At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation with my tunic and cloak torn, and I fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the LORD my God, At the evening offeringThe evening offering refers to the time of the daily sacrifice in the temple, which was around 3 PM. This was a significant time for prayer and reflection, as it was a moment when the Israelites would turn their hearts toward God. The evening sacrifice is mentioned in Exodus 29:39-41 and Daniel 9:21, highlighting its importance in Jewish worship. It symbolizes a time of repentance and seeking God's mercy, aligning with Ezra's actions in this passage. I got up from my humiliation
Ezra's humiliation refers to his deep sense of shame and sorrow over the sins of the people of Israel, particularly their intermarriage with pagan nations, which was against God's commandments (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This act of humility is a demonstration of true repentance and aligns with the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). with my tunic and cloak torn
Tearing one's garments was a traditional expression of grief, mourning, or repentance in ancient Israel (Genesis 37:29, 2 Samuel 1:11). It was a physical manifestation of inner turmoil and distress. Ezra's torn garments symbolize his deep anguish over the spiritual state of the people and his personal identification with their sin. and I fell on my knees
Falling on one's knees is a posture of submission and earnest prayer. It signifies humility and a recognition of God's sovereignty. This act is seen throughout Scripture as a way to seek God's favor and intervention (Daniel 6:10, Acts 9:40). Ezra's kneeling reflects his earnest plea for God's mercy and guidance. spread out my hands to the LORD my God
Spreading out hands in prayer is a gesture of supplication and openness to receive from God. It is a biblical posture of prayer seen in 1 Kings 8:22 and Psalm 143:6, symbolizing a plea for divine help and an expression of dependence on God. This act underscores Ezra's deep faith and trust in God's ability to forgive and restore. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest who led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was deeply concerned about the spiritual state of the returned exiles and their intermarriage with pagan nations. 2. Evening SacrificeA significant time in the Jewish day, marking a moment of prayer and offering to God. It was a time when the community would gather for worship and reflection. 3. Self-abasementEzra's act of humility and repentance, demonstrated by tearing his garments and falling to his knees, symbolizing deep sorrow for the sins of the people. 4. Tunic and Cloak TornA traditional expression of mourning and repentance in Jewish culture, indicating distress and a plea for divine intervention. 5. The LORD my GodThe covenant name of God, emphasizing a personal and communal relationship with the divine, whom Ezra addresses in his prayer. Teaching Points The Importance of RepentanceEzra's actions remind us that true repentance involves humility and a sincere turning back to God. It is not just an emotional response but a commitment to change. The Role of Leadership in Spiritual RenewalAs a leader, Ezra sets an example for the people by acknowledging sin and seeking God's mercy. Leaders today are called to guide others in spiritual renewal and repentance. The Power of PrayerEzra's prayer at the evening sacrifice underscores the power of prayer in seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. Prayer should be a central part of our response to sin. Community ResponsibilityEzra's actions show that the sins of a community affect everyone. We are called to intercede not only for ourselves but for our communities, seeking collective repentance and restoration. Symbolic Acts of FaithTearing garments and spreading hands in prayer are outward expressions of inward faith and repentance. Our actions should reflect our heart's condition before God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezra's response to the sin of the people challenge our own approach to repentance and prayer? 2. In what ways can we, like Ezra, demonstrate leadership in guiding others towards spiritual renewal and repentance? 3. How does the timing of Ezra's prayer at the evening sacrifice enhance our understanding of the importance of regular, dedicated times of prayer? 4. What are some modern "symbolic acts" that can help us express our repentance and commitment to God? 5. How can we take responsibility for the spiritual state of our communities, and what practical steps can we take to intercede on their behalf? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 1:4Nehemiah's response to hearing about the state of Jerusalem mirrors Ezra's reaction, showing a pattern of mourning and prayer in response to sin and distress. Daniel 9:3-4Daniel's prayer of confession and repentance for the sins of Israel parallels Ezra's actions, highlighting the importance of intercessory prayer. Joel 2:12-13The call to return to God with fasting, weeping, and mourning connects with Ezra's demonstration of repentance and humility. People Ammonites, Amorites, Canaanites, Egyptians, Hittites, Jebusites, Levites, Moabites, PerizzitesPlaces Beyond the River, Jerusalem, Judea, PersiaTopics Affliction, Bow, Cloak, Evening, Falling, Fasting, Fell, Garment, Garments, Got, Grief, Hands, Heaviness, Humiliation, Knees, Low, Mantle, Myself, Oblation, Offering, Present, Rending, Rent, Risen, Robe, Rose, Sacrifice, Self-abasement, Signs, Spread, Stretched, Torn, Tunic, UpperDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 9:5 5144 cloak
