In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the issue of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. He begins by expressing his frustration and lack of words in response to their repeated disobedience. The people had forsaken God's commandments and returned to their sinful ways, despite being given a second chance. God had warned them about the corrupt and unclean nature of the land they were entering, and had instructed them not to intermarry with the people there. However, they disregarded these warnings and engaged in the same abominations as before. Ezra, the leader, prays and confesses their sins, weeping and casting himself down before God. The people are moved by a sense of guilt and join him in weeping.

In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Ezra and a group of 4,000 people who returned to Jerusalem with him. They faced the vulnerability of carrying a large amount of wealth and the threat of bandits along the way. Despite their initial response to put things right, it was not enough to appease God's anger, as they had taken pagan wives. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not only making adjustments but also truly repenting and turning away from sinful behaviors. The purpose of Ezra writing the book is believed to be to address the disturbing news he received upon arriving in Jerusalem.