Verse 6
6. O my God The following prayer of Ezra is, for its occasion, a most perfect model of intercessory supplication. Or rather, perhaps, we should say, it is a most perfect utterance of humiliation and confession before God, for there is no word of direct supplication here. Much is suggested and implied, but every utterance is that of confession of past and present sin, and personal humiliation before God. Ezra enumerates the manifold sins of his nation in connexion with the manifold mercies of God, and confesses that all the woes and punishments of Israel have been less than their sins. He ventures not to pray for mercy and pardon, but presents the people in their trespasses before Jehovah, confessing that they are not able to stand. Compare Daniel’s prayer, (Daniel 9:4-19,) where is found much of direct supplication.
Our iniquities… over our head Like a flood they have been rising higher and higher, until we are quite submerged and overwhelmed.
Grown up unto the heavens Like a tower of Babel, which has been built higher and higher, as if to defy the very God of heaven.
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