Ezra 10

Ezra 10:1

WHen he had confessed] He confessed his sins, and the sins of his people, Daniel 9:20. especially in unlawfull mariages.

wept very sore] Heb. wept a great weeping.

Ezra 10:2

there is hope in Israel] Meaning, that God would receive them to mercy.

Ezra 10:3

to put away] Heb. to bring forth. He sheweth the ground of his hope, and means of effecting it.

according to the counsell] Because God and the king have given thee authority to reform things amisse.

my lord] Or, the Lord.

Ezra 10:5

the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel] Or, the chief of the priests, and of the Levites, and of all Israel. For why should he make all the Levites and Israelites swear, and not all the priests? Neither were all Israel yet gathered together, vers. 7. And he had some chief men that offered him assistance, vers. 4. See also vers. 14. and 16.

Ezra 10:7

they made proclamation] They who had sworn to assist Ezra, vers. 5. and are called princes and elders, vers. 8.

Ezra 10:8

forfeited] Heb. devoted.

separated] Or, excommunicated, John 9:22.

Ezra 10:9

the ninth meneth] Which containeth part of November, and part of December.

the great rain] Heb, the showers: For the season was given to rain, and so the weather was more sharp and cold, and also their conscience accused them.

Ezra 10:10

have taken] Heb. have caused to dwell, or, have brought back.

encrease the trespasse] By laying one sin upon another, 1 Samuel 12:19. Luke 3:20.

Ezra 10:13

we are many that have transgressed in this thing] Or, we have greatly offended in this thing.

Ezra 10:14

Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand] Let them be appointed to be ready to examine this matter speedily.

with them the elders of every city] The rulers of every place that knew the offenders, must come with them to inform the judges of the whole congregation.

untill the fierce wrath of our God] Till all the strange wives be put away, and so Gods wrath be appeased.

for this matter, be turned from us] Or, till this matter be dispatched.

Ezra 10:15

Jonathan the son of Asahel, and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah] It seems few of the priests and Levites were free from this sin: therefore so few judges are chosen among them. The high priest himself was not employed in it, because his sons were guilty, verse 18.

were employed] Heb. stood.

Ezra 10:16

after] Or, for.

tenth moneth] Which contained part of December, and part of January.

Ezra 10:17

first moneth] Which containeth part of March, and part of April.

Ezra 10:19

And they gave their hands] As a token that they would keep promise, and do it, 2 Kings 10:15.

Ezra 10:25

of Israel] Meaning of the common people: for he spake before of the priests and Levites, that were guilty.

Ezra 10:40

Machnadebai] Or, Mabnadebai, according to some copies.

Ezra 10:44

by whom they had children] Neither love to wife nor children could keep them from obeying Gods commandment. They put away as well those wives by whom they had children, as those by whom they had none. And it is likely they put away their children also. See verse 3.