Ezra 10:1-4
I think Ezra is a man I would like to know more about. He has led the 2nd group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He is a priest, scribe and a great leader. In chapter 9 he finds out that the people of Israel including the priests and Levites had not kept themselves seperate from the neighboring people. They had mingled the holy race with others.
Ezra 9:3 When he heard this. He tore his cloak and tunic, pulled hair from his head and beard and sat down appalled till the evening sacrifice.
Ezra 9:5 referred to his "self-abasement" Not being an English scholar I had to look this up. Here is the definition: Humiliation or abasement proceeding from consciousness of inferiority, guilt, or shame.
This was not Ezra's sin but yet he felt deep guilt for the sins of the people.
Ezra 9:6-15 This is Ezra's prayer. Take a moment to read it.
Ezra 10:1-4 Here is where Shecaniah comes into the picture. Shecaniah speaks up as Ezra is still praying. He acknowledges their sin but in spite of this he recognizes there is still HOPE!
He offers a solution and then he does it. Vs. 4 "Rise up, this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it." I got to say I love this. Shecaniah speaks up, offers a solution, challenges Ezra, and offers support. He's telling Ezra let's do what we know is right. We don't need more prayer. We already know what to do. God gave us the answer a long time ago.
I suspect this Shecaniah dude was a pretty good leader in his own right.
Till next time...
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