Ezra 9:8

“And now, for a little space, grace hath been showed from the Lord our God, etc.] It was but a small time since the Lord first began to show favour to them, so that they soon after began to revolt from him; which argued the strange propensity of their minds to that which is evil, and from which they could not be restrained by the recent goodness of God unto them: to leave us a remnant to escape; out of captivity, from whence a small number were graciously and safely returned to their own land: and to give us a nail in his holy place; a fixed settlement in the land of Judea, the holy land the Lord had chosen, and in the temple, the holy place sacred to his worship; or a prince of their own,…”

“The “little space” was above 60 years, counting from the second year of Darius Ezra 4:24, or about 80 years, counting from the first year of Cyrus Ezra 1:1. This does not seem to Ezra much in the “lifetime” of a nation. A remnant to escape - Rather, “a remnant that has escaped.” The “remnant” is the new community that has returned from the captivity. A nail - Compare the marginal note and reference. The metaphor is probably drawn from a tent-pin, which is driven into the earth to make the tent firm and secure. return to 'Top of Page'”

“A little space - It is but a little while since God hath delivered us, and yet we are already returned to our sin. A remnant - The far greatest part of the Israelitish nation were yet in captivity. A nail - Some kind of settlement; whereas before we were tossed and removed from place to place as our masters pleased. It is a metaphor from tents, which are fastened by cords and nails, or pins. Holy place - In Jerusalem, called the holy city, Neh 11:1, Neh 11:18; Dan 9:24, which is peculiarly mentioned, because of the temple, which was the nail that fastened their tents and gave them some hopes of continuing in their land. To lighten - That he might revive and comfort our hearts. For as…”

“9:8-9 God’s abundant grace and unfailing love should affect how people respond to him (cp. Deut 30:1-5). After all that God had done for the remnant, it was shameful that they were so ready to betray him. • the kings of Persia to treat us favorably: Babylon and Assyria had tortured and exiled their enemies (2 Kgs 17; 25), but Persia treated exiled people kindly and returned them to their homelands (see Ezra 1:1-3). • protective wall: This phrase refers to God’s presence protecting the nation of Judah, not the physical walls of Jerusalem, which were rebuilt several years later by Nehemiah.”

“little space: Heb. moment grace hath: Ezr 9:9; Neh 1:11, Neh 9:31; Hab 3:2 a remnant: Ezr 9:14; Kg2 19:4, Kg2 19:30, Kg2 19:31; Isa 1:9; Jer 42:2, Jer 44:14; Eze 6:8, Eze 6:9, Eze 14:22; Zac 8:6, Zac 8:12; Rom 9:27, Rom 11:5, Rom 11:6 a nail: or a pin, i.e. a constant and sure abode, Ecc 12:11; Isa 22:23-25; Zac 10:4 in his holy place: Isa 56:5; Rev 3:12 lighten: Sa1 14:27, Sa1 14:29; Job 33:30; Psa 13:3, Psa 34:5 reviving: Psa 85:6, Psa 138:7; Isa 57:15; Eze 37:11-14; Hos 6:2 Ezra 9:9”