Ezra 10:6-44 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The reformations.

Roused by the speech of Shechaniah to the work of reformation, Ezra promptly took his measures. These are set forth in the words before us. The consideration of the subject may be conveniently arranged under three heads, viz.—

I. THE PROCLAMATION .

1. This was drawn up in the temple (verses 6, 7).

2. Its measures were strong and peremptory.

(3) There was also a civil penalty, viz; "that all his substance should be forfeited." The Hebrew for "forfeited" here is in the margin construed "devoted,'' which suggests that it should be given to the sacred uses of the temple. This was fitting where civil and ecclesiastical laws were the same; but here is no justification for the infliction of civil penalties by ecclesiastical authority under the gospel.

II. THE APPEAL (verses 10, 11).

1. The people were prepared to hear it.

2. It urged upon them the duty of reformation.

III. THE RESPONSE .

1. The people consented to the reformation.

2. They suggested measures for carrying it on.

3. Ezra consented to their proposal.