Ezra: The Lord HelpsSample

Being carried along by a crowd can be dangerous, but it can also bring about genuine change. We are so individualistic in the way we think about our walk with the Lord that we tend to underestimate the powerful influence of a corporate response, as happens in Ezra 10. 

With private and corporate prayer undergirding everything, and a formal, corporate commitment from the leaders of God’s people to obey God’s Word, a proclamation is issued to God’s people (vv. 7–8). Today I doubt we could ever ‘threaten’ to confiscate property and excommunicate anyone who doesn’t show up to a church meeting. But gathering all God’s people to address them together is always a good thing. Within three days, all God’s people are represented in Jerusalem (v. 9). 

From the numbers we’ve been given throughout the book of Ezra, we know that in excess of 40,000 people – the size of a premiership football crowd – are gathered outside the temple, but they aren’t cheering excitedly. They are ‘greatly distressed’ (v. 9) for two reasons – the situation and the rain. 

It is the 20th day of the ninth month – 20 December 458 BC. The weather reflects the situation in Israel and the mood of the people – miserable. As they sit there in the rain, Ezra spells out the issue (vv. 10–11).

Ezra states their sin and calls them to confession. Then he instructs them to repent and directs them to become the distinctive, unique people of God. What a brilliant response God’s people make. The whole assembly responds with a loud voice, ‘We must do as you say’ (v. 12). 

With no excuses, they face up to their sin. They recognize the gravity of the situation and understand it will take some time to work it out. So they appoint officials to rule on each individual case of intermarriage (vv. 13–14). 

It is a remarkable response. Out of a crowd of over 40,000 people, only four opposed the suggestion (v. 15). When so many are united in repentance, you know that a reformation is happening. 

The people of God duly begin their investigations (vv. 16–17). It takes three months – 75 days to be precise – to process 111 cases (as we see in 10:18– 44). They don’t rush the procedure. They are dealing with real lives, which are complex and need to be worked through systematically. 

Repentance needs to be decisive – there needs to be a commitment to change. But it can’t always be worked out immediately. It takes time to unravel the complexities of sin in people’s lives. 

Reflection

Pray for your church to respond as God’s Word is preached each Sunday. Be determined to be the first to obey and consider how you can encourage others to also be obedient.