead to spiritual compromise.
  • Grief Over Sin: Ezra's profound sorrow over corporate sin encourages us to mourn over spiritual apathy and moral compromise within our communities and the wider church. This kind of godly sorrow, as described in 2 Corinthians 7:10, is essential for true repentance and spiritual renewal.
  • Standing for Purity: Like the remnant who gathered with Ezra, believers are called to uphold God's standards and be a voice for righteousness, even when it is unpopular or exposes uncomfortable truths within the community.
  • Prayer and Reflection: Ezra's period of being "astonied until the evening sacrifice" suggests a time of deep, quiet contemplation and grief before prayer. This reminds us of the need for profound personal reflection and intercession when confronted with serious spiritual issues. His subsequent prayer (Ezra 9:5ff) is a powerful example of confession and supplication, often offered at the time of the evening sacrifice.
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Cross-References

  • Ezra 10:3 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Psalms 119:136 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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