The Pulpit Commentary — Ezra — Section 157

E~rn's cnse, there is (1) urgent reason for exciting others to feel as we do• or when ns in the case of the people, there is (2) general fervour in which it' would h; unsympatbising or unpatriotic not to share. It is a very noble sight when a whole people mourns with an honourable repentance, or arises in holy indignation, or braces itself up to a generous struggle, or rejoices with a pure and holy joy. Then let feelin"' 0 swell to its highest tide ; let it pour itself forth as "the mighty waves of the sea." II. ATTESTATION. "Let us make a covenant with our God" (ver. 3). "Then arose Ezra, and made . . . all Israel to swear that they should do according to his word" (ver. 5). Usually, as our Lord tells us, it is far better to speak simply with- out strengthening our word by protestation or oath (Matt. v. 33-37); but there are times when we feel called on to add to the word of promise which we make either to God or to man, something which shall confirm and secure it. We may (1) make a formal covenant with God, as Shechaniah recommended (ver. 3); we may take upon us his vows, alone or in company, (a) to do some duty which is binding on us, hut which we are strongly tempted to leave undone; or (b) to render some service which we may lawfully leave alone, hut which, in our better hours, we are inspired to =der- take; or (c) to leave untouched that which is either wrong in itself or dangerous or hurtful to ourselves or those we have in charge. Or we may (2) enter into a solemn and sacred pledge with our fellows. Ezra felt that this was an occasion on which it was of the utmost consequence that-everything should be done thoroughly; not only begun in zeal, but carried out and perfectep; and for this purpose he made the chief priests, Levites, and all Israel bind themselves with a solemn oath to suatain him (ver. 5), and they did so. It is right and wise, on occasion, to require something more than a word of promise. We do well to demand a written engagement, or even a declaration made before God that what is promised shall be done. III. SEVERITY. "When he came thither, be did eat no bread, nor drink water" (ver. 6). 11 Whosoever would not come .... all his substance should be forfeited (ver. 8). Ezra showed some little (1) severity toward himself: he neither ate nor drank (ver. 6). He allowed the public concerns so to occupy his mind and affect his heart that he gave himself no time or felt in himself no inclination for the ordinary comforts and refreshments of life. We, too, on occasion, if not only sincere but zealous for the public good, shall deny ourselves that which we usually and rightly allow ourselves. There are demons (iniquities, sins, propensities) only to be cast out with that intensity of thought, and feeling, and action which implies "prayer and fasting" (Matt. xvii. 21). He also showed considerable (2) severity toward others. With the concurrence of the leaders (princes), those who did not present themselves in three days were to suffer forfeiture of goods and excommunication (ver. 8)-a heavy penalty for recusancy. Severe crises justify strong measures. There are times when leniency is only another name for cruelty. An Achan must perish that Israel may be saved; the immoral member of Corinth must be cast out that the Church may be pure. We must" make a difference" according to requirement (Jude 22, 23).-C. Vers. 6----44.-The reformation. 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 (vers. 6, 7). (1) In the "chamber of Johanan, the son of Eliashib.' Eliashib was high priest, in which office be was succeeded by his son Joiada (Noh. xii. 10). Some think Johanan was another name for Joiada; but Joiada had a son Jonathan, who more probably was this Johanan (Noh. xii. 11). In this co.so Ezra consulted with the grandson of Eliashib. Sagacity for counsel is not always found with age. (2) Perhaps the chamber of Johanan was the place in which a council of priests assembled. The plural "they" who "made proclamation" shows that Ezra did not issue it upon bis sole authority. It would go forth with the sanction of the civil and ecclesiastical rulers of the nation (see ver. 8). (3) It was also drawn up in a spirit suited to the solemnity of the occasion o.nd the place. Ezra still continued his fast ; "for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away." Mourning should not cease until sin is al>"--"<lQned. Under the influence of this true M2  164 THE BOOK OF EZRA. [err. x. 1-44.