So painful to the heart of Ezra was the sorrowful news of the conduct of the people, that he rent his clothes and plucked off his hair. Then he sat down overwhelmed, so intense was his grief. That those who had been the objects of the special grace of God should turn His grace into that which was so dishonoring to Him, was indeed a blow to a godly man like Ezra. But such is the heart of man! and our hearts are no better if we are not walking in communion with the Lord and in obedience to His Word. Still He is unchangeable in His mercy and grace toward His people. “If we are unfaithful, He abides faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Tim. 2:13, J.N.D. Trans. “The gifts and calling of God are without repentence,” Rom. 11:29, and this alone is the security of His people.
It does not appear that Ezra said anything at this time, but the result of his grief was that everyone that trembled at the words of the God of Israel were gathered to him. Had He not said long before by the mouth of His prophet Isaiah that He would take up the cause of “him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word?” Isa. 66:2, 5.
Heartbroken, Ezra sat in the dust until the time of the evening sacrifice; then he arose and spread out his hands unto the Lord. Humbled by the people’s sin, nevertheless he saw in the burnt offering — type of what Christ was to God in His death — his own acceptance. Realizing this he proceeded to make intercession for his guilty people, ocnfessing their sins as his own, even though he had not taken part in their failure. He spoke of their former guiltiness whereby they had been carried away captive for a spoil for their enemies, which resulted in their confusion of face. But now for them to act as they had done, after the Lord had granted them a little reviving by allowing a remnant to escape, and to give them a nail in God’s holy place — all Ezra could say was, “What shall we say after this for we have forsaken Thy commandments.”
Ezra then exhorted the people not to do as they had done, and not to seek the peace or wealth of the surrounding nations. Then he reminded them that God had punished them less than their iniquities deserved. After this Ezra ocntinued his intercession before the Lord, expressing fear that they should again break His commandments, and that they would be consumed so there would not be a remnant left to escape.
From first to last Ezra justifies God, and lays bare the sins of his people. This is truly the work of the Spirit of God; and it is also a promise of blessing, for the place of confession is the place of restoration.
It is well for us to read and consider often the words of Moses to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 8, where he says with respect to the Lord’s dealings with His people, it was “that He might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end.” v. 16. In order that He might do so it is necessary for Him to humble us, for “a proud look” is one of those seven things which the Word tells us are an abomination unto Him. (Prov. 6:16-19.)
ML 05/10/1959