Ezra 9:10

“And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments,”

Context:The book of Ezra recounts the events that took place when the Israelites returned to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. In this verse, Ezra, the priest and scribe, is praying a heartfelt confession on behalf of the people of Israel. He acknowledges their disobedience to God’s commandments.

Recognizing God’s Authority:The verse begins with the address “O our God,” which acknowledges the sovereignty and authority of God. By addressing God, Ezra acknowledges that He is the ultimate authority over their lives.

A Sense of Wonder and Reverence:Ezra expresses a sense of awe and wonder by asking, “what shall we say after this?” This suggests that the people are overwhelmed by the magnitude of their disobedience and are at a loss for words to express their remorse.

Confession of Sin:Ezra openly admits that the people of Israel have forsaken God’s commandments. This confession recognizes their failure to live according to the standards set by God and highlights their need for repentance and forgiveness.

Repentance and Humility:This verse reflects a spirit of repentance and humility. The people of Israel recognize their wrongdoing and acknowledge their need for God’s forgiveness and mercy. By humbly admitting their disobedience, they position themselves to seek God’s restoration and guidance.

• Lessons for Today:This passage reminds us of the importance of recognising and confessing our sins before God.