Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
EZRA 10:9KJVWhat does Ezra 10:9 mean?
Ezra 10:9 describes how all the men from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin gathered in Jerusalem within three days, sitting in the open area by the temple, feeling anxious and trembling because of the serious issue at hand and also because of heavy rain. The verse highlights both their emotional distress and the challenging weather conditions as they assembled.
The setting is after the return from exile, when Ezra has called the people together to address the problem of intermarriage with foreign women, which was seen as a violation of their covenant. The people’s fear (“trembling because of this matter”) shows the gravity of the situation, while the mention of the “great rain” adds to the discomfort and urgency, emphasizing how seriously they took Ezra’s summons despite difficult circumstances.
The Hebrew behind Ezra 10:9
- “Trembling” (רָעַד, raʿad): This word means to shake or quake, often from fear or anxiety. Here, it shows the people’s deep emotional response to the issue being discussed, not just physical discomfort from the rain.
- “Matter” (דָּבָר, davar): This word means “word,” “thing,” or “matter.” In this context, it refers specifically to the problem of intermarriage that Ezra has brought before the people, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
- “Rain” (גֶּשֶׁם, geshem): This is the regular word for heavy rain. The mention of “great rain” underlines the physical hardship the people endured to be present, reinforcing their commitment and the urgency of the assembly.
Why Ezra 10:9 matters
- The verse clarifies that the people’s trembling was not only due to the weather but also because of the seriousness of the covenant issue, showing the weight of spiritual matters in their community.
- By mentioning both Judah and Benjamin, the verse emphasizes the unity and collective responsibility of the returned exiles in addressing the problem.
- The detail about the “great rain” connects the story to real, challenging circumstances, making the people’s obedience and willingness to gather even more striking in the narrative.