Chapter Summary

Separation restored. Strange wives surrendered.

Discussion Questions for Ezra, Chapter 10

1. What effect did Ezra's sober prayer and confession have on the people of Israel? How can God use a person's dedication to prayer change the hearts of those around them? Have you witnessed this in your own life? How?
2. As Israel began to recognize their sin, they "wept bitterly" (ESV). Do you think this was literal or metaphorical, and why? Do you believe that Christians today have an appropriate stance towards repentance? Were the Israelites of those times simply more penitant than we are today? Why or why not?
3. How did the people of Israel acknowledge their guilt at the start of this chapter? Were they quick or hesitant to do so? Does a person's posture towards God when they come to him seeking forgiveness matter? Why or why not?
4. Why was Shecaniah confident that there was still hope for Israel despite their sin? Is this a reflection of their character or of God's? Why do you think so?
5. What did Shecaniah propose the transgressors should do in order to regain favor with God? Do you think his solution was too severe, or not severe enough? Why?
6. Read verse 4. What encouragement did the people of Israel offer to those who had sinned? How might believers apply this to walking with others through their sin today?
7. Even after the people of Israel had repented of their ways, Ezra continued to mourn their "faithlessness" (ESV). Do you believe this was an overreaction? Why or why not? Why might there still be cause for mourning?
8. How did rain play a part in this story? Do you think it was coincidence that there was a heavy rain during this gathering? Why or why not?
9. What practical steps did the Israelites take in order to address the issue of this sin with all of the people? How was this a wise move on their part?
10. Why do you think the names of every man who had transgressed were listed at the end of this chapter? Do you believe the purpose was to shame them? Why or why not? What does this tell us about the severity of their sin?

Key Words/Phrase

Separated, v. 11.

Characters

God, Ezra, Shecaniah, Jonanan.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 11.