Ezra 10:4

Get up, for this matter is your responsibility, and we will support you. Be strong and take action!"

Study Bible

Get up
This phrase is a call to action, urging Ezra to rise from his position of mourning and prayer. In the biblical context, standing up often signifies readiness to act or to take on a responsibility. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God or His messengers call individuals to rise and fulfill a divine task, such as when God called Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:10) or when Jesus called His disciples to follow Him (Matthew 4:19).

for this matter is your responsibility
Ezra, as a priest and scribe, held a position of spiritual authority and leadership among the Israelites. His responsibility was to guide the people in adherence to God's laws. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where leaders are accountable for the spiritual well-being of their community. The historical context here involves the Israelites' return from Babylonian exile and the need to reestablish their covenant relationship with God, which had been compromised by intermarriage with pagan nations.

and we will support you
This assurance of support highlights the communal aspect of repentance and reform. The people recognized Ezra's leadership but also committed to stand with him in the necessary actions. This reflects the biblical theme of unity and collective responsibility within the body of believers, as seen in the early church's communal life (Acts 2:42-47).

Be strong and take action!
This exhortation echoes God's encouragement to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:6-9). It emphasizes the need for courage and decisive action in the face of daunting tasks. The call to strength and action is a recurring biblical theme, often associated with faith in God's promises and reliance on His power, as seen in the life of David (1 Samuel 17:45-47) and the apostles (Acts 4:29-31).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in restoring the law and religious practices among the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel who had returned from Babylonian exile and were struggling with issues of intermarriage with foreign nations, which was against the Law of Moses.

3. Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites and the location where Ezra was leading the reform.

4. Shecaniah
A leader among the Israelites who encouraged Ezra to take action regarding the issue of intermarriage, showing support and urging him to be strong.

5. Intermarriage Crisis
The event where many Israelites had married foreign women, leading to a crisis of faith and identity, prompting the need for reform and repentance.

Teaching Points

Responsibility in Leadership
God calls leaders to take responsibility for guiding His people according to His Word. Ezra's example shows the importance of stepping up to address issues within the community.

Community Support
The support of the community is crucial when undertaking difficult tasks. Just as Shecaniah and others supported Ezra, we should support our leaders in their God-given missions.

Strength and Action
Spiritual strength comes from God, and it is essential to act upon His commands. Ezra's call to be strong and take action is a reminder that faith requires both trust and obedience.

Repentance and Reform
True repentance involves turning away from sin and making necessary changes. The Israelites' situation teaches us the importance of aligning our lives with God's standards.

Courage in Obedience
Obeying God often requires courage, especially when it involves difficult decisions. Ezra's courage in addressing the intermarriage issue is a model for us to follow in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezra's leadership in this passage inspire you to take responsibility in your own community or church?

2. In what ways can you support your church leaders as they address challenging issues today?

3. Reflect on a time when you needed to be strong and take action in your faith. How did God provide the strength you needed?

4. How can the principles of repentance and reform seen in Ezra 10:4 be applied to personal or communal situations you face?

5. What other biblical examples of courage in obedience can you find, and how do they encourage you in your walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns against intermarriage with foreign nations, which could lead the Israelites away from God. It provides the background for the crisis Ezra faced.

Joshua 1:9
The command to be strong and courageous is echoed in Ezra 10:4, showing a consistent biblical theme of relying on God's strength in times of leadership and reform.

Nehemiah 8:1-12
This passage describes a similar situation where the Law was read to the people, leading to repentance and reform, highlighting the importance of returning to God's Word.