Prayer brings repentance.

Ezra 10:  The response to sin.

In Babylon, Ezra spent his time memorizing scripture, praying, and memorizing the Law of God. He prepared to leave Babylon and return to Jerusalem – the city he probably never had seen, yet it was in his heart to go there and teach the people about God. [Ezra 7:10] He trusted God to provide all he needed and set the example of how to lead both practically and spiritually.

God isolated them in Babylon so He could raise a holy people to return to Israel; but not so in Jerusalem. There the influences of the wicked culture had impacted the people’s resolve to be pure before God.

Upon his arrival, many were excited about the treasures for the Temple and the new crop of men to help build the Temple. What Ezra did not know was that these had allowed unholy marriage alliances. The news brought Ezra to his knees; he tore his hair and his robes and sat down devastated. Chapter 9 is the example of a repentant prayer that brought the people to their knees.

What about us when we see the sin of our nation? Do we drop to our knees and spread our hands to the Lord God?