Ezra 9: Group Study Handout

Overview

The princes inform Ezra that the people of Israel have not separated themselves from the surrounding nations. They have taken foreign wives for their sons and daughters, causing the holy offspring to mix with the peoples of the lands (vv. 1-2).

Key verse

“At the evening offering I arose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to Yahweh my God;”

Ezra 9:5 (WEB)

Outline

1. Ezra 9:1–2 Israel's Intermarriage Issues
2. Ezra 9:3–4 Ezra's Distress
3. Ezra 9:5–6 Ezra's Prayer of Confession
4. Ezra 9:7–9 Historical Context of Guilt
5. Ezra 9:10–12 Revisiting God's Commandments
6. Ezra 9:13–14 Consequences of Disobedience
7. Ezra 9:15 Final Acknowledgment of Guilt

Discussion questions

1. In v1, what are the 'abominations' that the people of Israel have followed?
2. In v6, why does Ezra say he is 'ashamed' to lift his face to God?
3. Ezra's confession in vv. 10-11: why does he emphasize the land's 'unclean' status?
4. Ezra’s plea in v14: what does he mean by being consumed without a 'remnant'?
5. When have you felt 'ashamed' to come before God because of a mistake?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezra 9: Lamentations 3, Ezra 10, Nehemiah 9.

Before next time: read Ezra 10.