Ezra 9:4
Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.
Original Language Analysis
יֵאָֽסְפ֗וּ
Then were assembled
H622
יֵאָֽסְפ֗וּ
Then were assembled
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
2 of 16
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
כֹּ֤ל
H3605
כֹּ֤ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּדִבְרֵ֣י
at the words
H1697
בְּדִבְרֵ֣י
at the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֱלֹהֵֽי
of the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵֽי
of the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַגּוֹלָ֑ה
of those that had been carried away
H1473
הַגּוֹלָ֑ה
of those that had been carried away
Strong's:
H1473
Word #:
10 of 16
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
and I sat
H3427
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
and I sat
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
מְשׁוֹמֵ֔ם
astonied
H8074
מְשׁוֹמֵ֔ם
astonied
Strong's:
H8074
Word #:
13 of 16
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
14 of 16
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Ezra 10:3Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.Isaiah 66:2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.Exodus 29:39The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:
Historical Context
The gathering around grieving Ezra created visible division between those who trembled at God's word and those comfortable with compromise. This separation was necessary for reformation. The term 'trembled' echoes Isaiah 66:2's commendation of those who 'tremble at my word.' These faithful few provided base for reform movement. Their presence encouraged Ezra and eventually sparked broader repentance (Ezra 10:1). Corporate sin requires a righteous remnant catalyzing reformation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the gathering of those who 'trembled at God's words' demonstrate that serious Scripture adherence attracts like-minded believers?
- What does the necessary separation between compromisers and reformers teach about inevitable division when addressing corporate sin?
Analysis & Commentary
The gathering: 'Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away.' The phrase 'trembled at the words of God' describes those who take Scripture seriously with appropriate fear. These gathered supporters felt proper horror at covenant violation. Their assembly around Ezra demonstrates that spiritual leadership attracts those with similar godly values. The contrast 'those that had been carried away' (returned exiles) had committed this sin—even those who should know better from exile experience.