Ezra 10:1-25 Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God… I. THE IMPRESSION WHICH EZRA'S CONDITION AND CONDUCT BY REASON OF THEIR SIN PRODUCED UPON THE PEOPLE WAS — 1. Sympathetic. 2. Deep. II. THE PROPOSAL OF REFORMATION MADE. III. THE PROPOSAL OF REFORMATION ACCEPTED. Learn — 1. The manifestation of intense feeling is sometimes commendable, and very influential for good. 2. A. deep feeling of the guilt of sin is a strong encouragement to hope for forgiveness, amendment, etc. (ver. 2). 3. That repentance only is genuine which leads to restitution and reformation (ver. 3). 4. It is of the utmost importance to translate religious feeling into corresponding action without delay. 5. Great leaders may receive valuable aid from even their humblest followers. 6. It is sometimes wise to fortify good resolutions by a solemn covenant with God, or by a serious pledge to men. (William Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore. |
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