Ezra 10:1

1 As Ezra was praying and confessing and cry- ing and throwing himself down in front of the Temple, a large group of Israelite men, women, and children gathered around him who were also crying loudly.

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 As Ezra was praying and confessing and cry- ing and throwing himself down in front of the Temple, a large group of Israelite men, women, and children gathered around him who were also crying loudly.

2 Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel the Elamite said to Ezra, "We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying women from the peoples around us. But even so, there is still hope for Israel.

3 Now let us make an agreement before our God. We will send away all these women and their children as you and those who respect the commands of our God advise. Let it be done to obey God's Teachings.

4 Get up, Ezra. You are in charge, and we will support you. Have courage and do it."

5 So Ezra got up and made the priests, Levites, and all the people of Israel promise to do what was suggested; and they promised.