Ezra 10:13

13 But there are many people, and it's the rainy season; we can't continue to stand outside. Nor can this task be completed in a day or two because many of us have sinned in this matter.

Ezra 10:13 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 10:13

But the people are many
Who have been guilty of this evil:

and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without:
in the street, because of the rain:

neither is this a work of one day or two;
to inquire into this affair, who they are that have taken strange wives, and to persuade or oblige them to put them away:

for we are many that have transgressed in this thing;
in marrying strange wives.

Ezra 10:13 In-Context

11 But now, make a confession to the LORD God of your ancestors and do his will. Separate yourselves from the neighboring peoples and from the foreign wives."

12 The whole assembly shouted in reply, "Yes. We must do as you have said.

13 But there are many people, and it's the rainy season; we can't continue to stand outside. Nor can this task be completed in a day or two because many of us have sinned in this matter.

14 Let our leaders represent the entire assembly. Let all in our towns who have taken foreign wives come at appointed times, along with the elders and judges of every town, until God's great anger at us on account of this matter be averted."

15 Only Jonathan, Asahel's son, and Jahzeiah, Tikvah's son, opposed this; Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levites supported them.