Ezra 10:4
Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern governance typically concentrated authority in a single leader who could make binding decisions. Ezra held dual authority as Persian-appointed governor and Torah scribe (Ezra 7:12-26), giving him both civil and religious jurisdiction. However, even with such authority, implementing divorce proceedings affecting over 100 families (Ezra 10:18-44) required communal support.
The situation was unprecedented. No previous biblical instance involved wholesale dissolution of existing marriages. The closest parallel was Israel's refusal to marry Canaanites before entering the land. Now the community faced undoing marriages that had already occurred, some producing children. This required interpreting Torah principles in novel circumstances—precisely the kind of decision requiring scribal expertise like Ezra possessed.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the community's promise "we will be with thee" teach about the necessity of supporting godly leaders in difficult decisions?
- How does the call to "be of good courage" distinguish biblical courage (faith-based obedience) from worldly confidence?
- When have you faced a decision where doing right required courage to face disapproval and opposition?
Analysis & Commentary
Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it. Shecaniah issues four imperatives to Ezra: arise (qum), recognize responsibility (aleikha haddavar, "upon you is the matter"), take courage (chazaq), and execute (aseh). This pattern appears when God commissions leaders for difficult tasks (Joshua 1:6-9, Haggai 2:4). The community recognizes that spiritual crisis requires decisive leadership, not endless deliberation.
The phrase "this matter belongeth unto thee" acknowledges Ezra's unique authority as scribe and priest. Though Shecaniah proposed the solution, implementing it required Ezra's teaching authority and governmental position. The promise "we also will be with thee" offers corporate support for what would be intensely unpopular action. Leaders facing necessary but difficult decisions need such backing from the faithful remnant.
The command "be of good courage" (chazaq) implies that cowardice would be the natural temptation. Dismantling families, facing widespread anger, and implementing mass divorce proceedings would require moral fortitude. This courage isn't psychological self-confidence but faith that obedience to God's law supersedes approval from people. Leadership often demands unpopular obedience.