THE PEOPLE CONFESSED

PROCLAMATION

“Then all the assembly replied with a loud voice, ‘It is our duty to do exactly as you have said.’ ”  Ezra 10:12 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  While Ezra was praying, weeping, and making confession lying prostrate in the house of God, a large crowd gathered around him and they wept.  Shecaniah the son of Jehiel son of Elam said, “We have been unfaithful to our God and married foreign women … let us make a covenant with our God to send away all the wives and their children … and let it be done according to the Law.” (Ezra 10:1-3)  Then the priests, and the Levites, and all of the people present took the oath.  Ezra issued a proclamation throughout all of Judah and Benjamin to all of the exiles to meet in Jerusalem in three days.  When they all were assembled in the public square, trembling because of their situation and the rain, Ezra stood up and said, “You have been unfaithful and married foreign wives, adding to the guilt of Israel.  Now therefore, make a confession to The Lord God … and separate yourselves from the people of the land and from the foreign wives.”  All the assembly agreed with a loud voice. (Ezra 10:4-12)  Chapter ten ends with a list of the names of all the men of Israel who had taken foreign wives including the priests, and the Levites, and the singers. (Ezra 10:18-44)

 

APPLICATION

When these people were called out, and told of their sin, they stopped doing wrong and took actions to correct their mistakes.  We should do likewise.  “Do the best you can until you know better.  Then when you know better, do better.” (Maya Angelou)  None of us is perfect.  “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” (Vince Lombardi)  Or as I would prefer to say, “Perfection is not attainable, but it is a goal that is well worth striving for.” (Wendell Wharton)  We should all pray to The Lord God to help us become more Christ-like each day.