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Ezra 10:4

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Ezra 10:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Arise; for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we are with thee: be of good courage, and do it.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Arise; for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we are with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
Ezra 10:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Ezra 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there was gathered together unto him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very sore.
2And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land: yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing.
3Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.
4Arise; for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we are with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
5Then arose Ezra, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. So they sware.
6Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib: and [when] he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water; for he mourned because of the trespass of them of the captivity.
7And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;
← Ezra 10:3Ezra 10:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Arise, etc.] From the ground, where he lay prostrate: for this matter belongeth unto thee; as a priest and scribe of the law, well versed in it, and therefore could direct what was to be done according to it; and as a ruler under the king of Persia, and a commissioner of his, to inquire whether the law of God was observed by the Jews, (<150714>Ezra 7:14) and so had authority to put the law in execution: we also will be with thee; to help and assist in the reformation of this evil: be of good courage, and do it; do not despair of going through it, though there may be some opposition to it; begin, and doubt not of succeeding.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:4 it is your duty: As an expert in the law (see 7:10), Ezra was responsible for leading the people to a God-honoring solution to the problem of intermarriage. Because the law of Moses did not contain explicit directions for divorcing pagan wives, Ezra needed to develop a plan consistent with the requirements of Scripture and fair to the participants.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Arise: Josh. 7:10-26; Ch1 22:16, Ch1 22:19; Ecc 9:10 for this matter: By the decree of Artaxerxes, Ezra was authorised to do every thing that the law of God required. Ezr 7:23-28; Mar 13:34 we also will: Jos 1:16-18; Ch1 28:10, Ch1 28:21 be of good: Isa 35:3, Isa 35:4; Heb 10:24, Heb 12:12, Heb 12:13 Ezra 10:5”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“"Up! for this matter concerns thee (thou art called to carry it out), and we are with thee (will assist thee therein); be strong (courageous) and do it." Ezra 10:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification