Ezra 10:4 is a call to action, a command to Ezra and the people of Israel to address a critical issue: the intermarriage of Israelite men with foreign women, which was seen as a violation of God's covenant. Let's break down the meaning of each part of the verse:
"Arise;" - This is an imperative, a direct command to stand up, both literally and figuratively. It's a call to action, urging Ezra to take charge and not delay.
"for the matter belongs to you," - This establishes Ezra's responsibility and authority in addressing the issue. It's saying, "This is your problem to solve; you are the one responsible for dealing with this situation." As a priest and scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, Ezra was the logical leader to address religious and social issues.
"and we are with you." - This is a crucial element of support and encouragement. It assures Ezra that he is not alone in this undertaking. The people are pledging their allegiance and assistance, offering to stand beside him and cooperate in whatever action needs to be taken. This is vital because addressing the issue would likely be difficult and potentially controversial.
"Be courageous, and do it.” - This is the final and emphatic command. "Be courageous" acknowledges that the task ahead will be challenging and require bravery. It's an encouragement to overcome fear and apprehension. "And do it" is a direct order to take action and carry out the necessary steps to resolve the problem. There should be no hesitation or excuses.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a rallying cry for Ezra to take leadership in addressing the issue of intermarriage. It empowers him, reassures him of support, and commands him to act decisively and fearlessly. It signifies:
Leadership & Responsibility: Ezra is identified as the key figure to address the problem.
Support & Unity: The people pledge their assistance, promising to stand with him.
Courage & Action: A call to overcome fear and act decisively to resolve the matter.
In the context of Ezra 10, this verse is a pivotal moment that spurs Ezra and the people into action, leading to the painful but ultimately necessary process of separating from the foreign wives and their children to restore the purity of the Israelite community.
Ezra 10:4 is a call to action, a command to Ezra and the people of Israel to address a critical issue: the intermarriage of Israelite men with foreign women, which was seen as a violation of God's covenant. Let's break down the meaning of each part of the verse:
"Arise;" - This is an imperative, a direct command to stand up, both literally and figuratively. It's a call to action, urging Ezra to take charge and not delay.
"for the matter belongs to you," - This establishes Ezra's responsibility and authority in addressing the issue. It's saying, "This is your problem to solve; you are the one responsible for dealing with this situation." As a priest and scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, Ezra was the logical leader to address religious and social issues.
"and we are with you." - This is a crucial element of support and encouragement. It assures Ezra that he is not alone in this undertaking. The people are pledging their allegiance and assistance, offering to stand beside him and cooperate in whatever action needs to be taken. This is vital because addressing the issue would likely be difficult and potentially controversial.
"Be courageous, and do it.” - This is the final and emphatic command. "Be courageous" acknowledges that the task ahead will be challenging and require bravery. It's an encouragement to overcome fear and apprehension. "And do it" is a direct order to take action and carry out the necessary steps to resolve the problem. There should be no hesitation or excuses.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a rallying cry for Ezra to take leadership in addressing the issue of intermarriage. It empowers him, reassures him of support, and commands him to act decisively and fearlessly. It signifies:
Leadership & Responsibility: Ezra is identified as the key figure to address the problem.
Support & Unity: The people pledge their assistance, promising to stand with him.
Courage & Action: A call to overcome fear and act decisively to resolve the matter.
In the context of Ezra 10, this verse is a pivotal moment that spurs Ezra and the people into action, leading to the painful but ultimately necessary process of separating from the foreign wives and their children to restore the purity of the Israelite community.