What was the effect of Ezra's deep affliction for the sins of his people, and what acknowledgments were made to him?
Is there any evidence that Shecaniah was himself implicated in this public guilt? N. B. He is not mentioned among the delinquents
What did he then propose towards a reformation and how did Ezra receive his counsel? v. 3—5.
Whither did Ezra go from this place of meeting, and how does it appear that his depression still continued?
How did they prosecute the begun work of reformation? v. 7, 8.
What is said of the circumstances of their general meeting in the ninth month? v. 9.
What address did Ezra make to them, and how did they answer him? v. 10—13.
Of whom did they propose that this bench of Judges should consist, and who were to preside over it? v. 14, 15.
Was the readiness of the people to enter into the reformation very remarkable? N.B. " It is likely those princes who informed Ezra of this enormous practice had endeavored to reform them, but could not, because they were opposed by as great men as themselves. , But we must not cast away all hope though we cannot presently reform men's lives : the time may come when it may be done." Patrick.
Who were first to confess and forsake their sin, and to atone for it?
Had any of the one hundred and thirteen here mentioned had children by these heathen wives, and what was done with them? v. 4. N.B. As there is no express mention of the children being put away with their mothers, and as the divine injunctions, when justice does not forbid, generally lean to the side of mercy, we may charitably hope they were retained among the children of God. Perhaps the Apostle alludes to this 1 Cor. 7. 14.
Did this inveterate evil again creep in among the people not many years after? Neh. 13.23. Mai. 2.11.
How long after this did Ezra still continue at Jerusalem? N. B. Twelve years ; which he probably occupied in instructing the people, promoting religion, and settling the ecclesiastical Fate of his brethren.
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