Ezra 9:10

And now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commandments

Study Bible

And now, our God,
This phrase indicates a direct address to God, showing a personal relationship and reverence. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is acknowledged as the sovereign Lord. This invocation is common in prayers of confession and supplication throughout the Old Testament, such as in Nehemiah 1:5-11 and Daniel 9:4-19, where the people turn to God in times of distress.

what can we say after this?
This rhetorical question expresses a sense of guilt and helplessness. It acknowledges the gravity of the situation and the inadequacy of any excuse or justification. This mirrors other biblical instances where individuals or groups are confronted with their sin, such as in Job 40:4-5 and Romans 3:19, emphasizing the need for repentance and divine mercy.

For we have forsaken the commandments
This confession highlights the specific sin of abandoning God's laws, which were given to guide Israel in righteousness and holiness. The commandments refer to the Mosaic Law, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil precepts. Forsaking these commandments often led to consequences such as exile, as seen in the history of Israel and Judah. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26. It also foreshadows the need for a new covenant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly kept the law and offers redemption for transgressions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was deeply concerned about the spiritual state of the people and their adherence to God's laws.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who had returned from Babylonian exile. They were struggling with maintaining their distinct identity and obedience to God's commandments.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the returned exiles were rebuilding the temple and re-establishing their community according to God's laws.

4. The Commandments
Refers to the laws given by God to the Israelites, which they had neglected, leading to Ezra's prayer of confession.

5. Intermarriage with Pagan Nations
The specific sin that prompted Ezra's prayer, as the Israelites had intermarried with surrounding nations, contrary to God's commandments.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Ezra 9:10 highlights the necessity of adhering to God's commandments. Disobedience leads to spiritual and communal consequences.

The Role of Confession
Ezra's prayer is a model of confession, acknowledging the people's sins and seeking God's mercy. Confession is vital for restoring our relationship with God.

Guarding Against Compromise
The Israelites' intermarriage with pagan nations serves as a warning against compromising our faith and values with worldly influences.

Leadership and Accountability
Ezra's leadership demonstrates the importance of holding the community accountable to God's standards and leading by example in repentance.

The Call to Holiness
As God's people, we are called to be set apart and live according to His commandments, reflecting His holiness in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific commandments had the Israelites forsaken, and how does this relate to the broader context of their covenant with God?

2. How does Ezra's response to the sin of the people inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and accountability today?

3. In what ways can we guard against compromising our faith in a culture that often contradicts biblical values?

4. How does the practice of confession, as demonstrated by Ezra, play a role in our personal and communal spiritual lives?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in obedience to God's commandments in our daily lives, and how can we encourage others to do the same?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns the Israelites against intermarrying with pagan nations, which is directly related to the sin Ezra is addressing.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage, showing the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to remain faithful to God's commandments.

Psalm 119:10
This verse emphasizes seeking God with all one's heart and not straying from His commandments, echoing the heart of Ezra's concern.