Ezra 10:1

1 So when Esdras prayed, and when he confessed, weeping and praying before the house of God, a very great assembly of Israel came together to him, men and women and youths; for the people wept, and wept aloud.

Ezra 10:1 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 10:1

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping,
&c.] Had confessed the sins of the people in prayer and supplication, with many tears:

and casting himself down before the house of God;
in the outward court before the temple, his face turned towards it, where he lay prostrate:

there assembled to him out of Israel a very great congregation of men,
and women, and children;
it was quickly spread abroad, both in Jerusalem and places adjacent, that such a great man, a commissioner from the king of Persia, and a priest of the Jews, was in the utmost distress, rending his garments, and plucking off his hair, and was crying and praying in a vehement manner; which brought a great concourse of people, who concluded some great sins were committed, and sore judgments were coming upon them:

for the people wept very sore;
being affected with his confessions, cries, and tears, and fearing wrath would come upon them for their sins.

Ezra 10:1 In-Context

1 So when Esdras prayed, and when he confessed, weeping and praying before the house of God, a very great assembly of Israel came together to him, men and women and youths; for the people wept, and wept aloud.

2 And Sechenias the son of Jeel, of the sons of Elam, answered and said to Esdras, We have broken covenant with our God, and have taken strange wives of the nations of the land: yet now there is patience to Israel concerning this thing.

3 Now then let us make a covenant with our God, to put away all the wives, and their offspring, as thou shalt advise:

4 arise, and alarm them with the commands of our God; and let be done according to the law. Rise up, for the matter upon thee; and we with thee: be strong and do.

5 Then Esdras arose, and caused the rulers, the priests, and Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word: and they swore.