Ezra 9

Ezra’s Grief Over Sin

1 After everything was settled, the leaders came to me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not separated themselves from the local tribes, the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. They are doing all the same detestable stuff those people do.”

2 “They have even married their daughters and given their own daughters to their sons. The holy race has mixed with the surrounding nations. And the leaders and officials were the first ones to do this.”

3 When I heard that, I tore my robe and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sat down devastated.

4 Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there shocked until the evening offering.

5 When it came time for the evening sacrifice, I got up from my humbling posture with my clothes torn. I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God.

6 And I prayed, “My God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to You. Our sins are piled so high, they reach the skies.”

7 “From our ancestors’ days until now, we have been deep in guilt. Because of our sins, we, our kings, and priests have been handed over to foreign kings, killed, enslaved, robbed, and shamed, just like we are today.”

8 “But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God has shown us favor by letting a few of us survive and giving us a place in His holy house. Our God has brightened our eyes and given us some relief in our slavery.”

9 “For we are slaves, but in our slavery, God has not abandoned us. He has shown us kindness in the eyes of the kings of Persia. He has given us new life to rebuild His house and repair its ruins, and He has given us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.”

10 “But now, our God, what can we say after this, We have abandoned the commands

11 You gave through Your servants the prophets, saying: ‘The land you are entering to take over is polluted by the sins of its people. They have filled it from end to end with their filth and corruption.’”

12 “‘So do not let your daughters marry their sons or their daughters marry your sons. Do not ever seek peace or prosperity from them. That way, you will grow strong, enjoy the land’s blessings, and leave it to your kids forever.’”

13 “After everything that has happened to us because of our evil and guilt, and still You, our God, have punished us less than we deserve and let some of us survive,”

14 “Should we break Your commands again and intermarry with those who practice these sick things, Would You not be so angry You would wipe us out completely, leaving no one left?”

15 “LORD, God of Israel, You are righteous. We are here today as survivors, but we are guilty before You. None of us can stand before You because of this.”