Ezra 10:4

4 "Now get up, Ezra. Take charge - we're behind you. Don't back down."

Ezra 10:4 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 10:4

Arise
From the ground, where he lay prostrate:

for this matter belongeth unto thee;
as a priest and scribe of the law, well versed in it, and therefore could direct what was to be done according to it; and as a ruler under the king of Persia, and a commissioner of his, to inquire whether the law of God was observed by the Jews, ( Ezra 7:14 ) and so had authority to put the law in execution:

we also will be with thee;
to help and assist in the reformation of this evil:

be of good courage, and do it;
do not despair of going through it, though there may be some opposition to it; begin, and doubt not of succeeding.

Ezra 10:4 In-Context

2 Shecaniah son of Jehiel of the family of Elam, acting as spokesman, said to Ezra: "We betrayed our God by marrying foreign wives from the people around here. But all is not lost; there is still hope for Israel.
3 Let's make a covenant right now with our God, agreeing to get rid of all these wives and their children, just as my master and those who honor God's commandment are saying. It's what The Revelation says, so let's do it.
4 "Now get up, Ezra. Take charge - we're behind you. Don't back down."
5 So Ezra stood up and had the leaders of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel solemnly swear to do what Shecaniah proposed. And they did it.
6 Then Ezra left the plaza in front of The Temple of God and went to the home of Jehohanan son of Eliashib where he stayed, still fasting from food and drink, continuing his mourning over the betrayal by the exiles.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.