5156 hand
5161 kneeling
7377 high priest, OT
8336 reverence, and obedience
8620 prayer, practicalities
8653 importunity, to God Ezra 9:1-7 6174 guilt, human aspects
8272 holiness, growth in Ezra 9:1-15 8466 reformation Ezra 9:3-6 5419 mourning Ezra 9:4-5 4933 evening Ezra 9:4-15 6624 confession, of sin Ezra 9:5-6 6740 returning to God Library September 23 Morning
Our God hath not forsaken us.--EZRA 9:9. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.--If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. The Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. The Lord …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily PathThe Sad Case of a Relapse into Known and Deliberate Sin, after Solemn Acts Op Dedication to God and Some Progress Made in Religion.
1. Unthought of relapses may happen.--2. And bring the soul into a miserable case.--3. Yet the case is not desperate.--4. The backslider urged immediately to return, by deep humiliation before God for so aggravated an offence.--5. By renewed regards to the divine mercy in Christ.--6. By an open profession of repentance, where the crime hath given public offence.--7. Falls to be reviewed for future caution.--8. The chapter concludes with a prayer for the use of one who hath fallen into gross sins, …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Prayer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAYER. WHAT is prayer? A sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God hath promised. The best prayers have often more groans than words. Alas, how few there be in the world whose heart and mouth in prayer shall go together. Dost thou, when thou askest for the Spirit, or faith, or love to God, to holiness, to saints, to the word, and the like, ask for them with love to them, …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction.
1. Here it is advised--that afflictions should only be expected.--2. That the righteous hand of God should be acknowledged in them when they come.--3. That they should be borne with patience.--4. That the divine conduct in them should be cordially approved.--5. That thankfulness should be maintained in the midst of trials.--6. That the design of afflictions should be diligently inquired into, and all proper assistance taken in discovering it.--7. That, when it is discovered, it should humbly be complied …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in Such an Engagement in War, and Associate with the Malignant Party.
That It Is Not Lawful For The Well Affected Subjects To Concur In Such An Engagement In War, And Associate With The Malignant Party. Some convinced of the unlawfulness of the public resolutions and proceedings, in reference to the employing of the malignant party, yet do not find such clearness and satisfaction in their own consciences as to forbid the subjects to concur in this war, and associate with the army so constituted. Therefore it is needful to speak something to this point, That it is …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Letter xx. Self-Examination.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves."--2 COR. 13:6. MY DEAR SISTER, In view of the positive injunction of Scripture, above quoted, no argument is necessary to show that self-examination is a duty. But if the word of God had been silent upon the subject, the importance of self-knowledge would have been a sufficient motive for searching into the secret springs of action which influence our conduct. A person ignorant of his own heart, is like a merchant, who knows …
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females The Careless Sinner Awakened.
1, 2. It is too supposable a case that this Treatise may come into such hands.--3, 4. Since many, not grossly vicious, fail under that character.--5, 6. A more particular illustration of this case, with an appeal to the reader, whether it be not his own.--7 to 9. Expostulation with such.--10 to 12. More particularly--From acknowledged principles relating to the Nature of Got, his universal presence, agency, and perfection.--13. From a view of personal obligations to him.--14. From the danger Of this …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezra 9:5 NIVEzra 9:5 NLTEzra 9:5 ESVEzra 9:5 NASBEzra 9:5 KJV
Ezra 9:5 Commentaries
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