Verse 1

the princes. Not all of them. Compare Ezra 9:2.

People of Israel. See note on Ezra 2:2 and 1 Kings 12:17.

people = peoples, or nations.

Canaanites. Contrary to the law (Exodus 34:12-16. Deuteronomy 7:1-3). See App-23and App-25.

Verse 2

holy seed, or the sanctuary"s seed. See note on Exodus 3:5 and compare Daniel 2:43. Exodus 19:6; Exodus 22:31. Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2.

trespass = defection. Hebrew. ma"al. App-44. Not the same word as in Ezra 9:6.

Verse 3

rent my garment, &c. These were signs of inward mourning. See Ezra 9:5. Joshua 7:6. 1 Samuel 4:12. 2 Samuel 1:2; 2 Samuel 13:31. 2 Kings 18:37. Job 1:20. Matthew 26:65.

astonied: i.e. causing astonishment in such as saw me.

Verse 4

trembled at the words, &c. Compare Isaiah 66:2.

transgression = defection. Hebrew. ma"al. App-44.

sacrifice = meal offering. Hebrew. minchah. App-43.

Verse 5

having rent = having already rent.

I feel upon my knees. Compare Ezra 10:1. 2 Chronicles 6:13. Daniel 6:10. Luke 22:41. Acts 7:60; Acts 9:40; Acts 20:36; Acts :21:5.

the LORD.Hebrew Jehovah.App-4.

Verse 6

trespass.Hebrew. "ashma (feminine.) = guilt incurred. The rnasc. = guilt imputed (as in Leviticus 5:7. Numbers 5:8. 2 Kings 12:16. Psalms 68:21). App-44. Not the same word as in Ezra 9:2. Compare verses: Ezra 9:7, Ezra 9:13, Ezra 9:15.

Verse 7

been delivered. For these selfsame sins! as in Ezra 9:2. confusion of face. Compare Daniel 9:5-7.

Verse 8

a little space = a little while. Hebrew. kim"at. See note on "almost" (Proverbs 5:14). Referring to the respite which had been begun by the kings of Assyria (Ezra 6:22. Nehemiah 9:32) and continued by the kings of Persia.

remnant to escape. The same which Nehemiah had already inquired about (Nehemiah 1:2, Nehemiah 1:3).

a nail = a peg surely driven in. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for the dwelling secured by it.

holy place = Jerusalem, or sanctuary. Compare Psalms 24:3. Isaiah 56:7, &c.

Verse 9

we were. Or, supply the Ellipsis "we [are]".

bondmen. The subjects of the Persians (Nehemiah 9:36).

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

kings of Persia. See App-57.

to repair the desolations. Compare Nehemiah 1:2, Nehemiah 1:3.

give us a wall. This helps to prove that the task of Nehemiah had already been effected. See the Structure on p. 617, notes on p. 618, and App-58.

Verse 10

what shall we say . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.

Verse 11

by = by the hand of.

filthiness. Showing Ezra"s acquaintance with the Pentateuch. Compare Genesis 15:16. Deuteronomy 9:5.

Verse 12

nor seek their peace. Reference to Pentateuch: the very words of Deuteronomy 23:6.

children = sons.

Verse 13

evil. Heb, ra"a". App-44.

such deliverance: or, such a reserved survival.

Verse 14

Should we . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis.

Verse 15

we remain yet escaped: or, we are left but a remnant that is escaped. Compare Nehemiah 1:2, Nehemiah 1:3.

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.