Ezra 9:4 - Exposition

Then were assembled unto me. The open manifestation by Ezra of his grief and horror produced an immediate effect. A crowd assembled around him, attracted by the unusual sight—partly sympathizing, partly no doubt curious. Every one came that trembled at the words of the God of Israel; by which is meant not so much all God-fearing persons (see Isaiah 66:2 ) as all who were alarmed at the transgression of the commands of God ( Ezra 10:3 ), and at the threats which the Law contained against transgressors ( Deuteronomy 7:4 ). Because of the transgression of those that had been carried away. The transgression of "the children of the captivity" ( Ezra 4:1 )—of those who had been removed to Babylon and had returned under Zerubbabel. I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice. As morning is the time for business in the East, we may assume that the princes had waited upon Ezra tolerably early in the day—before noon, at any rate—to communicate their intelligence. The evening sacrifice took place at three in the afternoon. Ezra must, therefore, either from the intensity of his own feelings or with the view of impressing the people, have "sat astonied"—speechless and motionless—for several hours.