Ezra 9:15

O LORD, God of Israel, You are righteous! For we remain this day as a remnant. Here we are before You in our guilt, though because of it no one can stand before You."

Study Bible

O LORD, God of Israel
This phrase acknowledges the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. "God of Israel" underscores His special relationship with the nation He chose to reveal His laws and promises. Historically, this reflects the post-exilic period when the Israelites were re-establishing their identity and faithfulness to God after returning from Babylonian captivity.

You are righteous
The Hebrew word for "righteous" is "tsaddiq," which conveys the idea of being just, virtuous, and morally right. In the context of Ezra, this acknowledges God's justice and faithfulness in dealing with His people. Despite their unfaithfulness, God remains true to His character, offering a standard of holiness and justice that the Israelites are called to emulate.

for we remain a remnant
The term "remnant" refers to a small, surviving group of people. In the Hebrew context, "she'erit" signifies those who have been preserved by God's grace. This concept is significant throughout the Old Testament, symbolizing hope and continuity of God's promises despite widespread unfaithfulness and judgment. The remnant represents God's mercy and the possibility of renewal and restoration.

that has escaped
The Hebrew root "palat" means to escape or deliver. This phrase highlights the deliverance of the Israelites from Babylonian exile, a physical and spiritual liberation. It serves as a reminder of God's power to save and His ongoing involvement in the lives of His people, even when they face dire circumstances.

as it is today
This phrase situates the confession in the present moment, emphasizing the immediacy and relevance of the situation. It reflects the historical context of the post-exilic community, grappling with their identity and faithfulness to God in a new era. It calls the people to recognize their current state and the need for repentance and renewal.

Here we are before You
This expression of humility and submission indicates the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Standing "before You" implies being in God's presence, a place of accountability and reverence. It reflects the biblical theme of approaching God with a contrite heart, seeking His mercy and guidance.

in our guilt
The Hebrew word "ashmah" denotes guilt or iniquity, acknowledging the people's sinfulness and failure to uphold God's commandments. This confession is crucial for repentance, recognizing the need for divine forgiveness and restoration. It underscores the biblical principle that true repentance involves an honest acknowledgment of one's sins.

though because of it no one can stand before You
This phrase highlights the gravity of sin and the holiness of God. The inability to "stand before You" signifies the separation sin creates between humanity and God. It echoes the biblical truth that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, necessitating His grace and mercy for reconciliation. This acknowledgment is a call to humility and dependence on God's righteousness rather than one's own.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in re-establishing the Law of Moses among the people.

2. The Remnant
The group of Israelites who returned from Babylonian exile. They are described as a "remnant" because they are the small portion of the original population that survived and returned.

3. Jerusalem
The city to which the exiles returned. It was the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple.

4. The Exile
The period during which the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon. This was a time of punishment for their disobedience to God.

5. The LORD, God of Israel
The covenant-keeping God who is righteous and just. He is the one to whom Ezra prays and confesses the sins of the people.

Teaching Points

God's Righteousness
God's righteousness is unchanging and serves as the standard by which all are judged. Ezra acknowledges this as he confesses the sins of the people.

The Importance of Confession
Confession is a crucial step in restoring a right relationship with God. Ezra's prayer is a model of humility and recognition of sin.

The Concept of the Remnant
God often works through a faithful remnant. This encourages believers to remain faithful even when they are in the minority.

Human Inability to Stand Before God
Without God's mercy, no one can stand before Him. This underscores the need for grace and the work of Christ in the New Testament.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Ezra's leadership in confessing and addressing sin highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide others in spiritual renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezra's acknowledgment of God's righteousness challenge us in our understanding of justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of confession in our personal and communal spiritual practices?

3. How does the idea of a "remnant" encourage us in our faith journey, especially when we feel isolated or in the minority?

4. What parallels can we draw between Ezra's confession and the teachings of Paul in Romans regarding sin and grace?

5. How can we, like Ezra, take on a leadership role in guiding others towards repentance and spiritual renewal in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26
Discusses the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience to God's laws, which is relevant to the context of Ezra's confession.

Isaiah 1
Speaks of the remnant and the need for repentance, similar to Ezra's plea for mercy and acknowledgment of guilt.

Romans 3
Highlights the universal nature of sin and the inability of anyone to stand righteous before God without His grace, echoing Ezra's acknowledgment of guilt.