Oceanside United Reformed Church

Ezra is now back in Jerusalem. At the onset, he encounters the problem of intermarriage which moves him to tear his garment, pull his hair, and sit down in shock & disappointment at this lack of faith. At a deeper level, this shows a lack of faith in God, his promises, and his commandments. The bigger problem isn't getting married to other tribes; but getting married to people whose allegiance is to other gods, which will turn the hearts of God's people away. That's why Ezra is greatly disturbed moving him to confess this sin in prayer. INTERMARRIAGE REPORT: FAITHLESSNESS (9:1-2) EZRA'S RESPONSE: SORROW (9:3-4) EZRA'S PRAYER (9:5-15) Accepting guilt (9:5-7) Acknowledging favor (9:8-9) Accepting the dilemma (1:10-15)