Ezra 9

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IX.—It is vain to expect perfection in the militant church. And the comforts of saints on earth are quickly imbittered with a mixture of griefs. But how infatuated are many professed Christians, who think of no sin, no danger, in being unequally yoked with unbelievers! A little skin-deep beauty, or a little earthly wealth or honour, is often preferred to the image of Jesus Christ! And, when the most ruinous sins become fashionable, few are affected with them. But to such as are Israelites indeed the word of God appears awfully important. And that which seems light or lawful to carnal professors lies heavy on tender consciences. These take grief and shame to themselves for such as are hardened in their sins; and to join with such, in their sorrow and zeal, is both our duty and honour: for the most fearful aggravations appear attending our sins, and those of our land, when we consider the matter as in the sight of God. It therefore becomes us faithfully and humbly to repent of, and acknowledge, our sins, over our great sacrifice, our great propitiation; once offered in the evening, the end of the world;—and, in the believing view of God’s new covenant relation and pardoning mercy, to justify him, and condemn ourselves. But often-repeated provocations wear out the patience of God. And hopeless is their case whom neither corrections humble nor mercies constrain. Was probably written by himself. It commences twelve years after the dissolution of the unhallowed marriages; and, including at least twelve years of historical account, reaches to about the hundred and fourth after the return from Babylon. It represents (1) Nehemiah’s deep concern for the desolations of Jerusalem, and the commission he obtained from king Artaxerxes to rebuild the wall of it; i. ii. (1) His building of the wall, and dedicating it, notwithstanding great opposition from the heathens around; iii. iv. vi. and xii. 27—43. (3) His redressing the people’s grievances, their debts and mortgages; v. (4) His taking account of those who returned from Babylon; vii. (5) His care to promote the solemn reading of the law, fasting, and renovation of their covenant with God; viii—x. (6) His care to replenish Jerusalem, and settle the priests, Levites, singers, and porters, in their proper work; xi. xii. (7) His care to check unhallowed marriages, procure the Levites their provision, and restrain profanation of the sabbath; xiii