In Jerusalem the Jewish leaders told Ezra that many of their earlier returned exiles and even priests and Levites had been corrupted spiritually by marrying idol worshippers and followed their detestable practices. (9:1-2) Ezra believes in God's promises to restore the nation of Israel, even with a small remnant of people. But he also knows God is just and righteous and he fears that the remnant may be destroyed now that they cannot be set apart for God.
Ezra responded immediately to restore relationship with God:
(1). FAITH IN ACTION AS INTERCESSOR: STAND IN GAP AND REPENT FOR THE NATION
(a) He humbled before God in physical actions (faith in action). (b) His action drew all those who feared God (and obeyed His word) to join him and humble before God. (c) He then prayed and interceded for the sinners: confessing their sins, admitting their wickedness and great guilt that deserved severe punishments, agreeing with God that God is just. Then he pleaded, "We come before You in our guilt as nothing but an escaped remnant, though in such a condition none of us can stand in Your presence." (3-15)
(2) FAITH IN ACTION AS ANOINTED SPIRITUAL LEADER: LED THE PEOPLE TO REPENT AND TAKE ACTION TO TURN AWAY FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS:
(a) He led by example: "While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and lying face down on the ground in front of the temple of God, a very large crowd of people from Israel-men, women, and children- gathered and wept bitterly with him." (10:1) (His faith in action drew result!)
(b) He discerned a Spirit-led true repentance and proposed solution: Schecaniah said to Ezra, "We have been unfaithful to our God...but there is hope for Israel. Let us now make a covenant with our God..We will follow the advice given by you..Let it be done according to the Law of God. Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things right. We are behind you, so be strong and take action." (10:2-4)
(c) He took immediate authority and action to secure commitment of the people: "So Ezra stood up and demanded that the leaders of the priests and the Levites and all the people of Israel swear that they would do as Schecanish had said." And they all swore a solemn oath. (10:5) He knew God demands.
(d) He continued to humble before God for supernatural intervention and guidance: "Then Ezra left the front of the temple of God and went to the room..He spent the night there without eating or drinking anything. he was still in mourning because of the unfaithfulness of the returned exiles." (10:6) He knew this is a spiritual war!
(e) He spoke God's words with full conviction: "You have committed a terrible sin. By marrying pagan women, you have increased Israel's guilt. So now confess you sin to the Lord, the God of your ancestors and do what He demands. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women." (10:10-11)
(f) He listened, allowed and followed through scheduled orderly repentance action: "Then the whole assembly raised their voices and answered, "Yes, you are right; we must do as you say!" "this isn't something that vcan be done in a day or two, ..let our leaders act on behalf of us all. Let everyone..come at a scheduled time...So this was the plan they followed. Ezra selected leaders to represent..By March 27..they had finished dealing with all.."(10:12-14;16;17)
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